Improved fish habitat in Sullivan County

[Lipripper]

Fisheries biologists with DNR Division of Fish & Wildlife are creating new fish habitat in Indiana reservoirs.

The 471-acre Sullivan Lake near Sullivan was the first project for the Reservoir Habitat Enhancement Program.

Last week, more than 150 man-made structures were placed in six areas in 6 to 10 feet of water. Five structure types were used to accommodate fish of different species and sizes, according to Sandy Clark-Kolaks, DNR southern fisheries research biologist.

"This type of work is being conducted by several Midwestern states," Clark-Kolaks said. "We were able to take the good things they are doing and bring them here to Indiana."

Most of Indiana's reservoirs were built in the 1950s and 1960s. Trees, logs and roots that once provided cover for fish have decomposed. The new man-made structures will replace the lost habitat.

Structures were placed using a special pontoon boat.

Partners included Bass Unlimited, Jones and Sons Concrete, Sullivan County Parks Department and several volunteers.

"After a year of planning, it was very exciting to finally see everyone's hard work come together," Clark-Kolaks said.

A map that shows structure locations will be made available to anglers.

The next lake to receive these structures will be Cecil M. Harden Lake in 2017.