Trophy Trout Stream:

Bullhead Creek

      Bullhead Creek

  As the crow flies, Stone Mountain State Park is a little more than 75 miles northwest of Winston-Salem, North Carolina. Straddling the Wilkes and Allegheny County line, this 13,000 acres park is most widely know for the dome shaped granite outcropping that rises over 600 foot above a three mile diameter base.   The natural beauty of rugged terrain and 200 foot waterfalls draw numerous visitors to this mostly undeveloped  park.

      They managed and operated the stream with a system that has roots deep in English fly fishing tradition.   Only a very limited number of anglers are allow to fish the stream on any given day.  Each angler is assigned a specific section or "beat" of the stream.  This "beat" of the stream is reserved for that angler for the entire day.   The great appeal to this system is that it allows each angler to work his section of the stream very slowly and methodically, without fear that another angler will enter just upstream.

      The luxury of time to survey and then carefully work a stream undisturbed is a great asset when fishing an area that may contain trophy size trout; and Bullhead Creek is full of truly spectacular (at least by North Carolina averages) trout.  This high concentration of large trout is due solely to the fact that upon taking control of this stream, the State agreed to continue to manage it in the same manner as had been employed by the private club.

      The number of anglers on the stream is strictly controlled, all angling is restricted to fly fishing only (catch and release), and the trout are fed twice a week.  This feeding allow these trout to attain sizes that would not be possible under natural conditions in a small stream.   Additional regulations require all anglers to carry a landing net to help prevent stressing these big fish by over playing.  Only barbless flies size # 6 and smaller may be used.    Also, flies that constructed to resemble "trout chow" pellets are prohibited.

      Do not think for a moment that fishing this stream is like "shooting fish in a barrel".   These fish are big, strong, and well educated.   Some anglers who lack skill and patience might tell you that the really big trout in this stream cannot be caught.   I can assure you that this is not the case.

      Stealthily approaches and good casting are often the keys to success on this stream.    These trout are accustomed to anglers on the stream.   They may not bolt for cover at your approach, they will most assuredly develop lockjaw.   As is true on many waters that contain trophy trout, "match the hatch" approach is not nearly as important as careful precise presentation.   Your very best chance at each fish is your first cast.

      A hopper or foam beetle with a small wet ant on a light dropper is a good combination during the warmer months.  On the slower pools a smaller dry fly as an indicator might be prudent.    There are plenty of shadows on this stream,  using a parachute style dry fly with a bright post for a strike indicator helps me keep track of the drift.  

      There is a daily fee ($12.00) to fish Bullhead Creek, it is first come first serve.   On most days there are anglers waiting for the rangers to unlock the Park's entrance gate.  Spending the night in the park's campground is a good hedge if you plan to fish on a Saturday.    If all the slots are full on Bullhead by the time you arrive, do not despair.  There are more than 20 trout streams within 25 miles of Bullhead Creek, including a delayed harvest stream within Stone Mountain State Park.

      Section #  7 is a series of plunge pools through a small gorge. Once you enter the stream in this section you must work your way up to the top to be able to exit the left bank. In section #  8 the fish are seldom fed and therefore the trout tend to be the more aggressive. Upon reaching the upper limits of section #  8 you will only be a few hundred yards from the Blue Ridge Parkway.

  Driving directions

      From Interstate 77 take US 21 (exit 83) north ten miles to left turn on State road 1002 (Stone Mountain Road), proceed 4 ½ miles to right turn on John P. Franks Road which goes directly to the park.  Remain on the main park road, when the main road becomes gravel, take the first road to the right which leads to the Bull Head Creek parking area.

Harry Hall   

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