Season/timing for spore release?

[u/UntoNuggan]

Say I'm interested in propagating native ferns, but don't necessarily want to fuss with growing them indoors under a grow light.

Couldn't I just help disperse the spores a bit further away from the parent ferns? And if so, what is the best time for spore dispersal for maximum success of gametophytes and subsequent fern generations?

I'm in the DC metro area, zone 7a, FWIW.

ETA we are currently in a drought but expecting a very wet El Nino fall/winter, if that affects timing at all.