Wisener has the survey results to back up his claim. In the general fisheries survey the DFW conducted in 2007, channels accounted for 26 percent of the total number of fish sampled and 51 percent of the total weight of all fish collected. The average size was over 13 with top lengths around 24 inches. Nearly 25 percent of the catfish captured were at least 18 inches long and in the 2-pound category.

"The largest channels we've seen during recent surveys pushed 30 inches and weighed over 10 pounds," said Wisener. "When we're sampling catfish in Brookville we find them all over the place."

According to Wisener, flatheads are established in the lake as well, but seldom show up in the surveys. He's convinced there's a decent flathead fishery, but the equipment he uses during the surveys leaves a bit to be desired when it comes to sampling fish buried deep on the bottom. Based on the available forage and habitat, Wisener suspects there are quality fish he's never been able to connect with. Most of the flatheads brought up during DFW surveys have been smaller and in the 15- to 25-inch range. The largest was 34 inches, and there are undoubtedly bigger ones out there.

Anglers shouldn't have a lot of trouble locating a group of good-sized catfish, if Wisener's experience with trap netting is any indication of their availability. The habitat allows the catfish to range throughout the lake. A creel survey showed that anglers are taking advantage of the fishery and that channel cats were the second most-harvested fish. Their popularity fell in behind crappies, bass and walleyes with about 15 percent of the anglers targeting catfish specifically.

Drifting is one way to pick up a stray catfish or two, and it is a great way to find actively feeding groups during the daytime. Use a bottom-bouncing, three-way rig with just enough weight to keep the bait down on the bottom-- but not so heavy as to create drag when a fish picks it up.

Catfishing is especially good along the southern end of the lake from the mid-lake section south, according to Steve Owens of Kent's Harbor Marina. The fish are generally eating-sized and readily available.

"I can usually keep half of my catch on any given day," said Owens. "From the Kent's Harbor Marina docks to the south end of the lake it's fairly shallow. Just cast night crawlers out about 30 feet and slowly drag them along the bottom until a catfish hits them."

Ramps are located all around Brookville Lake and are easy to find on an Indiana Atlas & Gazetteer by DeLorme. Boat rentals are available from Kent's Harbor Marina and the Quakertown Marina.

Biologists recommend that anglers decontaminate their boats due to the zebra mussels before moving boats to other waters.

Call District 5 at (765) 342-5527, the Brookville Reservoir office at (765) 647-2657 or Kent's Harbor Marina in Liberty at (765) 458-7431 for more information.

Call the Franklin County CVB at 1-866-647-6555 or visit online at www.franklincountyin.com for information on where to stay. For more information, contact the DFW online at www.in.gov/dnr.