uncletrout

Would suggest the Roaring Fork Valley in July or August.

Frying Pan Anglers or Taylor Creek Fly Shop out of Basalt, CO for guides and gear.

Wade the Frying Pan and float the Roaring Fork.

I would not suggest the NOC as a destination for wading/swimming. Serious current most of the day, can be a little hectic, and Class 5 rapids a little ways downstream. If you happen to be there, there is an area across the footbridge where kids do splash around a bit. Deep Creek is where I would prob go for a swim.

Sounds like a great trip... Enjoy!

Aubie - the last time I fished Bullhead it had been neglected for a while, and the big fish had been either poached or washed out by flooding. It is good way to get away from the crowds (fish some of the longer/upper sections) but the fishing was marginal and the state of the trail was a clear indication that the park is not maintaining it like they used to. You may still catch a few wild fish in tight quarters.


(frequent lurker here... infrequent poster...)

Would suggest the Davidson River drainage southwest of Asheville. Several small streams drain off of the southern flank of the Blue Ridge Parkway and come together as the Davidson, so you have anything from small water near the Parkway to pretty-big-but-wadeable downstream.

Head towards Brevard from Asheville, then north on 276 toward the BRP. The river follows 276 for a while and several smaller streams peel off into Pisgah Nat'l Forest.

That time of year, the best option I know for wild trout (browns, bows, and brookies in one small stream) is a little farther afield (~90 minutes). The time to be there is March-April. Single-hook artificial only. Happy to share via email if you are interested but my buddies would shoot me if I were to broadcast it.

Good luck!