Hidden Lakes Trout Farm
Location
Hidden Lakes Trout Farm is located at 475 Trout Farm Road, north of Boughton Road in Bolingbrook.
Hours
Visitor center
Early April-August: Tuesday-Friday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; Saturday-Sunday, 8 a.m.-6 p.m.
September-October: Tuesday-Sunday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Preserve
April to October: 6 a.m.-sunset
November to March: 8 a.m.-sunset
Trails
DuPage River Trail
Note: The road leading down to Hidden Lakes Trout Farm, as well as the parking lot, closes each year on Nov. 1 (or after the first snowfall if it occurs sooner) and reopens on April 5. However, the trail leading down to Hidden Lakes Trout Farm is open year-round.
Phone
815-722-4612
(Tackle Box bait shop)
Hidden Lakes Trout Farm offers outdoor recreational opportunities centered around the preserve’s fishing lakes as well as access to the DuPage River Trail.
Visitors can enjoy scenic views and participate in programs throughout the year including annual fishing derbies for both adults and children.
The Tackle Box bait shop sells bait, tackle and concessions. Fishing poles with closed-face spincast reels are available for free daily use, and visitors can pick up free District publications and trail maps as well as purchase a fishing license.
Fishing
Hidden Lakes Trout Farm is a popular destination for anglers of all skill levels. Visitors can purchase one-day or annual Illinois fishing licenses, or check out fishing poles free of charge. A fishing license is required for anyone at least 16 years of age who fishes a public Illinois waterway and may be purchased at Hidden Lakes. Catch-and-release fishing is encouraged.
Fishing license fees include:
- Illinois resident — $5.50/day or $15/year
- Non-resident — $10.50/day or $31.50/year
- Illinois senior resident (65+) — $5.50/day or $7.75/year
- Illinois senior resident (75+) — $1.50/year
The following bait and tackle are some popular items also available for purchase:
Group outings
While groups of 25 or more are welcome to visit the preserve and visitor center, a special use permit is required in advance to help avoid scheduling conflicts and overcrowding. Call 815-722-4612 for more information.
Upcoming events
View all events
Trout Season Celebration!
It’s fall trout season at Hidden Lakes, and we're opening the gates for some early-morning fishing.
Scavengers of the Sky
Hit the trails to learn what makes turkey vultures unique in the bird world.
WonderKids Weekend Edition: Pumpkins!
Calling all families with preschoolers! October's WonderKids program will be all about pumpkins.
Latest headlines
View all headlines
‘Absolute gem’: Rotary Club honored for role in Forest Preserve’s creation
Rotary Club's vision helped shape 100 years of preservation.
Rainy day gull shot wins September photo contest
Shorewood photographer captures moody moment at Whalon Lake Preserve.
Mocktails at Messenger Woods – a Halloween-themed program for adults
Sip seasonal mocktails, explore the preserve after dark and relax around a campfire on Oct. 15.
Frequently asked questions
Anyone is allowed to shoreline fish at Hidden Lakes Trout Farm. However, individuals who are 16 years of age or older are required to have a current Illinois fishing license. All statewide fishing regulations apply.
The lakes are stocked at the opening of trout season each year and before each fishing derby.
Fish in the lakes include bluegill, sunfish, catfish, bass and trout.
Yes, Hidden Lakes’ Tackle Box bait shop sells a variety of bait including large and medium minnows, nightcrawlers and red worms. The bait shop also sells tackle and concessions.
Ice fishing is not allowed in Will County forest preserves.