Wadeable smallie water near Boone (Linville)?

Going to be in Newland in a couple weeks for a family gathering and with all the hot weather we’ve been having I’m thinking I should steer clear of trout. I’ve always wanted to fish the gorge so we’ll see what water temps are like when I’m there.

Can anyone point me towards wadeable water in the area for smallies? I’ve heard the water near Valle Cruces may hold some? Ideally I’d love a spot that I have to hike to and that’s fairly small water, easily wet-wadeable, but beggars and choosers. Don’t need exact locations. Happy to do my own research but most intel around there is geared towards trout.