The Major League Fishing (MLF) Fisheries Management Division (FMD) completed a collaborative habitat restoration project at Lake Brownwood last week, further advancing conservation efforts that began in 2024 during the 2024 MLF Team Series Patriot Cup . Supported by Berkley Labs and Kubota USA, the initiative focused on enhancing fish habitat and long-term fishery health in one of Central Texas’ most popular lakes.
The project brought together a wide-ranging coalition of conservation partners, including the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) Inland Fisheries Abilene Office, the Brownwood Lake Patrol, the Brown County Water Improvement District, the City of Early and Texas Pro Lake Management (TPLM). Student volunteers from Tarleton State University’s subunit of the American Fisheries Society also played a key role, contributing valuable hands-on support while gaining real-world fisheries management experience.
“Our mission is to help ensure that the world-class fisheries we visit remain healthy and productive for years to come,” said Steven Bardin, MLF Fisheries Biologist. “By returning to Lake Brownwood with partners like Berkley Labs and Kubota, we’re able to expand on our previous work and install scientifically designed habitat that directly improves fish survival and angler success.”
A central feature of the project was the installation of MossBack Fish Habitat “Tournament Recovery Zones.” These specialized artificial structures are strategically placed to provide immediate sanctuary and high-quality cover for bass and crappie following release after a tournament. Designed to offer vertical complexity and protection, the zones help support fish during the critical recovery period after being caught, reducing stress and improving survival rates.
MLF co-founder and Bass Fishing Hall of Famer Gary Klein was also on-site assisting with the deployment.
“Lake Brownwood has a great history, and seeing the community come together like this – from city officials to college students – shows what makes this sport so special,” Klein said. “We’re not just placing habitat – we’re investing in the future of this fishery and the people who will enjoy it for years to come.”
All newly installed habitat locations have been GPS-mapped to assist local anglers and will be incorporated into ongoing fishery data efforts, encouraging community engagement and supporting youth fishing opportunities.
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