Hunting, Fishing Outdoors by Wayne Morgenthaler Little Bobber

Further south, in Richland County, Willow creek is starting to garner its own attention.  Traveling up and down Hwy. 58 you’ll have several opportunities to check out the main stem and its 6 tributaries, all of which have trout.  Overall there are 20 miles of class I water to explore.  On the main stem, start at Hollow Road and fish upstream through Loyd.  You’ll find parking at Hollow Road and also at Smyth Hollow Road both off of Hwy. 58.  Concentrate on deep undercut banks and under dead-falls to find monster fish.  If you are patient, you’ll be rewarded.  There are rumors that large, brood stock rainbows have been released into the river, otherwise expect to catch native brook and brown trout.  Beyond the usual cattle, you’ll find donkeys on the land around Loyd to add to the fun.

            The first tributary to try is the Little Willow on NN.  Other spots to try are Smith Hollow, Lost Hollow, Wheat Hollow, Jacquish Hollow, and Happy Hollow.  Fish the small creeks in March and April before the bank vegetation gets too high, and then again in September when grasshoppers pelt the water.

            If you are in the area, pack a picnic lunch and stop at Pier Natural Bridge Park on Hwy. 80.  The river runs underneath a rock wall and is a cool site to see.  Lodging can be found in the village of Richland Center, which also has a good number of antique stores and restaurants.