BARK CAMP CREEK
Anglers have the opportunity for a mixed creel at Bark Camp Creek in Whitley County. Both rainbow and brown trout are stocked into this water and yield nice catches to diligent anglers.

Bark Camp Creek is a "classic mountainous stream," according to biologist John Williams. He describes the area as very scenic with lots of hemlock trees and rhododendrons lining the banks of the stream. The creek is surrounded by forest and affords both the opportunity for easy access and also, for those anglers willing to hike a ways, a chance to get away from the road.

The stream is very clean and has very little mud or silt. It has lots of areas with boulders and gravel and quite a few ripple areas, too. In fact, according to Williams, the ripple-pool combinations are fairly consistent all the way down. During years with normal water levels, most pools along the creek will be up to 3 to 4 feet deep at their deepest spots, with a few areas reaching to 6 feet deep.

A gravel road runs down to the creek and across it, over a concrete culvert. Many people will fish right close to this area, since it affords easy access and is also a spot that receives a good portion of the stocked fish. This area is great for kids and the elderly because of the easy access. Obviously, there's a lot of fishing pressure in this immediate area, especially when the stocking truck is due to arrive.

From this access point, there's also a trail alongside the creek going both upstream and downstream. After hiking along this trail for a few hundred feet, you'll start to get the feeling of being in a fairly remote location. The landscape lends itself nicely to quieter, more pleasant fishing away from the crowds.

Most of the trout will remain near the stocking areas initially, but will spread out some as time elapses. Additionally, biologists and volunteers will carry fish in buckets for stocking in specific pools and other areas of the stream, especially during periods of low-water conditions that make it more difficult for the fish to spread out on their own.

Brown trout are stocked in Bark Camp Creek only once per year. The stocking amounts to around 500 browns and usually occurs in March. Rainbow trout are stocked in March, April, May, June, and October. This stream is part of the delayed-harvest program for seasonal catch-and-release. Anglers must release all trout they catch between October 1 and March 31. Only artificial baits are permitted during this time period.