Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: MONDAY, March 21, 1994 TAG: 9403220028
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: B-6 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: BY BILL COCHRAN OUTDOOR EDITOR
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
A 3.5-mile stretch of the stream now is part of the popular pay-fishing programs in the park. It was stocked heavily for Saturday's opening of the trout season and will receive fish frequently throughout the season.
``I think it will be enormously popular,'' said Paul Bugas Jr. a fisheries biologist for the Department of Game and Inland Fisheries. ``First of all, it has fabulous habitat, some terrific plunge pools and riffles and runs. It is going to be continuously full of trout.''
Since 1967, the lake and a modest portion of Wilson Creek above it have been operated as a pay-fishing program, the most popular of three such program in the state. Fishermen are required to have a $4 daily permit in addition to their regular fishing license. The daily fee goes for growing and stocking extra trout. Stockings generally take place twice a week.
Two years ago, the Department of Game and Inland Fisheries and the Division of State Parks announced plans to broaden the Douthat program to include downstream Wilson Creek. Fishermen were disappointed when only a modest portion of the expansion took place last year.
The announcement of the expanded program for 1994 came just days before the opening of the trout season. The first stocking took place last Tuesday.
``There are some beautiful fish that went in,'' said Bugas. ``All three species are in there. The fish are spread out.''
Volunteers from the Clifton Forge area helped Bugas stock the trout. One of them was Barry Brooks of Highland Quartermasters, a tackle shop on the way to the park near the junction of U.S. 220 and Interstate 64.
``This isn't a step-across creek,'' said Brooks, who is a fly fisherman. ``There are some big holes of water in there. People just don't realize what is in there. You are going to find fish in secluded holes because we went to great pains to get to those places.''
The stockers were surprised to see trout already in the stream as they carried fish to the creek.
``Some of these fish looked like they had been in the water awhile. They were colored up well,'' said Brooks.
Last year about three-quarters of a mile of Wilson Creek from the tailrace downstream was stocked.
This season, the section from the spillway pool downstream for about 100 yards to a low-water bridge will be managed as a kids' fishing area. Youngsters age 12 and under can fish that section without purchasing a $4 daily permit if they are accompanied by an adult who has a permit.
State park and fish officials plan to established similar kids' fishing areas in the lake, but there is no firm date on when that will take place.
The addition of Wilson Creek to the pay program is expected to be attractive to fishermen who favor stream fishing over lake fishing, said Bugas.
``If they want to stay active and fish a riverine environment they have the choice now,'' he said.
``It is going to attract different people,'' said Brooks. ``The people who are Douthat Lake fishermen still are going to be Douthat Lake fishermen.
In fact, some veteran Douthat fishermen are wondering if a portion of the trout that ordinarily would go to the lake now will be diverted to the stream. Fish officials say that won't be the case. The lake will get its normal allotment.
Camping is available in the park for a $9.50 nightly fee (first-come, first-served or call 703-862-7200 for reservations). Campground C is near the creek.
``People can walk out of their sites right down to the creek,'' said Kyle Barbour, assistant park manager.
by CNB