NC info request (on-topic)

ROFFians,

My plans for a trip to Graham County this June are taking shape.
With that in mind, I ask for some info from those of you who have fished
that area. (I know this is pretty early to be planning a June trip, but
we librarian-types love our research. :-)

After much Googling and consulting Lawrence's _The Fly Fisherman's
Guide to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park_, Jacobs' _Trout
Streams of Southern Appalachia_, and the Delorme for NC, I have
identified B*g Sn*wb*rd, N*l*nd, Abr*ms, H*z*l, F*rn*y, D**p and Sl*ck
Creeks as well as the West Prong of the Pigeon, the Little and possibly
some sections of the Oconaluftee (sp?) River as places worth
investigating. (I know ... I can't expect to do them all. :-)

I have also been tying with an eye towards the obvious flies for the
area (Adams, caddis, yellow and orange palmers, NC Wulffs,
yallerhammers, etc.).

So, now I need some advice from youse guys and gals. In addition to
the above creeks, are there any other must-fish spots that I am missing?
Any other "special" flies (dries preferred) for that area? (Oooops, I
forgot to mention yellow humpies above; but the ones I'm bringing will
have hook points. :-)

On the dangers of the park and environs: I've read of timber
rattlers, cottonmouths, bears and yellowjackets as the likely "pests" I
might run into. At that time of year (first week of June), which of the
above would you expect to be more active/likely to encounter? FWIW, I'm
familiar with rattlers, cottonmouths and yellowjackets. I've only seen
bears from a distance ... a *long* distance.

I've also read that a couple of the creeks are considered dangerous
for a fisherperson to explore alone (Abr*ms, in particular). Also, felt
soles are mentioned as a must for negotiating the streams. But felt
soles are a pain for hiking any distance (especially if the terrain is
rough). Would my studded Aquastealth boots be a viable option in that
area? I know I love them for hiking, but have had mixed results
depending on the composition of the stream bottom.

Also, at that time of year should I plan to wet-wade, or would
breathables be useful to carry?

On food and libations: As I understand it, Bryson City is probably
the closest place to go for adult beverages. Is it also the best place
for stocking up on groceries, or can I plan to do that in Robbinsville?
Are there any decent places to eat in Robbinsville (or in Bryson City,
for that matter)? (FWIW, I'll be renting a house with a full kitchen,
so when I'm not on the water, I'll be eating most of my meals at the
house.)

On general sightseeing: Supposedly the Cherohala Skyway is a must,
and I expect I'll want to hit the Blue Ridge Parkway for at least part
of a day (maybe towards Boone, as I've got an old friend living nearby).
How about the Foothills Parkway? Any other must-see spots?

Any general comments or bits of advice for someone who used to go to
the park as a kid but hasn't been back since the late seventies and has
never fly-fished the area? (FWIW, I'll take both a 3 and a 5 wt. with
me, but plan to fish the 3 wt. unless conditions require that I switch
to the bigger rig.)

Thanks in advance for any advice you can give, serious or not. :-)


Chuck Vance