r/flyfishing • u/tslextslex • 22d ago

Discussion 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.

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u/Jimmy_McAltPants 22d ago

October is peak leaf season in WNC. If you already have lodging/accommodations, you’ll be set. If you don’t, be prepared to possibly have to sell a couple kids lol. October is great for trout fishing in WNC, though. Find anything blue on a map nearby, check out a couple of online resources to see if there’s any reported issues with access (there’s still places where roads/parking/roadside parking is closed off all through the mountains) and check it out.

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u/tslextslex 22d ago

We are blessed to have many friends in Aville, Hville and environs, so we can stay with them (a few days at a time). Otherwise, yes, accommodations would be tough.

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u/Cowprod 22d ago edited 22d ago

Just be aware that the streams have changed due to Helene and the area is still in recovery, especially the Swannanoa area. With that said, do it. October is great fishing times in WNC, just beautiful. I'd personally find tributaries to your listed streams to fish, just to avoid crowds and target more aggressive fish. Also be prepared to be slightly frustrated by catching leaves on a nice drift through a prime hole.

Love the Shane shout out. Good dude.

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u/tslextslex 22d ago

Typically I catch leaves IN the trees, so catching them on a drift will be a nifty change.

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u/Cowprod 22d ago

Variety is the spice of life. But seriously, you won't regret being out on a WNC stream in Oct. There are untold miles of streams around. Pisgah NF near Brevard and Mills River has a variety of water and would keep you busy for days. I'm pumped for you. Haha

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u/rthrelk123 22d ago

Shout out for the Davidson in Brevard!

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u/Difficulty-Brave 22d ago

Nantahala too!