Big Rock Creek

[JWC]

I'd like to have some information on Big Rock Creek. I have followed several links on the net, but found the info weak. Is this truely a fishable creek. What's the depth and what are the best times of the year to fish if it is at all fishable. TIA--- JWC

[rmekemson]

JWC:

I can't tell you about the depth because of the differences in water flow and location, however...

According to my research, the Department of Fish and Game plants rainbows in Winter thru Spring as long as the water flow is high enough.  This is usually about two miles upstream from the Angeles National Forest boundary.

They suggest fly or spin casting with small lures or spinners and salmon eggs and power bait have been proven effective.

In addition to the rainbows, there are some native trout in the creek.

The only other fishing that I'm aware of in the creek would be the stocked rainbows in the ponds at the Big Rock Creek Campground.

'Hope this answers some of your questions.

[RobertW]

[JWC]

:)What road do you use to reach the fishing areas?

[rmekemson]

I've always hiked down the Manzanita trail from Vincent Gap.  However there is a dirt road which parallels (sort of) to the east which is now closed and will probably remain so until late Spring.  I believe there is another road which approaches from the north; however I'm not acquainted with it.

[BirdSong]

JWC wrote: What road do you use to reach the fishing areas?

Depends on your vehicle, the condition of the road and how much water is flowing.

You can go west on Highway 2 to Vincent Gap. Turn right onto 4N11, Big Rock Creek Road, the lower one. It is gravel for about 3 miles until you get to Fenner Cyn Fire Camp, then paved to the fishing areas. There are three stream crossings in the dirt section, however. I do it in my Honda Civic most of the year, but not during snowmelt time nor after a heavy rain.

Alternatively, you can take Big Pines Highway north and west to Big Rock Creek Road and turn left. Paved all the way. No stream crossings. No excitement.

You can find the best fishing areas by looking for the turnouts with the most porta-potties. They are before you get to Sycamore Flats Campground if you come in from the north via Big Pines Hwy.

I heard from a forest service person that recently there was a big landslide on Big Rock Creek Road and that it was closed. Can anyone verify this?

[Hillbillies]

My friend was up there last week and said there is not much left of the creek.  Just a few small pools over crowed with wild trout that will probably die..... He did seem to think that one of the pools is being fed by an underground spring.

[Sagebrush]

We were up there last week and there was more water than I thought there would be. The pools are so pretty there but there is so much spray painting and trash....truly sad. Every time we go we have to clean whatever pool we want to swim in first. Dirty diapers, beer cans, paper plates.....

[Hillbillies]

We were up there last week and there was more water than I thought there would be. The pools are so pretty there but there is so much spray painting and trash....truly sad. Every time we go we have to clean whatever pool we want to swim in first. Dirty diapers, beer cans, paper plates.....

My friend parks at the camp area and hikes way up.  According to him there is no trash or graffiti up that way.

15 years ago, below the camp area, it was nice to go soak your feet and drop a line.  The last time I went to this area was about 8 years ago and I could not find a parking spot.  I wasn't going to park anyways due to some gang bangers flashing their gang signs at me.  It really is a shame that they took over and trashed the place....

[Sagebrush]

Can you give me some tips on where to hike and escape the filth Hillbilly??

[3PinkRoses]

There is a huge, clean, clear cool... pool there at Big Rock Creek Cabin/Center.  It has a huge diving board, places to lay out, large shallow end, umbrellas...it's amazing! Years ago, famous movie starts used to go up there and swim...there are pictures of the original Tarzan actor doing a beautiful dive off the high dive! We go there every year and pay about 7 bucks a person to get in.  I can post the phone number if anyone wants to check it out.  It's best to call ahead of time to make sure there's room in the pool...ie: if a conference is in session, usually the pool cannot be used but you can always ask. The management there is so accomodatable!!

[RobertW]

There is a huge, clean, clear cool... pool there at Big Rock Creek Cabin/Center.  It has a huge diving board, places to lay out, large shallow end, umbrellas...it's amazing! Years ago, famous movie starts used to go up there and swim...there are pictures of the original Tarzan actor doing a beautiful dive off the high dive! We go there every year and pay about 7 bucks a person to get in.  I can post the phone number if anyone wants to check it out.  It's best to call ahead of time to make sure there's room in the pool...ie: if a conference is in session, usually the pool cannot be used but you can always ask. The management there is so accomodatable!!

Is this the place with the large TeePees?  A workmate spends time there with her girlscouts each year.

[Breezymtns]

Yes that's the place it is called Big Rock Creek Camp 661-944-9005  Wilma used to answer the phone there she is one of the owners.  You are right that olympic size swimming pool is very refreshing.  I have been there many times as I used to help run the horse program they used to have.  I never saw that swimming pool in any condition other than crystal, sparklin' clear!  You take Big Rock Creek Rd. up to Red Gulch Rd. & make a right, drive thru the creek (if it is even running without any snow pack this winter) & make a left thru the wrought iron gates you have to drive thru & go just past the volley ball courts, park on the right & then walk to the office.  Follow the signs they have posted.  If you see Wilma (older fit woman with longish straight grey hair) please tell her Micheline said Hi!!!    Thanks  

The actors that built this wonderful area were brothers, Noah & Wallace Beery.  That area is filled with history!  I used to live in the house they used for their brothel where the "would be" starlets worked.  This building was also where they gambled & drank booze.

[3PinkRoses]

Oh, then youv'e seen Nootenboom's old house truck???  It's a historical monument on the grounds there with the 1960's paint job!

[Breezymtns]

omg YES!  lol