Dom, Glad to hear you got to Black Creek before dark and that you got a fish. Did you put in under a bridge (Wishka bridge) or at an improved launch upsteam (Old White Bridge)? Either float is a full day affair, especially if you pull any plugs or planners. As grumpy suggests, it's best to get an early start and keep moving if you're going to make that kind of float in January.
Tight lines--JT