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Recreational Activities
Find Out What Activities Our Preserves Offer

Fishing

Monee Reservoir, a 46-acre lake, offers free shoreline fishing throughout the year. Rowboat rentals are available by the hour, half day, or full day. Anglers can bring their own trolling motors or rent one from the concessions building, open daily except for Mondays. Fishing poles are also available for rent. The lake is stocked with bluegill, black crappie, largemouth bass, channel catfish, and pike. Taking frogs, turtles, and mussels is prohibited. Catch-and-Release fishing is encouraged. The concessions building offers snacks and bait for sale. Minnows must be purchased from the concessions building. The use of live crayfish is prohibited. You can check current fishing conditions at Monee Reservoir by calling 708.534.8499 or checking the Monee Reservoir Fishing Report on-line during the fishing season.

Our other managed fishing lake, Whalon Lake, is also stocked with bluegill, black crappie, largemouth bass, and channel catfish, but this lake is Catch-and-Release only. Fish may be released only into the same water from where they were taken. Free shoreline fishing is available, and a boat launch allows for the entry of small fishing boats (trolling motors only).

Another popular fishing spot is at Lake Renwick Preserve - Turtle Lake Access. This preserve offers free shoreline fishing on Turtle and Budde Lakes. Forsythe Woods offers shoreline access to Forked Creek, and Rock Run Greenway - Black Road Access offers shoreline access to a quarry pond. None of these water bodies is stocked for fishing.

We also offer access to fishing in Illinois rivers at McKinley Woods, Hammel Woods, and Isle a la Cache Preserve.

For a full listing of Preserves where fishing is allowed, visit our Fishing Locations page.

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. Illinois fishing licenses are required for everyone 16 years or older who fishes on a public waterway. For details, contact the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. Illinois fishing licenses can also be purchased at Monee Reservoir.

Photograph Courtesy of Lynn Kurczewski

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. 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 (Resident)

Fishing Pole Rental

A $10 cash deposit is required for fishing pole 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

• Evans-Judge Preserve (Custer Township)

• Forsythe Woods (Wilmington)

• Hammel Woods (Shorewood)

• Isle a la Cache Preserve (Romeoville)

• Lake Renwick Preserve - Turtle Lake (Plainfield)

• McKinley Woods (Channahon)

• Monee Reservoir (Monee)

• Rock Run Greenway - Black Road Access (Joliet)