Big fish — or lots of them?

Squeaky Smith

Squeaky Smith caught this trophy rainbow in Wilson Creek, but fishermen are more likely to run into good numbers of smaller fish.

For most fishermen, Wilson Creek is a numbers stream, with plenty of fish available. If you’re targeting bigger trout, you just need to change tactics slightly, according to angler Squeaky Smith.

"Wilson Creek has been one of my favorite streams for 25 years," he said, "and I’ve caught some significant fish over the years. There are 4- to 6-pound fish stocked every year, and they can be brought to hand by a patient angler. Spend time watching deep pools. Most will hold large fish. Watch and wait, and eventually they will show themselves. I’ve hooked most of my big fish on Woolly Bugger-type flies or streamers that look like baitfish."