That sounds like a classic my dad used to tell me
"if something doesn't work, blame yourself, then, if you are wrong, its a good thing'
After only being there once, I can see that its not an easy fishery. Those fish must be a little tired after being in there a week and seeing a dozen or more anglers a day.
Dont write the creek off yet, when you do land one, all these trips will have been worth while.