Our History
1955 - 1962
In 1955, a dedicated group of concerned Chester County sportsmen united their efforts to improve & preserve the quality of Trout fishing on the East Branch of the Brandywine Creek. Additionally, they ensure access to the stream for all fisherman.
This group of dedicated sportsmen establish and become known as the Brandywine Trout Club. For the next 8 years the BTC remained a private fishing club, raising Trout to stock in the 3 ponds at Downingtown’s Kerr Park.
Using club membership dues ($2/member at the time) along with donations from local businesses & individuals BTC was able to purchase, raise & stock 2500-3000 Trout and tag & release an additional 75-100 “Trophy Trout” into the East Branch of the Brandywine Creek each year.
1963 - 1979
In 1963, Brandywine Trout Club became a member of the Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission’s “Cooperative Nursery Program” which became the focus of the club’s activities.
In July of each year, the Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission would deliver allocated Trout fingerlings, at no cost to the club, for BTC to then raise for the upcoming Trout season. In addition to Trout fingerlings, the Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission also provided technical aid for water quality, routine inspections of approved nursery facilities, emergency inspections in relation to sickness & mortality and regional seminars covering a variety of related topics.
In working with the Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission, BTC was responsible for bearing the expense of raising the Trout fingerlings, all nursery maintenance and the stocking/releasing of all fish into State approved Trout water designated for public fishing. Additionally, BTC furnished & maintained records in relation to fish mortality & stocking.
1980 - 2000
In our first 25 years, the Brandywine Trout Club saw extreme growth in both membership & responsibility, which led to the club’s decision to acquire its non-profit tax status in 1980. Once established as a non-profit, BTC accepted & incorporated conservation into our existing role, reorganizing the importance of maintaining & improving water quality of the East Branch of the Brandywine Creek. Brandywine Trout Club officially became Brandywine Trout & Conservation Club. Along with a new name, the club adopted 10 miles of the East Branch of the Brandywine Creek from Glenmoore to Downingtown as well as 3 miles of nearby Beaver Creek from the Lloyd Avenue bridge downstream to where it meets East Branch of the Brandywine Creek in Kerr Park.
In 1999, BTCC played a vital role in acquiring a “Delayed Harvest/Artificial Lures” status spanning 1.2 miles from the bridge at Dorlan’s Mill downstream to the bridge at Dowlin’s Forge. This 1.2 mile stretch of water is stocked by the State only.
2000 - Present Day
We are proud of the improvements in our adopted streams & work hard to maintain open relationships with all stream bank landowners, the Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission (PFBC) and other various community groups.
In 2019, the Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission (PFBC) implemented rule changes for the Cooperative Nursery Program making it difficult to have fish other than those from the PFBC in our nursery. Due to these changes, BTCC encountered problems purchasing our sponsored trophy trout, rodeo fish and other fish for stocking. As a result, our Board of Directors voted to opt out of the Cooperative Nursery Program and become a private 501c3 non-profit club. BTCC purchases all fish for stocking using funds from memberships, trophy trout sponsors, private donations and advertisements. BTCC remains a 501c3 non-profit today, but would consider rejoining the Cooperative Nursery Program in the future if changes are made or a new nursery is acquired.
