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The Brookville Tailwater (BTW) is a unique resource in the State of Indiana. There are no coldwater resources of significance within 100 miles. The tailwater supports a substantial trout population that attracts fishing enthusiasts from surrounding states. If properly maintained the Brookville Tailwater could become a premier trout stream that will attract anglers from far and wide. The Brookville community has a unique resource that if properly monitored and maintained would attract anglers that will provide tourism income to the Town of Brookville and the Franklin County community.
CITU position regarding rule and regulation change:
A river the size of the BTW cannot sustain catch and keep fishing for a very long time without diminishing the quality of the fishing. At a minimum, considerable effort should be given to education regarding catch and release fishing and fish identification. The current rule in effect allows that one 18 inch brown trout may be kept per day. Most anglers will catch many brown trout less than 18 inches each trip and ideally they should be released unharmed. Also note that from January 1st until the last Saturday in April the tailwater is restricted to catch and release fishing for trout and during this time it is illegal to have any trout, rainbow or brown, in your possession. Angler compliance with existing regulations and use of catch and release practise’s would go a very long way to improving the fishing. CITU would be willing to assist in such a program if it would be supported locally.
Having said that CITU has no plans to introduce proposals for regulation changes. Any changes would have to be be introduced and supported by the Brookville Area Community.
CITU position regarding habitat improvement:
CITU is of the opinion that in-stream habitat improvement would greatly improve the fishery at the Brookville Tailwater. Increased structure in the river would provide increased cover for fish and provide substrate for insects and other organisms that provide fish forage. Large boulders provide good habitat for producing aquatic insects and provide refuge for fish during high water flows. CITU thinks that habitat improvements, if carefully planned and executed, could be added without impacting other users such as the Canoe-Fest in a negative way. Our opinion is also supported by the Indiana Department of Resources in a report issued in 2012. The BROOKVILLE TAILWATER, Franklin County 2009, 2010, and 2011 Fish Management Report states the following:
Recommendations
“Consideration should be given to trying to provide additional habitat in the stream that can withstand strong currents and provide refuge for some of the trout during periods of high discharge.”
An alternative to consider would be stream side enhancements such as additional planting of trees and other vegetation. The benefits of such a program would be reduced summer stream temperatures and protection against stream bank erosion. The additional vegetation also helps filters out sediment and pollutants before they reach the stream.
Having said that CITU has no plans to introduce habitat improvement projects at the Brookville Tailwater. A decision to implement such a plan would have to be proposed by the Brookville Area Community and will require local support, planning, approval and financial commitment.
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