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What makes Big Wilson Creek a mountain trout angler’s dream? This stream, carrying clean, cold water in the shadow of Mount Rogers, the state’s highest peak, boasts a healthy population of wild rainbow trout. Farther up Big Wilson near Grayson Highlands State Park, you’ll also run into wild brook trout. But what sets Big Wilson apart is the scenery—it’s simply breathtaking. Perhaps this water should be called Wilson’s Big Beautiful Creek instead.

This is not novice-friendly fishing. To begin with, the tight canopy cover is a challenge. This is a mixed blessing. While the canopy makes casting a bit difficult for fly anglers, the resulting narrow stream makes spin fishing nearly impossible. Just how thick is the aforementioned canopy cover, you ask? Thick enough that I had to use my flash in the middle of a cloudless day to photograph the river. Expect that, as you pick and present the right fly, you’ll place a few in the trees.

Now let us say, for argument’s sake, that you’ve found rising fish and an area in which to cast with some degree of accuracy. Unfortunately, friend, you’ve only dealt with half the battle. The real challenge of Big Wilson is the monstrous rocks you must negotiate while fishing. My first condo had a smaller footprint than some of these massive rocks. In fact, think of fishing Big Wilson as playing a watery chess game: the huge rocks will make you back up or totally readjust your plan of attack, so the best player thinks a few moves ahead. The upside? The rocks provide for plunge pools where wary trout will run for cover.

You can reach Big Wilson Creek through Grayson Highlands State Park (where you will have to pay a fee) and hike down. Alternatively, you may take the easier way along Route 817 and hike upstream. Don’t be put off by the number of houses you pass along the road on your way to the water. Although I am sure that locals fish the Big Wilson, a short time on the water will convince you that only half-crazed teenagers or slightly demented fly anglers would even attempt it.

Felt-soled shoes are very helpful when fishing Big Wilson Creek. Photos by Beau Beasley.

Tight cover makes casting on this trout stream a challenge. Photo by Beau Beasley.

Big Wilson Creek anglers should prepare for some rock climbing. Photo by Beau Beasley.

Types of Fish

Looking for wild rainbows and native brookies in a pristine mountain setting? You’ve found them.

Known Hatches

Winter Stoneflies, Blue Wing Olives, Blue Quills, Hendricksons, March Browns, Little Yellow Stoneflies, Sulfurs, Quill Gordons, Caddis, Cahills, inchworms, and terrestrials.

Equipment to Use

Rods:2-4 weight, 7-8 feet in length.

Reels:Standard mechanical.

Lines:Weight-forward floating, matched to rod.

Leaders:5X-7X leaders, 9 feet in length.

Wading:Hip waders are fine here.

Flies to Use

Dries:Adams #14-20, BWO #14-20, Braided Butt Damsel #10-12, Dusty’s Deviant #12-16, Elk Hair Caddis #14-20, Flying Ant #10-18, Gelso’s Little Black Stonefly #16-20, Lt. Cahill #14-20, Little Yellow Sally #14-20, March Brown #10-14, Murray’s Mr. Rapidan #14-20, Pale Morning Dun #14-20, Quill Gordon #16-22, Stimulator #14-20, Steeves’ Attract Ant #16-20, Steeves’ Bark Beetle #16-20, Steeves’ Crystal Butt Cricket #8-10, Steeves’ Disc O’ Beetle #14, Steeves’ UFO #10.

Nymphs & Streamers:Beadhead Hare’s Ear #14-20, Beadhead Prince Nymph #14-20, Coburn’s Cress Bug #14-20, Coburn’s Inchworm #12-14, Egg #8-20, Green Weenie #14-16, Mickey Finn #6-10, MC2 Crayfish #6, Muddler Minnow #8-10, Pheasant Tail #14-20, Scud #14-18, Woolly Bugger #8-10.

When to Fish

Spring and fall are always good times to fish mountain trout streams, but the summer is also a great time to hit Big Wilson. This stream has dense cover that helps to keep the water cool even during Virginia’s notorious dog days.

Season & Limits

Open all year. Most of Big Wilson, at least those parts that are in Jefferson National Forest and Grayson Highlands State Park, is covered by special regulations. Only single-hook or artificial lures may be used on these portions of the creek.

Nearby Fly Fishing

Whitetop Laurel Creek and the South Fork of the Holston are your best nearby alternatives.

Accommodations & Services

Depending on where you started, you probably drove through either Marion or Damascus to get to Big Wilson Creek. The biggest population center is Abingdon, home of the top-notch Virginia Creeper Fly Shop. Other options include The Orvis Company Store and Blue Ridge Fly Fishers, both in Roanoke.

Rating

All fly anglers should give the Big Wilson a whirl. You may not catch truckloads of fish, but this water makes you rethink your entire approach to fly angling a small stream. Big Wilson rates a 7.