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Recreational Activities
Find Out What Activities Our Preserves Offer

Fishing

Fishing opportunities are available in the Will County forest preserves free of charge.

Fishing Regulations

Fishing is allowed year-round, weather permitting. Ice fishing is not allowed. Only line fishing is permitted. Anglers may use a maximum of two poles, with no more than two hooks or lures attached to each. Swimming, wading, and dogs in the water are prohibited. Taking frogs, turtles, and mussels is also prohibited.

All statewide fishing regulations apply, including daily creel and size limits. Illinois fishing licenses are required for everyone 16 years or older who fishes on a public waterway, and may be purchased at Monee Reservoir. For more information about state fishing regulations, including fish harvest limits, contact the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.

Fishing Locations

The Forest Preserve's premiere fishing locations include:

Monee Reservoir: This preserve, located in Monee, features a 46-acre lake as well as a concessions building that offers fishing poles, rowboats, and trolling motors for rental. (Learn more about boating in the forest preserves.) The following bait is also available for purchase:

Large Minnows - $2/dozen
Small Minnows - $2/dozen
Nightcrawlers - $2.50/dozen
Jumbo Red Worms - $2.50/30 count
Little Red Worms - $2.50/50 count
Wax Worms - $2/20 count
Wax Worm Tub - $9/approximately 250 count
Dough Bait - $4/jar
Stink Bait - $5/jar

Minnows must be purchased from the concessions building. The use of live crayfish is prohibited. The fishing lake at this location is stocked with bluegill, black crappie, largemouth bass, and channel catfish. Catch and Release fishing is encouraged, but daily limits are:

Type of Fish	Daily Limit	Minimum Size
Large or Smallmouth Bass	1	15 inches or larger
Channel Catfish	6	None

Check current fishing conditions at Monee Reservoir by calling 708.534.8499.

Whalon Lake: This preserve, located in Bolingbrook, features an 80-acre lake that is stocked with bluegill, black crappie, largemouth bass, channel catfish, and walleye. 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

A boat launch allows for the entry of small fishing boats (trolling motors only). (Learn more about boating in the forest preserves.)

Rock Run Rookery: This preserve, located in Joliet, features two lakes. At the large east lake, Catch and Release fishing is encouraged, and a boat launch allows for the entry of small fishing boats (trolling motors only). (Learn more about boating in the forest preserves.) At the small west lake, Catch and Release fishing is required.

View a full listing of preserves and water bodies at which fishing is permitted.

Photograph Courtesy of Ron Molk

Activity Fees

Fishing License

A fishing license is required for anyone at least 16 years of age who fishes a public Illinois waterway, and may be purchased from Monee Reservoir or the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.

Resident: $5.50/day, $15/year

Non-Resident: $5.50/day, $31.50/year (Out-of-State)

Fishing License (Senior Citizen)

The Senior Citizen fishing license is for applicants who are age 65 or older and are Illinois residents. A fishing license is required for anyone at least 16 years of age who fishes a public Illinois waterway, and may be purchased from Monee Reservoir or the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.

Activity Fee: $5.50/day, $7.75/year (Illinois Residents Only)

Fishing Pole Rental

Fishing poles are available for rental at Monee Reservoir. A $10 cash deposit is required for rental. Renters must be 18 years old and bring a valid driver's license or state ID. Fishing poles must be returned by 7:00 p.m., or a $5 late fee will be charged.

Activity Fee: $5/day

View All Activity Fees

You can enjoy this activity at the following locations:

Preserves

• Centennial Trail / I&M Canal Trail (Romeoville/Lockport/Joliet)

• Evans-Judge Preserve (Custer Township)

• Forsythe Woods (Wilmington)

• Hadley Valley Preserve (New Lenox)

• Hammel Woods (Shorewood)

• Hickory Creek Preserve - LaPorte Road Access (Mokena)

• Hunters Woods (Frankfort)

• Isle a la Cache Preserve (Romeoville)