Hickory On The 21st

[tgard27]

Went to Hickory on the 21st, and man was I dissapointed. I've been there three times before and had a wonderful time. But you can tell that the bait buckets have been there. This could be a great stream, but the MDC needs to either enforce a more strict bait regulation opr there needs to be a trophy area. The last time I was down there I noticed four pools that had at least 15-20 fish each. This time I noticed one pool that had anywhere from 7 to 9 fish in it. The regulations down there almost make it pointless to stock fish in this stream. I love this stream, but it seems that the only way that this stream will ever be a good fishery is if that they empose a tighter leash on the fishing. I did catch three fish, but the fact remains that if Hickory is to be a good fishery, then something needs to change.

[drew03cmc]

If they could park a few agents at each waterway, there would be no money for stocking...sounds like a double edged sword, eh?

[Buzz]

Unfortunately you are both right. This time of year a stocking is a bonus. They don't stock as many and they obviously don't last too long either. This last stocking was pretty much only in the park (near the ball fields) and so there wasn't much chance for the fish. It's really a wonder you caught what you did. They did do a much better job last year of policing the area. Plus, there are a lot more of US that do fish it and watch for poachers and those who don't know the laws and limits. I believe last fall and winter was the best year I've ever had at Hickory. The quality of fish was unbelievable and the amount of fish stocked throughout the entire creek was much better than in the past.( look back through some of the posts to see pics and read stories) It was better than Capp's in one way, it was catch and release/fly or artificial lures only from Nov. through the last day of Feb.. Capp's on the other hand is catch and keep at all times. If you don't know where the out of the way spots are you will come up dry, within 2 weeks of a stocking. I prefer to fish the coldest days because a lot of the local baitbucketeers won't venture out the sometimes 2 or 3 times a day for limits each time. I have seen the game warden at Hickory a couple times but never on Capp'sCreek. Come back next October or November and try your luck. You might be pleasantly surprised.

Buzz

[ollie]

In the summertime the hatchery expects them to be caught. They know people will be taking everything they can. It is after all only a white ribbon stream. I would have to agree with Buzz in the fact it was very enjoyable during the winter months. Escpecially for me since I live only a couple blocks away. I don't even bother fishing down there during the summer. I prefer to chase the smallies in the spring and summer!