I better do something about that before i start stinking lol. If you see a lake name that is duplicated within DuPage County, then try to narrow it down using the name of the USGS topo map which is usually a prominent place or city nearby. Follow this back into the woods. The preserve, in Joliet, has two lakes. My kids have gone fishing here with friends and had a good time. Great Fishing on Private 100-acre Park Imagine spending your perfect day at Backwaters Castle Lake. Were here to help. Forest preserves in DuPage County provide access to some of the best fishing in the Chicago area and one of the few public campgrounds in DuPage County. With over 9 miles of roads that wander through various groves of trees, there is a wide variety of experiences tomenjoupy. Mallard Lake is an 89 acre man-made lake with a maximum depth of 25 feet owned by the Forest Preserve District of Dupage County. I didnt wipe the more scent of skunk off like Chris did but Im glad to get the monkey off my back finally!! His areas of expertise include travel, sports and recreation, gardening, landscaping and the outdoors. Fishing spots, fishing reports and regulations in DuPage River - Fishbrain But this shallow complex of backwaters and sloughs is also full of fish - most notably channel catfish, crappies and bass. 10 Illinois Bass Lakes You've Never Heard Of - Game & Fish Hidden Lake - Forest Preserve District of DuPage County Due to its amazing location in the state its reachable in less than 30 minutes to the largest city in the state. Here are some of the best tips to target and catch northern pike easily. Illinois resident: $5.50 per day or $15 per year, Nonresident: $10.50 per day or $31.50 per year, Senior fishing license (for residents 65 years old or older): $7.75 per year. Anglers can catch largemouth bass, yellow perch, rainbow trout, catfish, bluegill and sunfish. 3lb13oz While it could fly short distances, it simply sat, with eyes mostly closed, and it slowly scrabbled to get into the shade of the bank's awning on a very, very hot day. Whalon Lake protects a diversity of habitats, including prairie, wetland, an 80-acre lake, and a portion of the DuPage River. 2015 Dan Stefanich Outdoors. Both the staff at Monee and many of the regular anglers care about the health of the lake and also always have that in mind. No, this is not taking place in the Northwoods, but right here in the DuPage River. Large shallow lakes with excellent channels. Quick Afternoon Fishing at Cricket Creek in DuPage County, IllinoisJust exploring local fishing spots around town----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- We're on Instagram! Best Fishing Times: 12:00AM to 12:00AM, and 12:00AM to 12:00AM. Which places provide the best nature & parks in DuPage County for couples? What are some highly rated fishing in DuPage County, IL? Willow Lake. Fish wont come to you, you need to go to the fish, he commented, adding that he often tells people to change locations after 10 or 15 minutes without any luck. Largemouth Bass with a flicker shad, Finally got the skunk off my back by hitting an old stomping ground (DuPage River) with this decent bass caught on a Livingston Lures Pro Ripper. The have good quality, size and significant presence at most parts of the river. I could no disagree more. 3lb13oz Highly recommend during blooming season. The under-utilized fish in the chain is the channel catfish, even though they are abundant. Target the deeper pools and channels, working the lures in and around rock structure, and eddies from the main current. Night fishing is prohibited. They are also available online through the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. Hard fighting 20"er vacuum'd the more Crawbug along the rocks at the head of a 10' pool. Camping is open to tents as well as RVs. Any deep point you find at the river that has enough water is probably full of smallmouth bass. Reservations are available by phone up to three days in advance. Collecting bait is not allowed within the preserves, and live, unused minnows should not be released into waters. Water55 It was created by the damming of Grassy Creek and is one of the best lakes in Illinois for fishing and boating. If youre not experienced at fishing, Loekle said that shouldnt be a deterrent to giving it a try. A section of the DuPage River in DuPage County, Illinois. Overall Dupage river is great spot for Northern pike fishing. What a great place to take a walk and enjoy the wildlife and beauty that it has to offer. Anglers in search of more places to wet a line can access dozens of fishing spots across DuPage County, many of them just minutes away from Blackwell Forest Preserve. They added a new parking lot and that was much more important then taking care of the lake. I've stopped into the Nature Center at all different times of the day and year. The channel catfish is also stocked by IDNR every other year because it reproduces more slowly than other fish species and regular stocking helps maintain the population. You will most likely have the best fishing tour t the Dupage and you will enjoy fishing there. West Branch Du Page River DuPage - Illinois 14 catches 227 followers 7 spots Fishing at the Dupage your first priority should be not else than the largemouth. It features two lakes and a river, trails, fishing, boating and picnic areas, including a new picnic shelter. Gem of a place for hiking, running, biking. more. There are interesting pieces of the McCormicks art collection on display along the trail. For the 2023 spring trout season, no trout may be taken from any of the stocked sites from March 13 until the season opens at 5:00 a.m. April 1. Ambushing off the ends of laydowns & creek/drain outs. For the DuPage River, it's branches and main stem, you'll be surprised at how much public access there is. Frequently Asked Questions about DuPage County. Other fish like white sucker, black bullhead and carp are also living in small populations. The Best 10 Fishing near me in DuPage County, Illinois Sort:Recommended Price Good for Kids 1. Great fishing spots on the second lake over the bridge. I've lived in the area for decades, and every few years, sadly, I come across a wild animal who's injured or in need of help, and they have always been able to help. After your drive through the grounds, be sure to park and visit the gift shop, the walk-up food counter or sit and enjoy lunch in their restaurant. Fishing Ward | DuPage County Fishing Guide - Illinois :), Largemouth Bass with a Livingston Lures Pro Ripper, 1 lb. Here is your further Dupage rivers fishing guide for each fish also best spots and seasons. Whalon Lake BolingBrook - Illinois 11 catches 310 followers 2 spots Whalon Lake protects a diversity of habitats, including prairie, wetland, an 80-acre lake, and a portion of the DuPage River. We also believe that they no longer stock the lake. Which places provide the best hidden gems for nature & parks in DuPage County? You may also find good crappie near the tributary of the river in Des Plaines. If those times won't work for you, 12:00AM to 12:00AM looks promising. But if you are experienced this may not be the place. Air shop open during the season. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in English from SUNY Geneseo in 2009. View Map They inspect the lakes yearly. Largemouth bass 288 Largemouth bass have been caught near here Common carp 113 Common carp have been caught near here Channel catfish 52 Channel catfish have been caught near here Rock bass 35 Rock bass have been caught near here Bluegill 25 Bluegill have been caught near here Yellow bullhead 16 Yellow bullhead have been caught near here 15# Seaguar RedLabel, 19" prespawn Bronzeback. Crawbug along the rocks at the head of a 10' pool. Make sure you follow these guidelines for each species that you are targeting at the spot. This one is also one of the most common species it is very easy to find the crappie at any point of the Dupage. You'll hear individuals and groups talk about how spots on the DuPage River shouldn't be given away so freely. Grab the rods and prepare your self, you are going to fish in the Dupage river. They cannot always save every animal that comes in, but that's the way with any emergency medical intervention. Whalon Lake, for example, is a great place to catch walleye and smallmouth bass - two fish you won't catch at the reservoir. I could no disagreemore, Great fishing spots on the second lake over the bridge. Two smaller ponds at Blackwell -- Sand Pond and White Pond -- provide an additional fishing option for largemouth bass, catfish and bluegill. Anyone 16 years old or older must have a fishing license to fish on a public Illinois waterway. Knock Knolls is a pretty park, but it is spectacular in late April and early May. Visit the Forest Preserve Districts Fishing page for specific information. 8 a.m.-4 p.m. weekdays. There is even a. No Boat? No Worries - Great Shore Fishing Awaits #4.25.5. A section of the East Branch Du Page River in DuPage County, Illinois. Their population is much smaller than that of their cousin the largemouth. Mallard Lake is an 89 acre man-made lake with a maximum depth of 25 feet owned by the Forest Preserve District of Dupage County. Rice Lake Fishing, DuPage County IL (Wheaton Area) 3lbs. The prairie was abloom with a variety of colorful flowers. Keep fish in the water as much as possible to reduce stress and allow the fish to breathe. Any angler targeting the species must cast their lines before exploring the other parts of the river. Time to Catch Some Bronzebacks 6 oz. Swimbait slowrolled & dragged getting things done. Mallard Lake County Forest Preserve 24 Lakes Rafting/Kayaking 2020 USATODAY, a division of Gannett Satellite Information Network, Inc. DuPage County Fishing Spots in Illinois - Fishing Works It was rumored to be a dumping ground for industrial and radioactive waste between 1945 and 1963, before industrial waste disposal was regulated. So you should not be worrying about the best spots at all. As long as you stick to the very basics about bass fishing you will see success on this spot. We saw boats, fishermen, runners, kidsmore, Tons of hiking trails, hills to hike up and down, several lakes with decent fishing, ample parkingmore, Also saw some people fishing. The scent of flowers is ANAZING. You can learn how to locate crappie by using these tips and tricks. So other fish can also be found at the spot. The lake is managed under a cooperative management agreement with the I. You are trying to access a feature that requires a Fishidy account. But believe me there are plenty of spots that have plenty of smallmouth bass. The river is mostly all inside the city area of Chicago and flows from north to south and finally falls in Des Plaines in southwest of the city. Pick nic tables are awesomely located rightmore, Hidden Lake offers fishing, kayaking, biking, walking, bird watching, picnicking, and bathrooms.more, The lake is full of little fish would be fun to try to fish for (but throw back, please! I grew up fishing the DuPage river from North of Plainfield to Minooka. 3lb9oz No boat trailer parking is available at the preserve. 590 acres. 2. Water74, breaks. The Illinois Department of Natural Resources oversees all of the bodies of water within the countys preserves, Loekle said. 2 lb. DuPage County Streams (12) Rice Lake Illinois fishing map and location information: Rice Lake is a Lake in DuPage County, Illinois and can be found on the Wheaton USGS topo map. 3lb13oz, Finding the bigger fish today hiding under slop mats/laydown jam ups. Fish the DuPage - Waterdog Journal Tiki Boat - St. Pete Pier - The Only Authentic Floating Tiki Bar, Carolina History and Haunts Charlotte Historical Ghost Walking Tour. Fishing is one of the most popular activities within the Forest Preserves, but that doesnt stop some visitors from complaining that the fish dont bite at Monee Reservoir and other top fishing spots. The trail has connectors to the Illinois Prairie Path, DuPage River trail and the Herrick Lake trail. Copyright 20042023 Yelp Inc. Yelp, , and related marks are registered trademarks of Yelp. 2023 Fishidy. DuPage County Illinois Fishing Lakes - Fishing Works Black Crappie with a flicker shad, 1 lb. The Compass is full of District news andgeneral interest nature stories, whileGet Going highlights the must-do programs for the coming week. The best part about the river is that there are no crowds of anglers that are fishing for the fish. DuPage - Illinois. Sign in to your account to find other friends and anglers who are using Fishidy. 3 lb. The deep end has several My kids have gone fishing here with friends and had a good time. Anybody who doesnt catch a fish says theres no fish here, said Mark Loekle, a former facility concessions manager at Monee Reservoir. Crappie, Bluegill and bullhead are tops. It's always a memorable place to visit and beauty at it's finest. Air shop open during the season. StCroix AvidX 7'mh fast The Forest Preserve has several premier fishing locations: The reservoirs 46-acre lake is stocked with bluegill, black crappie, largemouth bass and channel catfish. Not a whopper but rhe new Whopper Popper worked well. A fishing license is required for anyone 16 years of age or older who fishes a public Illinois waterway, and may be purchased from Monee Reservoir or the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. The lake is managed under a cooperative . Will County's Smallmouth Bass Secret - The Dupage River the crawfish crankbaits are my favorite in May and June. Air80 Smallmouth Bass with a jointed rap, 1 lb. If you're 16 or older and not legally disabled you must carry a valid Illinois fishing license (an inland trout stamp, too, if you're fishing for trout). Fishing Near Chicago - Forest Preserves of Cook County Rapalas will also work on smallies early in the year, but. You can purchase a fishing license at the Forest Preserve Districts Monee Reservoir or at many retailers across the county. Largemouth Bass with a Rapala Original Floaters. The lake is the largest in the county and harbors abundant populations of bass, muskellunge, catfish, bluegill and several other species.