Big Hunting Creek Outing

On 26 May 2006, members of PHW joined members of the National Capital Chapter of Trout Unlimited, on the waters of Big Hunting Creek (BHC), located in the Catoctin Mountain Region of Northern Maryland, not too far from Camp David. Alfredo Suescum led the group and provided the on-water expertise, having fished BHC many times. We also enjoyed the help of Steve Laabs, Captain, USN (RET), who drove down from Pennsylvania. PHW participants included SPC Robert Bartlett, USA; SPC James Stuck, USA; SFC Diane Cochran, USA; and Bill Johnston, former USMC, and a Viet Nam vet.

BHC is a lovely stream in a beautiful area, with plenty of riffles, runs, and holes, holding a good trout population. We also had cooperative weather, despite a forecast calling for thunderstorms. The sky was overcast for most of the day, with a little rain, but just enough to get the bugs hatching, and turn the fish on.

After meeting at the Camp Peniel Bridge, rigging up, and a quick discussion of what to expect and how to fish the water, the group dispersed, some going as high as the Visitor's Center Parking lot, others as far downstream as the Wall pool. On regrouping for lunch, we found that, while everyone had at least raised fish, the fishers below the Bridge had better luck in landing a few of the gorgeous Hunting Creek trout. The successful flies were Yellow Humpies, Royal Wulffs, Caddis, Green Weenies, midge pupa, and olive and biot nymphs.

The afternoon proved bountiful as well. With his unfair advantage of knowing the stream, Alfredo caught about a dozen good-sized browns and brook trout. James and Robert each caught their first trout on a fly and were, understandably, elated. Diane and Bill had fish that were doing their part by hitting the flies, but they weren’t able to make the hook-up. That’s what keeps us coming back!

All-in-all, it was a great day. Not too far a drive from WRAMC, and well-worth a return trip in the future.

Ed Nicholson
Project Director