Not sure if you have left to go yet but, I have fished it several times and it's tough but, in a good kind of way. There is a small fly shop in town that is worthless for any kind of fishing info, it does have a few flies and a chalk board that shows "what they are biting on" and every time I have been in there it says the same thing. You don't really need a guide, when you buy your permit they will give you a map of the river and access points. When you get frustrated go fish the heavily stocked tribal waters. The best area I've found in a nice run behind the Pizza Inn (a good buffet to stuff yourself with) on the main drag in Cherokee. Have fun, we go up there as a family a couple times a year, the fishing has always been good.