The Forest Preserve offers fishing boat launches and rowboat rentals at select preserves. Fishing boat launches provide trailer parking, and there is no launch fee.
Boating regulations
All Illinois Department of Natural Resources (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. All persons in a rented canoe or kayak must wear a personal flotation device at Monee Reservoir and at District-sponsored programs.
Boats may be launched between April 1 and Oct. 31.
Non-gasoline powered watercraft up to 18 feet are permitted, including fishing boats, rowboats, canoes and kayaks. Sailboats, float tubes (belly boats) and paddle boards are not permitted. Only electric trolling motors can be used. (Gas-powered motors must be raised and out of the water.)
Inflatable watercraft is permitted. Swimming and wading are prohibited. Persons must be entirely secured in watercraft.
Additional regulations apply. For more information, download the District's General Use Ordinance No. 124 or call 815-727-8700.
Boating programs
Boating programs are offered seasonally at select preserves. Visit the Event Calendar for program listings.
Boating locations
Boat launches are located at Whalon Lake in Naperville and Rock Run Rookery Preserve in Joliet. At Rock Run Rookery Preserve, boats are not allowed in the small west lake or in the portion of the large east lake marked by buoys, which protects an established rookery.
Boating is also allowed at Lake Chaminwood Preserve in Troy Township, but only boats that can be transported in or on top of a vehicle and carried or rolled by hand cart to the lake are permitted. There is no boat trailer parking at the preserve.
Pedal boats and rowboats are available for rental at Monee Reservoir. Fishing is permitted from rowboats, and trolling motors are also available for rental. Life vests, oars and paddles are included with the rental. Boats are rented on a first-come, first-served basis. Private canoes, kayaks and small fishing boats are allowed at Monee Reservoir, but only boats that can be transported in or on top of a vehicle and carried or rolled by hand cart to the lake are permitted. There is no boat trailer parking or boat launch at the preserve.
Activity fees
Anchor rental
Anchors are available for rental at Monee Reservoir.
Activity Fee: $1/day
Canoe and kayak rental
Canoes and kayaks are rented on a first-come, first-served basis at Monee Reservoir May 1-Sept. 30. With a rental, life vests, oars, and paddles are included.
Canoes have a maximum capacity of three persons per canoe. Regular kayaks have a maximum capacity of one person per kayak, and tandem kayaks have a maximum capacity of two persons per kayak.
A $20 cash deposit is required. Renters must be 18 years old and bring a valid driver's license or state ID. A $20 late fee will be charged if boats are not returned by 5:00 p.m. Sept. 15-Sept. 30, or 7:00 p.m. May 1-Sept. 14.
Activity fee: $15/hour, $35/half-day
Kayak rentals are being offered by The Forge at Whalon Lake, which obtained a concessions license with the District. A maximum of 30 rented kayaks will be allowed at one time on the lake, which has an 80-watercraft limit. Private kayaks can still be launched on the lake. Current costs and hours that rentals are available can be found on The Forge's Whalon Lake Kayak Rentals website.
Pedal boat rental
Pedal boats are typically available for rental at Monee Reservoir May 1-Oct. 31. Pedal boats have a maximum capacity of four persons per boat (955 pounds). There is no fishing from pedal boats.
A $20 cash deposit is required on all boat rentals. Renters must be 18 years old and bring a valid driver's license or state ID. A $20 late fee will be charged if boats are not returned by 7 p.m. May 1-Sept. 14 or 5 p.m. Sept. 15-Oct. 31,
Activity Fee: $15/hour
Rowboat rental
Rowboats are typically available for rental at Monee Reservoir April 1-Oct. 31. Rowboats have a maximum capacity of four persons per boat. Only electric trolling motors are allowed. Boats must leave the dock while fishing.
A $20 cash deposit is required on all boat rentals. Renters must be 18 years old and bring a valid driver's license or state ID. A $20 late fee will be charged if boats are not returned by 5 p.m. in April and Sept. 15-Oct. 31, or 7 p.m. May 1-Sept. 14.
Activity Fee: $15/hour, $35/half-day, $45/day
Trolling motor only rental
Trolling motors are available for rental at Monee Reservoir.
Activity Fee: $10/hour
Trolling motor battery only rental
Batteries for personal trolling motors are available for rental at Monee Reservoir.
Activity Fee: $10/hour
Trolling motor and battery rental
Trolling motors and batteries may also be rented as a package at Monee Reservoir.
Activity Fee: $15/hour, $35/half-day, $45/day