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. Taking frogs, turtles and mussels is prohibited.
Swimming, wading and float tubes are prohibited. Persons must be entirely secured in watercraft.
All statewide fishing regulations apply, including daily creel and size limits. Illinois fishing licenses are required for everyone age 16 years or older who fishes on a public waterway, and may be purchased at The Tackle Box bait shop at Hidden Lakes Trout Farm in Hidden Oaks Preserve and at Monee Reservoir Visitor Center in Monee Reservoir preserve. All statewide fishing regulations apply, and may be obtained from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.
Additional regulations apply. For more information, download the District's General Use Ordinance No. 124 or call 815-727-8700.
Fishing programs
Fishing programs are offered seasonally at select preserves. Visit the Event Calendar for program listings.
Fishing locations
The Forest Preserve's premier fishing locations include:
Hidden Lakes Trout Farm
Located in Bolingrook, Hidden Oaks Trout Farm provides access to shoreline fishing on four lakes.
Catch-and-release fishing is encouraged, but daily limits are:
HIDDEN LAKES MAP WITH DEPTH INFORMATION
Lake Chaminwood Preserve
Located in Minooka, Lake Chaminwood Preserve features two lakes that include bluegill, redear sunfish, largemouth bass, sauger, channel catfish and white, black and hybrid crappie. Catch-and-release fishing is encouraged, but daily limits are:
LAKE CHAMINWOOD MAP WITH LAKE DEPTH INFORMATION
Small fishing boats are allowed (trolling motors only), but only watercraft that can be carried on top of a vehicle is permitted. There is no boat trailer parking at the preserve.
Lake Renwick Preserve
Located in Plainfield, Lake Renwick Preserve provides access to Turtle and Budde Lakes for shoreline fishing at Turtle Lake Access. Fishing is restricted to posted areas to protect the breeding and foraging habitat for birds at the nearby Lake Renwick Heron Rookery Nature Preserve. The lakes include bluegill, redear sunfish, largemouth bass and channel catfish. Catch-and-release fishing is encouraged, but daily limits are:
Monee Reservoir
Located in Monee Township, Monee Reservoir features a 46-acre lake that is stocked with bluegill, redear sunfish, largemouth bass, northern pike, channel catfish and white, black and hybrid crappie. Catch-and-release fishing is encouraged, but daily limits are:
MONEE RESERVOIR MAP WITH LAKE DEPTH INFORMATION
The preserve also features a visitor center that offers rowboats and trolling motors for rental. Fishing poles can be checked out for free.
Bait and tackle are available for purchase from the visitor center. Minnows must be purchased from the visitor center. The use of amphibians, reptiles and crayfish is prohibited. Check current fishing conditions at Monee Reservoir by calling 708-534-8499.
Rock Run Rookery Preserve
Located in Joliet, Rock Run Rookery Preserve features two lakes that include bluegill, largemouth bass, channel catfish, sauger and white, black and hybrid crappie. Catch-and-release fishing is encouraged, but daily limits are:
ROCK RUN ROOKERY PRESERVE MAP WITH LAKE DEPTH INFORMATION
At the large east lake, a boat launch allows for the entry of small fishing boats (trolling motors only).
Whalon Lake
Located in Naperville, Whalon Lake features an 80-acre lake that has bluegill, black crappie, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, redear sunfish, channel catfish and walleye. Catch-and-release fishing is encouraged, but daily limits are:
WHALON LAKE MAP WITH LAKE DEPTH INFORMATION
A boat launch allows for the entry of small fishing boats (trolling motors only).
Where can I fish?
This chart outlines all of the locations where you can fish in the preserves, as well as whether or not boats are allowed. Use the search box on the graphic to narrow down the results.
Activity fees
Fishing license
A fishing license is required for anyone 16 years of age or older who fishes a public Illinois waterway, and may be purchased from Monee Reservoir or the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.
Illinois resident: $5.50/day, $15/year
Nonresident: $10.50/day, $31.50/year
Duplicate licenses: $3 each
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); Super Senior (for applicants age 75 or older who are Illinois residents), $1.50/year
Fishing pole rental
Fishing poles can be cheked out for free at Monee Reservoir.