Until 2009, fishing at Turtle Lake was seasonally restricted; however, the fishing walls and posted shoreline fishing areas of Turtle and Budde Lakes are now open year-round. The restriction of fishing to posted areas is still required to protect the breeding and foraging habitat for the birds at Lake Renwick Heron Rookery Nature Preserve. Catch-and-Release fishing is encouraged. Taking frogs, turtles, and mussels is prohibited. An Illinois fishing license is required for anyone at least 16 years of age who fishes a public Illinois waterway. Only line fishing is allowed. Anglers may use a maximum of two poles, with no more than two hooks or lures attached to each. Ice fishing, swimming, wading, and dogs in the water are prohibited. All statewide fishing regulations apply.