Trout management efforts on Big Hunting Creek are the joint work of the Maryland DNR and a several flyfishing organizations. A number of deflection wings and log falls have been installed on the stream to create spawning beds, decrease bank erosion and provide deeper pools to hold trout during warm water conditions. In some stretches, it is much narrower. It flows along a moderate gradient and generally parallels Maryland Route 77, north of the town of Thurmont. There are frequent pullouts on the road for parking and easy access to the stream.
Fishing pressure can be heavy, especially during summer weekends.
Big Hunting Creek holds both native and stocked trout. There are lunker rainbows and browns in this stream. In many stretches, the fisher will encounter a stream of less than 15 feet in width, strewn with boulders and small pools. Big Hunting Creek is deceptively challenging, and is not suited for the casual fisher who expects a quick reward. It is, as stated, worth a trip if you're in the area and have the patience to work it.