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
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Wild Child
Answer the call of your wild child with some fall fun at Hidden Oaks Nature Center.
Four Rivers Story Trail: ‘Millie Fleur Saves the Night’
Follow the Woodland Loop Trail while reading the beautifully illustrated “Millie Fleur Saves the Night.”
Trail Club: November at Hammel Woods
Trail Club is back this fall, and in November we will be meeting Sunday mornings at Hammel Woods.
Latest headlines
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Boat launches, bait shops to close Nov. 1
Winter preparations include closing boat launches and bait shops as well as turning off water fountains and closing lower parking lots.
Day & Night: New exhibit explores a forest around the clock
Large replica oak trees are focal point of exhibit built by staff at Four Rivers Environmental Education Center.
New trail segment links 'two jewels' in eastern Will County
New section of trail connects Plum Valley Preserve to Goodenow Grove Nature Preserve.
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.