The washrooms could be closer or perhaps they can add Port-O-Pots! Spring and summer are better times for targeting the area. The scent of flowers is ANAZING. Silver Lake's 62 acres of water support ample populations of largemouth bass, northern pike, bluegill, perch, crappie, catfish and walleye. The following navigation uses TAB to navigate through link items and ENTER or SPACE to open sub-navigation. James Farm Forest Preserve is a place certainly a place worth visiting solely or as a group.. 11. 15# seaguar red label. Copyright 20042023 Yelp Inc. Yelp, , and related marks are registered trademarks of Yelp. In addition to cleaner water, one key to their success is the abundance of crawfish a primary food source for smallmouth bass. 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 Ecologists have recorded more than 254 types of year-round and migrating wildlife among the preserve's 470 different types of plants. Gem of a place for hiking, running, biking. With 14 dams that offer great shore fishing, the Fox is another spectacular fishery for all species including musky, smallmouth bass, walleye and catfish. I could no disagree more. Theyre an extra set of eyes on the water as well, Loekle said, adding that theyve gotten calls before from regulars about canoes that have capsized and people having trouble getting back in or people stranded on the lake because their trolling motor died far from shore. Five Overlooked Illinois Catfish Spots - Game & Fish Find More Fishing Places in DuPage County: Lake (45) Stream (12) DuPage County, Illinois is home to 57 lakes, rivers, and other fishing spots. time and that I went there and it's a nice forest preserve and it's a hidden gem and it's off the beaten path. our family absolutely loves Cosley. The preserve, located in Monee Township, has a visitor center. The lake is managed under a cooperative . Barbless hooks are easier to remove and also less likely to harm fish, improving survival rates. West Branch Du Page River DuPage - Illinois 14 catches 227 followers 7 spots Great Fishing on Private 100-acre Park Imagine spending your perfect day at Backwaters Castle Lake. the books, the craft, meeting an animal (their favorite part) and then going around and saying good night to the barn animals. :), Largemouth Bass with a Livingston Lures Pro Ripper, 1 lb. lake or stream) from the list above. You can help conserve our natural resources by practicing the following guidelines: For the general health of the surrounding wildlife, be sure to properly dispose of fishing line. Its extremely important to for you to go on a trip if you anywhere near the spot. Without huge volumes of baitfish in the system, larger predator fish like pike, musky and even largemouth bass are not as prevalent. 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. 57 miles mapped. I've always returned home with a smile Four Lakes ski area is a hidden gem. The lake is managed under a cooperative management agreement with the I Illinois River from downtown Chicago to Lemont. 3lb13oz, Finding the bigger fish today hiding under slop mats/laydown jam ups. 60404. Follow this back into the woods. 15# Seaguar RedLabel, 19" prespawn Bronzeback. DuPage River IL Fishing Reports, Map & Hot Spots Water60, Pig smallie inhaled the swimjig just above a line of boulders crossing the river w/faster current below. 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. Photo credits: Glenn P. Knoblock, Suzy Lyttle, Chad Merda, Ron Molk, Phil Pursley, Jack Retterer. for the 1st time we did the Bedtime stories and my two boys (4 and 2) absolutely LOVED it! What are people saying about fishing in DuPage County, IL? 3lb13oz, DuPage river largie gobbled it up before the jig hit the floor. Please update your browser using one of modern browsers (Google Chrome, Opera, Firefox, IE 10). They inspect the lakes yearly. They are also available online through the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. 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. What are the best places for nature & parks in DuPage County? No Boat? No Worries - Great Shore Fishing Awaits 16 in. Anglers can use minnows, worms, insects, lures, wet flies, dough balls or stink or blood bait; amphibians, reptiles and crayfish are prohibited for use as bait. As I mentioned earlier, the DuPage has a massive abundance of crawfish, which are a primary food source for smallmouth bass. Instead you have to use best tactics and experience to find and locate the fish that you are targeting. The big thing is to move around.. 3. Gorgeous and free. This park is a little gem in Wheaton Lovely flowers, band concerts at night, this park inspires what all cities should have in the downtown. 60404 Time to Catch Some Bronzebacks Will County's Smallmouth Bass Secret - The Dupage River :), I have to look at the reminder of the one in the tree every time I fish that lake I lost the first one on, I think it waves at me every time I pass the tree but it may be the wind blowing it :) Rob I hope your right but we have some cold stuff blowing back in this weekend :(. But besides that, this park is like a mini-vacation away from the world. Fishing is allowed only during the posted Forest Preserve hours. Crappie, Bluegill and bullhead are tops. After a few minutes, I landed a beautiful smallmouth bass on abright sunny morning. The waters have tons of different types of fish and it is one of the most valuable fishing spots for anglers living in Illinois. 12 Hidden Gems That Are Some Of The Best Lakes In Illinois Typical of a fall bite near the "push" out of more a hole. This is the fish which you will find the most easily and the duration to wait for a bite is extremely low. There are well equipped picnic shelters including two beautiful gazebos. Excellent opportunities for boat, shore and wading anglers. Nearby McDowell Grove Forest Preserve offers access to 22-acre Mud Lake, a particularly productive fishing spot for catfish and carp. DuPage County Illinois Fishing Lakes - Fishing Works For more information, download the District's General Use Ordinance No. A lot of quality smallies working their way up river more & near faster water. Here is your further Dupage rivers fishing guide for each fish also best spots and seasons. Pick nic tables are awesomely located right near the water's edge. Whalon Lake protects a diversity of habitats, including prairie, wetland, an 80-acre lake, and a portion of the DuPage River. Take your photos and measurements quickly. Reservations are available by phone up to three days in advance. But, a tunnel under Plainfield Road conveniently connects the two trails on either side of the road. Boats up to 20 feet long are allowed on the lake, but gasoline-powered motors are not permitted. There is no supplemental stocking required as the catfish reproduce naturally. Herrick Lake Forest Preserve 41 Boating Fishing "5 years ago (2006) this lake was great to fish. Any deep point you find at the river that has enough water is probably full of smallmouth bass. Which places provide the best nature & parks in DuPage County for couples? Anyone 16 years old or older must have a fishing license to fish on a public Illinois waterway. Great value for Naperville residents. I saw a deer, some ducks, and a lot of geese. Many anglers of area are usually fishing in the river for the species at many other parts as well. Play it quickly so it can be released in the best possible condition. Jul 10, 2021 - DuPage River. Frequently Asked Questions about DuPage County. West Branch Du Page River IL Fishing Reports, Map & Hot Spots Trying to get some suggestions of close by places to go fishing, it can even be dock/shore fishing. RPM Italian River North. These are some fishing with a large number of reviews in DuPage County, IL: Waterfall Glen Forest Preserve (137 reviews), Herrick Lake Forest Preserve (41 reviews), Mallard Lake County Forest Preserve (24 reviews), Cricket Creek - Dupage County Forest Preserve. The 390-acre Hidden Lake in Downers Grove is an ideal place to fish, paddle, picnic or just relax. 6 in. No boat trailer parking is available at the preserve. 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. White Pine Pond. 15. Crawbug along the rocks at the head of a 10' pool. Largemouth Bass with a River2Sea Whopper Plopper, 3 crappie and 2 small bass at Blackwell Forest Preserve today, 4 oz. 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 Conservatory is located in the southwest corner of Wilder Park. IDNR Fisheries Biologist, Andy Plauck 815-675-2386 ext. But competition for the fish might make it harder for an average angler to find. Largemouth bass is the most widely available at the river. 5 catches. thanks you Cosley for the great memories!! It has been a steady decline each year. The preserve, in Joliet, has two lakes. You could fish that river every day for three months and still not cover all of it. It was created by the damming of Grassy Creek and is one of the best lakes in Illinois for fishing and boating. Herrick Lake - Forest Preserve District of DuPage County Use your judgment with swallowed hooks. Excellent fields for play - soccer fields have sod OR astroturf for wet days. Water74. and releases them back to the wild when recovered or f We walked on the beautiful trails crossing over the, Hidden Lake Forest Preserve in the north-west corner of Downers Grove is a neat little, Our group walked the trail, saw flowers, many. All Rights Reserved. Air80 Water60, a hole. Anglers without a boat can cast a line from shore or from two fishing piers. As the area has a large varieties of fish in its different parts of water. Shimano Curado I There are three main river systems in DuPage County: the West Branch DuPage River, the East Branch DuPage River and Salt Creek. 8 a.m.-4 p.m. weekdays. Keep fish in the water as much as possible to reduce stress and allow the fish to breathe. East Branch Du Page River IL Fishing Reports, Map & Hot Spots It features two lakes and a river, trails, fishing, boating and picnic areas, including a new picnic shelter. Site Design by Gammon Group. Fishing by boat is also allowed at some preserves. Highly recommended for the beginning fisher woman/man.". DuPage County, Illinois is home to 57 lakes, rivers, and other fishing spots. Water55 The preserve provides trailer parking and a boat launch on the lake for sm Sign in to your account to find other friends and anglers who are using Fishidy. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. The West Branch of the DuPage River, an excellent trout stream that flows southward through the entire county, is accessible through McDowell Grove, West Branch, Pioneer Park and Warrendale Grove forest preserves. Generally the fishing in Dupage river is very large variety type of fishing. 2 spots. 3lb11oz. Although there are not as many deep portions as the Fox River or Kankakee, nor as popular, there are still plenty of places that hold smallies. Great fishing spots on the second lake over the bridge. This one is also one of the most common species it is very easy to find the crappie at any point of the Dupage. Lake Profile -- SILVER LAKE - DUPAGE CO. - I Fish Illinois The bank staff came out, helped get him into a box, and I took him to the Center. This power plant cooling lake is one of the best hybrid striper lakes in the nation. All rights reserved. Fish Species Found in DuPage County Area Largemouth Bass, Bream/Bluegill, Catfish, Crappie, Bullhead, Rock Bass, Sunfish, Carp, Rainbow Trout, and 12 more Bodies of Water in DuPage County Area 16 Lakes 9 Rivers and Streams 10 Reservoirs 4 other Illinois resident: $5.50/day, $15/year. Loekle, however, sees evidence to the contrary every day as fish at Monee Reservoir are reeled in by anglers of varying experience levels. We may have highlighted some of the best fishing spots in DuPage County based on feedback from our visitors. But if you are experienced this may not be the place. .embed-container { position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.25%; height: 0; overflow: hidden; max-width: 100%; } .embed-container iframe, .embed-container object, .embed-container embed { position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; }. Generally the fishing in Dupage river is very large variety type of fishing. Air80 Another feature that makes the DuPage a great home to smallmouth is the lack of competition is another factor that allows smallmouth bass to flourish in the DuPage River. Click on any of the pins on the DuPage County map or narrow your search by selecting a place type (e.g. Check the map because there are many trails. 17540 W. Laraway Road,Joliet, IL 60433 It has become a very popular waterway for kayakers as well as inner-tubers just floating in water to cool off on a summer day. August is the best month to target bass in Illinois but in the Dupage you are probably more likely to have best fishing in early fall. Air60 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. This lake is not really big enough to boat in because the lakes are very small and you could boat around the lakes like 8 times before you have to return the boat to the harbor masters. Overall Dupage river is great spot for Northern pike fishing. So you should not be worrying about the best spots at all. The Forest Preserve District of DuPage County has set aside thousands of acres of forests, prairies and wetlands across the county for public use, including hunting, fishing, hiking and camping. S iena Tavern River North. Didn't feel the bite ,just saw the line moving righttypical of those bigguns. Float trip today on the DuPage. The river is loaded with the species and it is for sure the best fishing spot for smallmouth in the region. So to that point, my favorite lures are crawfish-imitation lures. Camping and Fishing in DuPage County, IL | USA Today Copyright Locality, LLC | Privacy Policy | Terms of Use | About | Contact. 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. 590 acres Followers 1502 Catches 146 Spots 71 Mallard Lake 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. But believe me there are plenty of spots that have plenty of smallmouth bass. Seconds later, a 3-pound bronze bullet exploded from the water trying to shake the lure. Fishing spots, fishing reports and regulations in DuPage River - Fishbrain 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. Air60 Naperville. A section of the East Branch Du Page River in DuPage County, Illinois. A wonderful day spent out of doors! Some sites have electrical hookups, and centrally-located showers, restroom and sanitation stations are open to all campers. If you like to see birds, the path near the Lincoln Marsh is great, as Great, quiet location for hiking, picnics, family gatherings. Fishing DuPage County - YouTube Shimano Curado I 6:3:1 Rice Lake Fishing, DuPage County IL (Wheaton Area) This way you will be targeting the best location and the largest possible population area for it. Here are some of the best tips to target and catch northern pike easily. 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. The crushed stone trail is approximately a 2-mile loop. One of the deepest lakes in the state, this one spans 810 acres and is located in southern Illinois near Marion. Quick Afternoon Fishing at Cricket Creek in DuPage County, IllinoisJust exploring local fishing spots around town-----. Small fishing boats with trolling motors are allowed, but only watercraft that can be transported on top of a vehicle are permitted. It also has a good population near the end of the eastern branch and has good sized fish. The GPS coordinates for this Lake are 41.8261477 (latitude), -88.1003523 (longitude) and the approximate elevation is 728 feet (222 meters) above sea level. THE 10 BEST Parks & Nature Attractions in DuPage County (2023) The deep end has several My kids have gone fishing here with friends and had a good time. Caught 4 solid bass within 20 minutes and lost 2 more. Not that smallmouth are prized for tablefare, its still a great practice to catch and release them. Northern pikes can be easily found at the west west branch and they are quite seasonal. If those times won't work for you, 12:00AM to 12:00AM looks promising. The trails are wide which is good with Covid. The wonderful and impressive Manor, not accessible, with stunning architecturalmore, I have to write this review we are here now. Pick nic tables are awesomely located right." more 2. Willow Lake. 80 in. Support the Forest Preserve District by making a donation to the Nature Foundation of Will County. My kids have gone fishing here with friends and had a good time. Good facilities and safe for all ages. The have good quality, size and significant presence at most parts of the river. As my line tightened and the rod began to bend, I felt the pole load up with a good fish on the other end of the line. Trying to pull out a deeply swallowed hook can cause more harm than good, so it may be best in some cases to cut the line. they have been talking about it non stop! Water67 I also prefer remote stretches of water. - Half-day Swim with Pigs at Rose Island! DuPage County Bait Shops, Tackle Shops, Fishing Reports, and Fishing Fishing in Dupage River Illinois, Complete Guide & Spots - Anglers resource Anybody who doesnt catch a fish says theres no fish here, said Mark Loekle, a former facility concessions manager at Monee Reservoir. The trail has connectors to the Illinois Prairie Path, DuPage River trail and the Herrick Lake trail. Some of the best fishing takes place in spring and early summer when fish can often be found around near-shore vegetation. Swimbait slowrolled & dragged getting things done. The preserve has a boat launch to allow for entry of small fishing boats with trolling motors only. You can purchase a fishing license at the Forest Preserve Districts Monee Reservoir or at many retailers across the county. This preserve, in Plainfield, provides access to both Turtle Lake and Budde Lake for shoreline fishing. Whalon Lake, for example, is a great place to catch walleye and smallmouth bass - two fish you won't catch at the reservoir. Shoreline fishing is permitted at many other preserves. Crappie, Bluegill and bullhead are tops. Nice and quiet spot. This is a review for lakes in DuPage County, IL: "Fished at Herrick Lake Last weekend with a friend. For the DuPage River, it's branches and main stem, you'll be surprised at how much public access there is. Not to Mention the" read more, All "Fishing" results in DuPage County, IL. Cost is as follows: Fishing licenses expire on March 31 each year. The slopes are not intimidating Nice place for a afternoon stroll, or fisher, or sitting on a bench! 1009 Geneva Street | Shorewood, IL. Air82 2015 Dan Stefanich Outdoors. What are people saying about lakes in DuPage County, IL? To get to the bluebell area, cross the bridge over the DuPage River from the parking lot. Excellent shore fishing areas. Channel catfish, small and largemouth bass, sunfish, northern pike, crappie and bluegill are the most common bites. You can find many other species as well that are caught by chance by anglers while targeting for other types. Some anglers even prefer its smallmouths over largemouth and want to be fishing for smallmouth at Dupage more than any other fish. At 457 acres, Busse Reservoir is one of the largest fishing and boating waters in Cook County. 3lb13oz 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. Click a feature on the map to view its details. Water74, breaks. The most popular fishing on the lake seems to be for game fish such as walleyes, pike, muskies and crappies. I've always returned home with a smile and gratitude I visited! it has become a weekly trip that is always fun and exciting. Lake Le-Aqua-Na Google/Holo Is cool Monee Reservoir has a lot of regular anglers who Loekle has come to know over the years, and they are helpful in sharing tips and tricks of the trade, which he is then able to pass on to others who may be looking for suggestions on, for example, what kind of bait to use for a particular fish. Many of these spots are open to public fishing. Boat launch facilities are provided at Blackwell Forest Preserve, and the quiet shoreline of Silver Lake is perfect for canoeing and kayaking. Minnows must be purchased from the visitor center, and the use of amphibians, reptiles and crayfish is prohibited. Shimano Curado I 6:3:1 He said they have a lot of newcomers and families visit the reservoir, and hes always happy to help with bait suggestions and pointing out some good places to try for a catch. Most sites are shady and secluded, though some are a bit more open, and each includes a campfire ring and picnic table. What are some fishing with a large number of reviews in DuPage County, IL? What are some highly rated fishing in DuPage County, IL? Fishing Fawell Dam, IL on 4/29/2023 will be best from 12:00AM through 12:00AM, and from 12:00AM to 12:00AM. Best Mother's Day Brunches in Chicago - MommyPoppins the crawfish crankbaits are my favorite in May and June. This 18+" fatty wouldn't quit. I rode my bike and hiked on the trails in Springbrook Prairie Forest Preserve in Naperville in August. 3lb9oz Connecting the Fox Chain of Lakes to the Illinois River, the Fox River has 110 miles of fishable water. Fishing - Forest Preserve District of DuPage County . This amazing spot is already near most of the Chicago so dont miss any chance. 10 Illinois Bass Lakes You've Never Heard Of - Game & Fish Northern Illinois Fishing Maps | Sportsman's Connection #4.25.5. This 80-acre lake in Naperville is stocked with bluegill, black crappie, largemouth bass, channel catfish and walleye. Nice to get a 20" on home waters. You may also find good crappie near the tributary of the river in Des Plaines. #4.25.5. Short flips at the top of the mat & let the current drift the craw underneath. No, this is not taking place in the Northwoods, but right here in the DuPage River. Walking/ rollerblading/ and bike paths along the lake. Definately a must see.more, Fishing is one of the popular activities. This is a review for fishing in DuPage County, IL: "5 years ago (2006) this lake was great to fish. There is a sandy beach area with zero depth entry. Unless you like cleaning moss off your lure after each cast, mid-June is the ideal time to switch from crankbaits to weedless soft plastics like the Chigger Craw, or 4 tube jigs. There are no major deep places at the river that should be responsible for holding smallmouth bass. You can learn how to locate crappie by using these tips and tricks. The place was chirping with variety of grassland birds and lots of rabbits were on the trails. Large shallow lakes with excellent channels. The DuPage River is one of the most overlooked smallmouth bass fisheries in Northern Illinois. Keep your hands wet while handling fish, and handle them as little as possible. Bass, catfish and panfish tops. Shoreline docks, piers, and weeds provide the most cover. Despite being a part of the Chicago metropolitan area, DuPage County is home to a surprising wealth of outdoor resources. 3lb11oz. 10 Best Catfish Fishing Lakes and Rivers in Colorado, Fishing in San Diego River, Fish Species & Best Spots. It was a great spot for catching bluegillsmore. By Toyota1994. Fishing maps, stocking, surveys and exhaustive fishing information for lakes and rivers in the northern half of the state are provided in this handy, 224-page, 8 x 11" spiral-bound guide. Craziest fishing day I've ever had. Nature & Wildlife Areas. Whalon Lake IL Fishing Reports, Map & Hot Spots The large lake on the east side of the preserve has a boat launch to allow for entry of small fishing boats with trolling motors only. Same as the other species you will have to focus on the deep spots to find the best possible fish.