SHHHH the smallmouth population is not growing, I repeat there are none to be found in that creek
I remember pike being in there for as long as I can remember, they may take some but I can' t see them destroying the population like it would seem they' d have to do.
Whatever is happening its messing up a beautiful stream. I here lots of locals complain about poaching and after these past few years I can see it happening. When you think about it much of that creek isn' t visible from the road and thieves could have field day.

THat stretch you talk about is one of the most beautiful stretches, but in order for fish to get there, they really have to come down far from the gas wells and I just don' t think many get down that far. Years ago they used to drive back that neighboring camp above the one with the trailer, but its been a LONG time since they' ve done that.

Good luck if you head out.