By: Lynn W. Burry
Have you ever wanted to fish for trout in one of the Pennsylvania or West Virginia premier Trout streams? Or perhaps you’ve dreamed of pursuing trophy Browns in the riffles of a Michigan blue water trophy trout stream? With today’s gas prices putting the pinch on our wallets, I offer you a one-tank trip to do all of this while not leaving Indiana. Members of the Northeastern Indiana Trout Association and my many trout fishing friends have heard me talk about the outstanding trout fishing in the East Fork of the Whitewater River in Brookville, Indiana. Today, I’ll share this destination with you.
The East Fork features limestone bedrock and cobble bottom, fast gravel riffles and long tail-outs. It also has sandy pools, long slot runs and pocket water. This is a tailwater fishery and is about 2 miles long before joining the West Branch to form mainstream of the Whitewater River. The East Fork gets its cool water discharge from the dam that holds Brookville Lake and is managed by the US Army Corp of Engineers. Thanks to the efforts of the Central Indiana Chapter of Trout Unlimited and with the cooperation of the Army Corps, the East Fork enjoys trout tolerant water temperatures through Indiana’s famous hot and steamy summers. This temperature management also means it does not freeze in the winter. CITU is responsible for the Brown Trout being there. Check out their informative web site at www.centralindianatu.org. They annually release 7 to 10 inch Browns obtained from the United States Forest Service Hatchery located at Wolf Creek, Kentucky. With the special “only one Brown Trout over 18 inches, daily possession limit” regulation, the chances are very good you’ll tangle with a trophy Brown during your expedition. The IDNR releases 1500 Rainbows each April with size and creel limits for the Rainbows the same as all other Indiana inland waters.
As with other Indiana Trout Streams, “Opening Day” can be busy. But on any other day, you may be the only one fishing the stream. The clear, clean, well-oxygenated water produces a substantial food source of insects and minnows, so the fish grow fast and the hold over rate is noteworthy. While I prefer fly-fishing, you are likely to see just as many light tackle and bait fisherman looking for trout. A bonus on this stream is the chance to catch a nice Smallmouth Bass. I have caught and released a number different species, other than trout, fishing the East Fork.
Wading this stream is easy when the United States Geological Service monitoring station water level is 3 ½ feet or less. At 4 feet, your wading requires extra caution. At this level I advise novices to stay out of the water. Even the most skilled wader will find this level tricky and they must use extreme caution. When the water level is over 4 1/2 feet it becomes very risky and at 5 feet and above, I’d forget it and stay home. The river becomes downright dangerous and you could find yourself going for a swim, or even worse. Before leaving home, I’d suggest checking the USGS web site at http://waterdata.usgs.gov/in/nwis/uv?03276000 to view the current real-time water levels on the East Fork. It could save you a long drive.
Getting there from Fort Wayne is easy. Take US 27 south (honk when you pass through Geneva, I may want to go with you) to Richmond. In Richmond I’d suggest stopping at Carver’s for their steak and eggs breakfast. They open at 5:00 AM and well worth the stop. After breakfast continue south on US 27 to Liberty, Indiana. At the second traffic signal (the Courthouse will be on your left) proceed south on SR 101. Brookville is about 20 miles further. You cross the East Fork just as you come into town. The Brookville Dam is on your right. You can park on the south side of the SR 101 Bridge, or go to the City Park east of SR 101. The park is a short distance downstream from the bridge on the river’s bank. Take the first left after crossing the river and turn left again at the American Legion. The City Park entrance is on the south side of the Legion’s parking lot and follows the river’s edge. Parking is next to the picnic and playground area making this a great family destination. Clean restrooms are available next to the playground but are only open during the picnic season. Franklin County operates an excellent camp ground just south of Brookville should you decide to stay overnight. Canoe liveries can be found nearby on the West Fork of the Whitewater River. Historic Metamora, Indiana is only a few miles away on highway US 52 and is a worthwhile side trip.
The East Fork of the Whitewater River is open to fishing year-round but has special creel limits should you decide to keep some of your catch. Check the Indiana Fishing Guide for current regulations, the special size requirements for Brown Trout on the East Fork and fish creel limits. While not required, “Catch and Release Fishing” is encouraged on this section of water. “Catch and Release” has been an effective tool in making the East Fork a great place for the chance to catch a “Trophy Trout.”
Good luck, enjoy the day and may the inside of your waders (or boats) always be dry.
Lynn
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Joe Geisler holding a nice late season 16 inch Rainbow caught in the East Fork of the Whitewater River in Brookville, Indiana. (Photo by Lynn Burry)
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Lynn enjoying one of the rewards of fishing the East Fork. (Photo by Joe Geisler)
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There is more to the East Fork than just the fish. These deer were only a few yards away from me when they crossed the river. (Photo by Lynn Burry)