Along the east branch of the DuPage River lies the 266-acre Whalon Lake, acquired between 1992 and 1994. The preserve features an oak-savanna grove and large wetland areas that have been restored and enhanced, in addition to a variety of recreation opportunities.

The western portion of the preserve includes a picnic shelter that can be reserved for large groups. It also contains an eight-acre dog park with a smaller 2.5-acre park for dogs under 35 pounds. A permit is required for dog park use.

The eastern portion of the preserve features an 80-acre converted quarry lake that offers canoeing, kayaking, and boating opportunities. A 1.85-mile paved trail, part of the multi-jurisdictional DuPage River Trail, encircles the lake. The trail continues 0.5-mile west beyond the dog park to the wetlands; this trail is ideal for hiking, biking, in-line skating, and cross-country skiing. A picnic shelter near the lake can be reserved for large groups.

The lake is stocked with bluegill, black crappie, largemouth bass, channel catfish, and walleye for fishing. Catch and Release fishing is encouraged, but daily limits are:

Type of Fish	Daily Limit	Minimum Size
Bluegill or Redear Sunfish	15	None
Channel Catfish	3	None
Large or Smallmouth Bass	1	18 inches or larger

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, and may be obtained from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. Only two pole and line fishing is allowed. Ice fishing, swimming, wading, and dogs in the water are prohibited. All statewide fishing regulations apply.

A boat launch and trailer parking are available at Whalon Lake, and there is no launch fee. However, the following regulations must be followed:

• Boats may be launched at Whalon Lake between April 1 and October 31.
• Non-gasoline powered watercraft up to 18 feet are permitted, including fishing boats, rowboats, canoes, and kayaks. Only electric trolling motors can be used. (Gas-powered motors must be raised and out of the water.)
  
• All watercraft must be registered with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR).
• All IDNR boating regulations are enforced.
• Federal and State regulations require that watercraft contain one well-fitting Personal Flotation Device (PFD) for each person on the watercraft. Children under the age of 13 must wear PFDs when on water. We require all individuals regardless of age to wear PFDs when in private canoes and kayaks.

Photographs Courtesy of Ron Molk and Jim Simak