Hey there, I will be heading to Western NC next week and am looking for some spots to check out around there and in between the Carolina Hemlocks/Mt. Mitchell area and my home state of MN. Species of interest that immediately come to mind are Redlip Shiners, Mountain Redbelly Dace, Studfish (especially Southern), and really anything else cool. Thank you in advance!

Southern Studfish will require much more southward driving.  But your Redlips and MRBD should be easy pickings, unless you are wanting to keep them alive in this Summer heat.

Summertime is Snorkel Time.

Maybe you should plot a map to show folks your route.

I expect to see you Friday.

Okay, good to know. I would like to take some fish home, but just seeing them would be wonderful. As for the map, I definitely should have thought of that, hahaha. Here it is!

Thanks in advance to anyone who can help me out with a few spots!
 

I am excited to see you and Michael again, myself and my cousin will be there for certain by Friday.

I see Knoxville.  You might could visit Conservation Fisheries.  Tell them what you are doing... Snorkel Palooza, a NANFA member and you might get to visit for a little while.  Call first.

I have contacted an Indiana member and you will be passing through Josh's KY lands.  Maybe Josh will assist.  Are you looking for fish or rest?  16 hours needs to be broke up by at least one overnight respite.  Collect your fish on the way home for less stress young son of Yeah.  It's hot out there.

I would love to visit CFI. I will definitely have to give them an email or a call. A stop in Indiana and a bit of Kentcuky exploration would be great. On the way out I am staying with some family friends in Lexington, and on the way back we will stay in a hotel somewhere, depends on where we end up. As for collecting on the way back, those were my plans exactly! Thanks for all of the help, Casper!