Further south, in RichlandCounty, 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 PierNaturalBridgePark
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.