WNC in mid-October
I've done a fair bit of fly fishing in WNC, but always in the summer, usually July. (I live in Miami; during my wife's teaching career, extended time away was always summer.) Over the years I've done maybe six or eight guided trips with the Hunter Banks (Hi, Shane!) both floating and wading. Even going in that off-peak time, I've enjoyed every guided trip and every outing on my own and the fishing was "productive" enough for me to be content (albeit WAY more productive when guided than when left to my own devices). I've floated the Watauga, the Toe and the Holston. I've waded the Oconoluftee, the Swananoa (in Black Mountain) and Laurel Creek.
For the first time, this year I'll be in WNC smack bad in the middle of October.
Thoughts on all of these spots October? Best recommendations? Any spots I'm missing in October? Also, I haven't fished WNC since Helene. From what I read the recovery is proceeding, but there's a ways to go. I'm very interested in any insight locals might have for best experiences in the Fall and most sustainable/supportive way to access the fishery.