Brookville Tailwater
river in Indiana
The Brookville Tailwater, a section of the East Fork Whitewater River below Brookville Lake, is Indiana's most consistent trout fishery. Cold water releases from the dam create conditions suitable for brown and rainbow trout, which are regularly stocked. Anglers can find excellent nymphing, streamer fishing, and occasional dry fly opportunities, especially during insect hatches.
Clear skies and 52°F with unknown current flow
- 01Clear skies and 52°F with unknown current flow; check USGS gage for optimal 3' to 3.75' conditions.
- 02Consistent midge activity and active BWO nymphal stages are key food sources in fall.
- 03Fall spawning makes egg patterns highly effective for trout.
- 04Aggressive streamer fishing can entice larger, predatory trout in cooler waters.
- 05Focus on seams where fast and slow currents meet, or deeper, slower pools during higher flows.
Past reports week by week
9 weeksWhat to tie on
Picked from reports, hatches and the season. Tap a fly for the recipe and where else it works.
Baetis Nymph
Baetis nymphs are active year-round in tailwaters and spring creeks, with fall being a highly effective period during BWO hatch cycles.
Micro Egg
Year-round in tailwaters where eggs are present, this pattern is particularly effective in the fall after trout spawn, as fish remain keyed into egg patterns.
Buy at AmazonGlo Bug
Fall is the spawning season for trout, making egg patterns like the Glo Bug highly effective for fish keying into this abundant food source.
Buy at AmazonBlue-Winged Olive (BWO) Comparadun
Fall is a prime season for BWO hatches in tailwaters, particularly on overcast days, offering opportunities for selective trout feeding on emergers and adults.
Buy at AmazonWD-40
This pattern is a consistent subsurface producer in tailwaters, effective for enticing trout feeding on emerging midges and mayflies, especially with fluctuating fall temperatures.
Midge
Midges are a primary and consistent food source in tailwaters year-round, especially active in cooler fall temperatures.
Woolly Bugger (Olive)
A reliable year-round streamer, the olive Woolly Bugger effectively imitates leeches and baitfish, enticing aggressive strikes from trout in colder fall water.
Flashback Scud Wet Hare's Ear
This is a versatile general searching nymph, effectively mimicking scuds and various aquatic insects that are active in the currents during fall.
Where to fish and who to ask
Brookville Lake Dam Area
The immediate area below the Brookville Lake Dam offers the coldest water and is often productive for trout.
Dunlapsville Covered Bridge
Further downstream access to the tailwater, with opportunities for both wading and bank fishing.
Old Mill Race
A historic mill race area providing good wading access and diverse holding water for trout.
Get Brookville Tailwater reports by email
Save this water and we'll email you a weekly summary of conditions, hatches and what's working.
Indiana season by season
What changes on the water through the year, with the flies for each season.
Read before you go
Winter Fly Fishing: Essential Cold Weather Tips & Tactics
Master winter fly fishing with proven cold weather strategies, gear selection, and tactics for catching trout when temperatures drop.
Fly Line Types Guide: WF, DT, Running & Shooting Heads
Master fly line selection with our comprehensive guide to weight forward, double taper, running lines, and shooting heads for every fishing situation.
Fly Fishing Pack vs Vest: Which Setup Is Right for You?
Compare fly fishing packs and vests to find the perfect gear setup for your angling style and fishing conditions.
Best Fly Fishing Sunglasses: Lens Color & Polarization Guide
Master lens color selection and polarization technology for superior vision and fish detection on the water.
Fly Fishing Nets – Rubber vs. Nylon & Why It Matters for Fish
The net you choose dramatically impacts fish survival. Here's why rubber nets are superior to nylon for catch-and-release success.
Best Budget Fly Fishing Combo Setups for Beginners
Expert guide to affordable fly fishing combos that won't break the bank but deliver quality performance for new anglers.
Quick answers
Common questions about Brookville Tailwater.
What flies work best on Brookville Tailwater?
Our top scored fly patterns for Brookville Tailwater right now are Blue-Winged Olive (BWO) Comparadun (80% confidence), Elk Hair Caddis (80% confidence), Pheasant Tail Nymph (80% confidence). These picks are scored from recent fishing reports, hatch data, and seasonal patterns.
What fish species are in Brookville Tailwater?
Brookville Tailwater holds Brown Trout, Rainbow Trout. See the species links on this page for fly recommendations and seasonal behavior for each.
What are current flow conditions on Brookville Tailwater?
Live USGS streamflow readings for Brookville Tailwater are charted in the sidebar of this page and updated automatically from the nearest gauge.
Is Brookville Tailwater fishing well right now?
We publish a fresh bite report for Brookville Tailwater each week based on recent on-the-water intel. The current report — with conditions, hatches, and what's producing — is on this page.