It appears that the recent heavy wind has taken many of the leaves out of the tops of the trees. In my Catawba area, the leaves have a way to go to reach peak color. Earlier I had predicted the third week in October would be the peak, and that is going to be close. Expect to go a long time between hits. There is currently very little surface activity.
Nymphs continue to be the fly of choice.
The Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries has stocked the lower Smith. Lots of willing, foot-long rainbows available for those who want a couple for the skillet. Remember you need a trout license in addition to your regular fishing license in order to fish hatchery-supported waters from Oct. 1st to June 15th. You do not need a trout license to fish the Special Regulations section. The Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries began its fall trout-stocking program last week.