BIG AND LITTLE WILSON CREEKS IN GRAYSON COUNTY
This past July I fished Big Wilson Creek in Grayson County. But that angling attempt, if indeed it can be considered even that, was only a few random casts as I floated by where Big Wilson enters the New River near Mouth of Wilson. I suspect that many Old Dominion anglers know Big Wilson only as a tributary of the upper New.

Actually, Big Wilson, Little Wilson and their tributaries (Quebec Branch, Wilburn Branch and Mill Creek) together offer outstanding action for wild rainbows and native brookies. Adding to these streams' appeal is that the special regulations sections fall within the confines of Grayson Highlands State Park and the Mount Rogers National Recreation Area.

As one would expect, the native brookies dwell in the upper reaches of these streams and the rainbows thrive just about everywhere. This watershed is known for its large boulders and relatively deep pools and the fact that anglers can often experience the best fishing by hiking well back into the mountains. The regulations are the same as those on Little Stony Creek.

Sportsmen and women may want to take their families to Grayson Highlands State Park. Scenic vistas exist from peaks more than 5,000 feet high, and, in the past, my wife and I have taken our children for hiking expeditions along the many trails that wind upward to those peaks. Horse trails also exist, as do a visitor center, campgrounds and picnic areas. For more information, call (800) 933-PARK; www.dcr.state.va.us.

CONWAY RIVER IN GREENE AND MADISON COUNTIES
It is the misfortune, or perhaps the blessing, of the Conway River to be located so close to the Rapidan River, which is often considered the best-known trout stream in the Old Dominion. As such, the Conway is often ignored, whereas people from across the United States make pilgrimages to the Rapidan. But the Conway, which lies in Greene and Madison counties and also within the Rapidan WMA (10,326 acres), certainly possesses wonderful qualities of its own.

One of those attributes is the fact that the stream hosts one of the better wild brown populations in the state. The browns fin mostly the lower portions of the river, whereas predominantly brook trout hold in the headwaters. Those brookies often run from 7 to 11 inches whereas the browns can reach 18 to 20 inches in size. Another positive is that anglers can find opportunities to camp in the WMA. And, finally, the stream features gorgeous rushing runs, boulder-strewn pools and shaded pocket water.

The special regulations portion of the Conway River and its main tributary, Devils Ditch (certainly a non-typical trout stream name), lie within the Rapidan WMA and the Shenandoah National Park. The regulations are the same as those on Little Stony Creek. The stream lies near the community of Graves Mill.

RAMSEY'S DRAFT IN AUGUSTA COUNTY
I expect very few people who read this article to venture into the 6,725-acre Ramsey's Draft Wilderness Area, which is part of the George Washington National Forest in Augusta County, to fish for native brookies. That's because Ramsey's Draft resides in a very remote, mountainous setting.

Another reason why Ramsey's Draft receives little fishing pressure is that it lies far away from population centers. The nearest community is West Augusta on Route 250.

But for those few hardy souls who do like to experience backcountry trout fishing, the Ramsey's Draft option is certainly a compelling one. Ramsey's and its tributaries feature over 10 miles of native trout water, and obviously the farther back one travels into the hinterlands, the less the likelihood that he or she will encounter other humans. The regulations are the same as those on Little Stony Creek.