White River’s rebound continues after 1999 fish kill
The White River has received its cleanest bill of health since a major fish kill in 1999.
During a fall 2011 fish survey, Indiana Department of Natural
Resources biologists collected 7,128 fish from 57 species at sample
stations between Anderson and Indianapolis. This was the greatest number
of species collected since the fish kill, and further proof that the
river has recovered.
In December 1999, an estimated 4.3 million fish died as a result of a
fish kill that started at the outfall of the Anderson Waste Water
Treatment Plant and stretched 55 miles into downtown Indianapolis. The
kill was traced to an industrial discharge from the Guide Corporation in
Anderson.
A $6 million settlement overseen by the DNR, the Indiana Department
of Environmental Management and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service was
used to restore the river. A 10-person citizen’s advisory committee
assisted the agencies.
“The fish community is healthy and an increase in darters and minnows
is an indication of improving habitat and water quality” said Sandra
Clark-Kolaks, a DNR fisheries research biologist.
Game species have also recovered since 1999, providing ample angling
opportunities. Black bass, rock bass, saugers, crappies, and channel
catfish were collected in plentiful numbers.
A total of 154 smallmouth bass ranging from 2.6 to 19.9 inches long
were collected, and the number of smallmouth bass greater than 17 inches
increased since 2007. A total of 223 largemouth bass ranging from 2.3
to 17.4 inches long were collected.
Of the 186 channel catfish collected 31 percent were longer than 14
inches and 19 percent were longer than 20 inches, with most being
collected in the Lake Indy pool. Crappies were most prominent in
backwater areas with several black crappies in the 10-to-12-inches size
range. Six saugers were collected in the Landings Pit area and ranged in
size from 17.5 to 21 inches.
In addition to fish, the White River is home to an abundance of other
wildlife. During the fish survey, biologists noted bald eagles, great
blue herons, foxes, and white-tailed deer.
“Thanks to fish stockings, monitoring, habitat protection, public
access improvements and public awareness, the White River is an
excellent recreational opportunity for Indianapolis residents,” said
Bill James, DNR chief of fisheries.
James says groups like Friends of the White River and the White River
Watchers have also had a major impact on the White River by organizing
annual trash cleanups and improving public access.
A list of DNR-managed fishing access sites can be found at the DNR “Where to Fish” finder at Fishing.IN.gov/3591.htm.
A copy of the 2011 White River fish survey report will soon be posted to Fishing.IN.gov/3352.htm.
For more information: Sandra Clark-Kolaks, Division of Fish & Wildlife, southern fisheries research biologist, sclark-kolaks@dnr.IN.gov, (812) 279-1215.
