fishing guide—lake county forest preserves · 2014-04-29 · ice fishing ice fishing shelters...

Fishing Guide

3

Your Lake County Forest Preserves

Fishing Guide Contents

General Fishing Information ................................................ 4

Basic Fishing Knots ............................................................... 6

Buffalo Creek Forest Preserve Buffalo Creek Reservoir ...................................................... 7

Captain Daniel Wright Woods Forest Preserve

Wright Woods Pond ............................................................. 8

Des Plaines River Greenway ................................................ 9

Fox River Forest Preserve Fox River ................................................................................ 10

Grant Woods Forest Preserve Rubber Duck Pond ............................................................... 11

Greenbelt Forest Preserve Dugdale Lake ........................................................................ 12

Pulaski Lake .......................................................................... 13

Half Day Forest Preserve Half Day Pond ....................................................................... 14

Hastings Lake Forest Preserve Hastings Lake ........................................................................ 15

Independence Grove Forest Preserve The Lake at Independence Grove ....................................... 16

Lake Carina Forest Preserve

Lake Carina ........................................................................... 18

Lakewood Forest Preserve Banana Lake .......................................................................... 19

Taylor Lake ............................................................................ 19

Beaver Lake ........................................................................... 20

Acorn Pond ............................................................................ 20

Heron Pond ............................................................................ 21

Nippersink Forest Preserve Nippersink ............................................................................. 22

Old School Forest Preserve Old School Lake .................................................................... 23

Raven Glen Forest Preserve Timber Lake .......................................................................... 24

Van Patten Woods Forest Preserve Sterling Lake .......................................................................... 25

Wadsworth Road Canoe Launch Des Plaines Lake ................................................................... 26

4 5

Species Minimum Length Creel Limit Bluegill/sunfish n/a n/a Channel catfish n/a n/a Crappie n/a n/a Largemouth bass n/a 6 per day

Muskellunge 36 inches 1 per day

Northern pike 24 inches 3 per day

Rainbow trout 10 inches 5 per day

Smallmouth bass n/a 3 per day

Walleye 14 inches 6 per day

Note: Only line fishing is allowed in Forest Preserve waterways. Anglers may use a

maximum of two poles. Independence Grove and Nippersink Forest Preserves have a

mandatory catch-and-release fishing program. This program makes it recreational for

anglers and beneficial for nature. Anglers are encouraged to use barbless, non-stainless

steel hooks at all forest preserves. See page 4 for proper technique.

Site Map Legend

Ranger Station Restrooms Wheelchair Access

Drinking Water North Arrow Phone

N

OriginsLake County owes its abundance of lakes to the last ice age when the Wisconsin

glacier advanced and retreated across the landscape some 16,000 to 18,000 years

ago. Glaciers gouged and carved the landscape, and large masses of ice left behind

created depressions that form some of our present day lakes. In addition, some

lakes and ponds in the preserves are man-made, former quarries or borrow pits,

or dammed streams.

LicensesAll anglers over the age of 16 must have a valid Illinois fishing license. Anglers

fishing for rainbow trout in Banana Lake at Lakewood Forest Preserve must also

have an inland trout stamp. Fees from these licenses provide funds to manage

and stock many of these lakes and ponds annually. Purchase them at

Independence Grove Forest Preserve near Libertyville, many sporting

goods stores, or online at www.DNR.state.il.us.

BaitLive bait is permitted. However, seining or trapping

baitfish, shellfish or other aquatic organisms is not

permitted in any Forest Preserve waterway. Please do not

release unused lived bait into Forest Preserve waterways where non-

native species will cause problems for existing fish populations. Worms and

tackle are sold only at Independence Grove.

Catch-and-Release—tips for proper techniqueCatch-and-release fishing is an important part of maintaining good

populations and is mandatory at Independence Grove and Nippersink

Forest Preserves. At the other preserves, we highly encourage you

to release bass or other predator fish. These predator fish help to

keep panfish populations in balance.

• Land a fish as soon as possible. Exhausting a fish lowers its chance of

survival.

• When possible, do not use a net. Nets remove a fish’s protective slime.

• Always wet hands before handling fish. This protects the protective slime.

• Use barbless hooks for easier hook removal.

• Keep fish in the water while removing the hook.

• Handle toothless fish by gripping the lower jaw.

• Handle fish with teeth behind the gill covers.

• Never grab a fish directly on the gill covers.

• Never grip a fish around the abdomen.

• Never grip a fish by depressing the eyes.

• If a fish swallows the hook do not attempt to remove it. Cut the line as close to

the hook as possible and return the fish to the water.

• Gently place the fish in the water upon release; never throw a fish back.

Boat RentalsFishing boats are available for rent at Independence Grove. Boating is not

permitted at other lakes and ponds except for Sterling Lake at Van Patten Woods

(see page 25). Float tubes, belly boats and wading are not permitted.

HoursFishing hours at most preserves are 6:30 a.m. to sunset. At the Independence

Grove Marina, daily service runs Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day.

Weekend service runs mid-April through Memorial Day and again Labor Day until

mid-October. Marina hours are 6:30 a.m. to one hour before sunset. Call

847-968-3499 or visit www.IndependenceGrove.org for further information.

Ice FishingIce fishing shelters must be removed at the end of each day, only two poles are

allowed, and holes must be drilled six inches or smaller. A uniform 4.5-inch layer

of ice is required. Ice fishing is permitted in the south bay at Independence Grove,

on Banana Lake at Lakewood, and on Sterling Lake at Van Patten Woods. For the

latest ice conditions, call the Winter Sports Hotline at 847-968-3235 or check our

website at www.LCFPD.org.

Cast No TrashPlease deposit all litter, including fishing line, in trash receptacles. Most sites offer

recycling and fishing line collection tubes. Forest Preserve staff has seen birds

and other wildlife entangled in old fishing line. Please help us avoid this.

Wheelchair AccessMany forest preserves offer wheelchair access for fishing. See individual preserve

maps on the following pages for details.

Fishing in your Lake County Forest PreservesThe Lake County Forest Preserve District works with the Illinois Department of

Natural Resources (IDNR) to manage a number of lakes and ponds that provide

quality fishing.

State of Illinois fishing regulations, including site specific regulations, apply at all

sites in addition to the following limits. Additional information is available online

at www.DNR.state.il.us/fish.

6 7

N

TRAIL

TRAIL

TRAIL

SCALE

LAKE-COOK ROAD

PARKING

CHECKER ROAD

AR

LIN

GTO

N H

EIG

HT

S R

OA

D

FEET200500

DEEPEST WATER7 ft

Buffalo Creek Forest Preserve

Buffalo Creek Reservoir

Designed and built as a flood control reservoir in 1986, the lake is not managed or

stocked for fishing. Careful and creative design of the reservoir has created a

natural-looking wetland.

DirectionsLocated in Buffalo Grove on the southern border of Lake County. At corner of

Lake-Cook and Arlington Heights Roads, go north on Arlington Heights Road 1⁄2 mile to Checker Road. Turn west on Checker Road to preserve entrance. From

parking lot, take the trail west.

34 acres

max depth: 7 feet• The “tag end” (a.k.a. “working end”) is the end of the line used to tie the knot.

• The “standing end” is the line that comes from your reel.

• Leave about 12 inches of the “tag end” of line to tie knots properly.

• You want the strongest knot possible to avoid losing fish.

• Simple overhand knots actually weaken your line.

• Practice tying until you can create each knot easily and correctly.

• Use saliva to wet knots as you pull them tight. This prevents damage to the

line, helps pull the knot tight and prevents it from slipping.

• Once tied, trim knots closely. A good, tight knot will not come loose, and close

trimming prevents the knot from catching snags or weeds.

• Do not burn the tag end. Heat damages the line and knot.

Improved Clinch Knot - Used to tie fishing line to a hook or lure for lines up

to 20-pound test. The secret is making five turns of the tag end around the standing

end before putting the tag end back through the formed loop. The final tuck of the

line back through the loop makes this knot very strong.

Palomar Knot - Used to tie fishing line to a hook or lure for lines up to and over

20-pound test. This takes more line to tie and can tangle because it is doubled first,

but it is a favorite of many anglers because it is easy and can be tied in the dark.

Non-Slip Loop Knot - Used with larger lines where a tight knot can affect the

hook or lure movement. This knot creates a fixed loop so the hook can move freely.

Blood Knot - Used to join two lines of similar diameter. The secret is making five

turns of line with each tag end around the overlapped standing end. Tip: Make one

series of turns, tuck the tag end between the two lines and repeat with second line.

Arbor Knot - Used to attach line to your reel. This knot does not need to be

strong. Run line around the spool, make overhand knot around standing line, clip

and pull.

Basic Fishing Knots

Use fishing knots to properly tie your line to your hook, lure and other tackle. The

knots below are those most commonly used by anglers. Each knot has a specific

purpose. When creating your knot, consider the following:

bluegill/sunfish largemouth bass northern pike

Step 1 Step 2

Step 1 Step 2

Step 1 Step 2

Step 1 Step 2 Step 3 Step 4

Step 1 Step 3Step 2

8 9

Yorkhouse R

Waukegan Rd

Wadsworth Rd

Washington St

d Lake Rd

Russell Rd

Riverwoods Rd

Lewis A

ve

Hunt Club Rd

Green Bay Rd

Grand Ave

Dugdale R

Deerfield R

Delaney Rd

Checker Rd

Arlington H

ts Rd

Alm

ond Rd

94

41

45

45

83

83

60

131

173

132

137

176

131

94

ONNER FARM

ONALD

WAUKEGANSAVANNA

THUNDEGOLF CLETHEL’S

WOODS

MIDDLEFOSAVANNA

NERAL OFFICES

LAYSIDEUB

ALMONDMARSH

BRAE LOCH GOLF CLUB

S NA

PINE DUNESM

Canoe launch

Yorkhouse Re

Waukegan Rd

Waukegan Rd

Wadsworth Rd

Washington St

d Lake Rdd

Russell Rd

Riverwoods Rd

r

Lewis A

ve

Hunt Club Rd

Green Bay Rd

Gre

Grand Ave

Dugdalddale Raleal

Deerfield R

Delaney Rd

Checker Rdhecker Rd

Arlington H

ts Rdon

Alm

ond Rd

94

41

45

45

83

83

60

131

173

132

137

176

131

94

ONNER FARMER FAFARARMRM

ONALD O DLD

NNAAUKEGWAWWAUKEGAAAAUWAAA NNNNGGGKKKEEEWAW AGAGAUWA KAUKEGAAAWAUKEGANWAWAAUKKEGAGANANAANNVAAAAVANNAAAVAAAAVASAVANNNNNAVVAVSAVANNAAAAAAASAAVVV NNSASAVAVAVANANNANA

DDTHUNDEDHUNDDTTHUNDEGOLF CLCGOLF CLCGOLGOLFLF CLCLETHEL’SETETTHEL’L’’S

WOODSWOWOOOODSDS

MIDDLEFOMM DDLEFOD LEFLLIDDLEFOLLMIDDLEFOMIDDLELEFOFOSAVANNANNAVAVSAVANNAVSAVANNSASAVAVAVANANNANA

RAL OFFICESRNN RARNNERALENERANNERARAL

ALALALASIDSYSSYSIDEYSYSIDEUBBUUB

ALMONDAAAALMALMOAALMLMOONDMONDSHSRRARAMAMMARSHHRSRSMAAAA SMARSHMAMARARSRSH

BRAE LOCHBRARAEAE LOLOCHCH GOLF CLUGOLFLF CLUBCLCLULUB

SSSSS AAANAAANANA

PINE PPINE DUNESDUNESESMM

Canoe launchn

St Marys Rd

Oak Spring Rd

Kilbourn

e Rd

Everett Rd

Casey Rd

Buckley Rd

Belvidere Rd

41

21

21

21

43

VAN PATTEN WOODS

WADSWORTH PRAIRIE

WETLANDSRESEARCH

PROJECT

WRIGHT WOODS

GRAINGER WOODS

OLD SCHOOL

MACARTHUR WOODS

INDEPENDENCEGROVE

HALF DAY

RYERSON CONSERVATION

AREA

LAKECARINA

ADLAI E. STEVENSONHISTORIC HOME

Canoe launch

Canoe launch

Canoe launch

5 ft

5 ft

10 ft

10 ft

5 ft

5 ft

10 ft

0 10 20 50 100 FEET

SCALE

PAR

KIN

G

TO E

XIT

AN

D S

T. M

AR

Y’S

A

ND

EV

ER

ET

T R

OA

DS

12 ft

TRAIL

DAM

TRA

IL

TO DES PLAINES RIVER

& DES PLAINES RIVER TRAIL

Captain Daniel Wright Woods Forest Preserve

Wright Woods Pond

This man-made pond was created in 1964. An outlet at the south end flows into the

Des Plaines River. In 1992 the pond was reshaped and deepened. It was then

restocked with largemouth bass, bluegill and channel catfish.

DirectionsLocated in Lincolnshire in southeastern Lake County. At the corner of St. Mary’s

Road and Route 60, go south on St. Mary’s Road for 1½ miles to preserve entrance.

Pond is within sight of parking lot.

N

3 acres

max depth: 12 feet

While not stocked or managed for fishing, the Des Plaines River contains many

species and is a great spot for anglers. Parking and access to the river’s edge is

available at five Forest Preserve canoe launches:

• Van Patten Woods Canoe Launch on Russell Road, east of Route 41

• Wadsworth Road Canoe Launch, east of Route 41

• Independence Grove Canoe Launch in preserve, near North Bay Pavilion

• Oak Spring Road Canoe Launch, west of St. Mary’s Road

• Route 60 Canoe Launch, east of Milwaukee Avenue (Route 21)

Note: River fishing is not allowed at Ryerson Conservation Area, MacArthur Woods

or Wadsworth Prairie.

Des Plaines River Greenway

bluegill/sunfish

crappie

largemouth bass

northern pike

channel catfish

channel catfish largemouth bass

bluegill/sunfish

crappieN

10 11

TO RO

UTE 176

TO ROUTE 59

ROBERTS ROAD

NO FISHINGBOAT LAUNCH

NO FISHINGIN MARINA

FOX RIVER

FOX

RIV

ER

CENTER STREET

PARKING

PARKIN

G

PARKING

YOUTH CAMPGROUND

0 1/8 1/4 MILE

SCALE

PARKING

TRAIL

4 ft

12 ft

8 ft

8 ft

8 ft12 ft

4 ft

4 ft

PAR

KIN

G

TO P

AR

KIN

G

MONAVILLE ROADTO ROUTE 59

SCALE

FEET200500 10 20

PARKING

N

Fox River Preserve and Marina

Fox River

Fox River Preserve and Marina is open for shoreline fishing in designated areas

only. Fishing is not allowed in the marina and dock area, or from the boat launch.

The 169-slip marina offers 20, 25 and 30-foot slips, and includes a four-lane launch

for boats and personal watercrafts. Indoor dry storage is also available. Larger slips

provide electric and water access. For more information, call 847-381-0669.

DirectionsLocated in the southwest corner of Lake County. The entrance and parking area

are located on Roberts Road, west of Route 59.

Grant Woods Forest Preserve

Rubber Duck Pond

Rubber Duck Pond was excavated in 1987. Turn this map on its side to see how the

pond got its name.

DirectionsLocated in Fox Lake in northwestern Lake County. At corner of Route 59 and

Monaville Road, go east on Monaville Road to preserve entrance. Pond is within

sight of first parking lot.

2 acres

max depth: 12 feet

crappiebluegill/sunfish channel catfish

largemouth bass smallmouth bassnorthern pike

walleye

bluegill/sunfish largemouth basschannel catfish

N

12 13

TRAIL

TRAIL

PARKING

DU

GDA

LE R

OAD

2 ft

10 ft

16 ft

16 ft

10 ft

3 ft

3 ft 14 ft 10 ft

10 ft

3 ft

2ft10

ft16 ft

14 ft

0 20 5010 100 FEET

SCALETO 1

4TH

ST.

16 ft

ROCK SHOALS

ROCK SHOALS

N

0 50 100 200 FEET

SCALE

TRAIL

TRAIL

CH

ICA

GO

AN

D N

OR

TH

WE

ST

ER

N R

AILW

AY

RO

UT

E 41

PARKING

14TH STREET

GR

EE

NB

AY R

OA

D (R

T. 131)

TO R

OU

TE

120

DEEPEST WATER15 ft

N

Built to its final shape in 1984, Dugdale Lake offers great shoreline fishing.

DirectionsLocated in Waukegan in northeastern Lake County. At corner of Green Bay Road

(Route 131) and 14th Street, go east on 14th Street to Dugdale Road. Go north on

Dugdale to preserve entrance. From parking lot, take trail southwest.

Greenbelt Forest Preserve

Dugdale Lake

6 acres

max depth: 16 feet

Greenbelt Forest Preserve

Pulaski Lake

Built as a borrow pit for the 14th Street overpass in 1976, occasional flooding of the

adjacent Skokie River has allowed fish like carp and catfish access to Pulaski Lake.

DirectionsLocated in Waukegan in northeastern Lake County. At corner of Belvidere Road

(Route 120) and Green Bay Road (Route 131), go south on Greenbay Road to

preserve entrance. At first fork in preserve road stay left to reach parking lot. Take

trail west from parking lot about 1 ⁄ 2 mile, staying left at fork in trail.

6 acres

max depth: 15 feet

bluegill/sunfish largemouth basschannel catfish

crappiebluegill/sunfish largemouth basschannel catfish

14 15

2 ft

2 ft

2 ft

7 ft

12 ft

2 ft

7 ft

12 ft

2 ft

2 ft

12 ft

7 ft

2 ft

7 ft

2 ft

7 ft

12 ftPA

RKING

PAR

KIN

G

010 20 50 100 FEET

SCALE

RO

UT

E 2

1

6 ft

DE

S P

LAIN

ES

R

IVE

R T

RA

IL

TRA

IL

TRAIL

N

0 150 300 450 600 FEET

SCALE

TRAIL

GELDEN ROAD

GRASS LAKE ROAD

PARKIN

G

25 ft

24 ft

22 ft

20 ft

18 ft

16 ft

14 ft

12 ft

10 ft8 ft

6 ft

4 ft

2 ftN

Named after the Potowatomi Chief Aptakisic, whose name means half day, this

pond was built in 1989.

DirectionsLocated in Vernon Hills in southeastern Lake County. At corner of Milwaukee

Avenue (Route 21) and Townline Road (Route 60), go south two miles on Milwaukee

Avenue to the preserve entrance. Follow signs to Shelter A parking lot. The pond

is within sight of the parking lot.

Half Day Forest Preserve

Half Day Pond

3 acres

max depth: 12 feet

Hastings Lake Forest Preserve

Hastings Lake

Hastings Lake features 12,000 feet of shoreline and many species for good fishing.

DirectionsLocated in northern Lake County, between Lindenhurst and Lake Villa. A parking

area with trail access is located on Gelden Road, just west of Grass Lake Road.

74 acres

max depth: 25 feet

crappiebluegill/sunfish

channel catfish

northern pike

largemouth bass

yellow perch

channel catfish largemouth bassbluegill/sunfish

16 17

ENTRANCE

DE

S P

LAIN

ES

RIV

ER

TR

AIL

DE

S P

LAIN

ES

RIV

ER

DES PLAINES RIVER TRAIL

TO TOLLWAY

GATEHOUSE

TO ROUTE 21 ROUTE 137

RIV

ER

RO

AD

MARINA, BAIT SHOP &

BOAT RENTAL

BEACH HOUSE

VISITORSCENTER

TRAIL

TRAIL

TRAIL

TR

AIL

PARKING

PARKING

DEEPEST WATER45 - 50 ft



NO FISHING

CA

NO

E L

AU

NC

H

SCALE

10005002500 750

PARKING

CATCH AND

RELEASE

Independence Grove Forest Preserve

The Lake at Independence Grove

We’ve transformed a sterile gravel quarry

with steep sides into a rich aquatic ecosystem

with gently graded slopes and underwater

islands. There is good fishing here, especially

for bass. Your luck will increase when you fish

from a boat, available for rent at the Marina.

Bait, tackle, and concessions are also for sale.

At the Marina, daily service runs Memorial

Day weekend through Labor Day. Weekend

service runs mid-April through Memorial Day

and again Labor Day until mid-October.

Marina hours are 6:30 a.m. to one hour before

sunset. Call 847-968-3499 or visit the website

at www.IndependenceGrove.org for further

information.

Note: Catch-and-release fishing is mandatory.

This program makes it recreational for anglers

and beneficial for nature. Anglers are encouraged

to use barbless, non-stainless steel hooks. See

page 4 for proper techniques. Dogs, horses and

other pets are not permitted here. A parking fee

applies for non-residents.

DirectionsLocated in central Lake County near

Libertyville. At corner of Buckley Road (Route

137) and Milwaukee Avenue (Route 21), go

east on Buckley Road to preserve entrance.

Lake is within sight of parking lots.

115 acres

max depth: 49 feet

N

walleye yellow perch


largemouth basschannel catfish

muskellunge(not restocking)

northern pike

18 19

PARKING

TRAIL

TRA

IL

3 ft

10 ft

10 ft

20 ft25 ft20 ft

3 ft

10 ft 3 ft

3 ft

10 ft

15 ft

3 ft

15 ft3

ft

10 f

t

20 ft

PARKING

IVANHOE ROAD

Banana Lake

Taylor Lake

0 10 20 50 100 FEET

SCALE

TO EXIT AND ROUTE 176

LAK

E C

OU

NTY

DIS

CO

VE

RY

MU

SE

UM

18 ft

18 ft

TO FAIRFIELD R

OAD

PAR

KIN

G

PARKING

MIL

WAU

KE

E A

VE

(RO

UTE

21)

INTER

STATE HW

Y 94

PARKING

TRAI

L

TRAI

L 0 150 300 450 600 FEET

SCALE

4 ft8 ft

12 ft

16 ft 16 ft

12 ft

8 ft

12 ft 20 ft

8 ft

4 ft8 ft

16 ft

16 ft

16 ft

16 ft

12 ft

20 ft

23 ft

12 ft

4 ft16 ft

12 ft

Lake Carina Forest Preserve

Lake Carina

A popular fishing hole and former gravel pit, this preserve’s main feature is Lake

Carina. A 500-foot gravel trail provides walk-in access and connects the parking

area with a handicap-accessible fishing pier.

DirectionsLocated along the Des Plaines River Greenway near Gurnee. The entrance and

parking area are located on the east side of Milwaukee Avenue (Route 21), between

Washington Street and Belvidere Road (Route 120).

23 acres

max depth: 23 feet

Lakewood Forest Preserve

Lakewood’s five fishing ponds are shown in this guide. Most are natural potholes

and sloughs that were dammed to create deeper, permanent lakes and ponds.

Banana Lake is closed for trout stocking the second half of each March and the

first half of each October. Ice fishing is permitted on Banana Lake only when

conditions allow.

DirectionsLocated in Wauconda in southwestern Lake County. At corner of Route 176 and

Fairfield Road, go west on Route 176 to preserve entrance. Follow signs to Museum.

3 acres

max depth: 25 feet

8 acres

max depth: 20 feet

Banana Lake Taylor Lake

N

N

northern pike

yellow perch


largemouth bass

rainbow trout

(Banana Lake only)

largemouth bass

crappiebluegill/sunfish channel catfish

20 21

5 ft

14 ft

5 ft

2 ft

2 ft

2 ft

10 ft

10 ft

2 ft

TRAIL

TO IV

AN

HO

E R

OA

D

PAR

KIN

G LO

TTRAIL

Acorn Pond

Beaver Lake

SCALE

010 20 50 100 FEET

8 ft

TR

AIL

TRAIL

PAR

KIN

G

IVANHOE ROAD

TO FAIRFIELD ROAD

SCALE

0 50 100 200 FEET

OPERATIONS OFFICE

TO B

EA

VE

R A

ND

AC

OR

N P

ON

DS

DEEPEST WATER5 ft



Fairfield Road, go south on Fairfield to Ivanhoe Road. West on Ivanhoe for less

than ½ mile to gravel road on south side. Take gravel road to end and park. Head

straight south on trail for ¼ mile to Acorn Lake. To reach Beaver Lake, continue

south on trail.

Note: Bicycles and dogs are not allowed on these trails.

5 acres

max depth: 10 feet

2 acres

max depth: 14 feet

Beaver Lake Acorn Pond


4 acres

max depth: 5 feet

Heron Pond


Fairfield Road, go south on Fairfield to Ivanhoe Road. West on Ivanhoe for less

than ½ mile to gravel road on south side. Take gravel road to end and park. Pond

is within sight.

Note: Bicycles and dogs are not allowed on these trails.

N

N


bluegill/sunfish

largemouth bass

channel catfish

22 23

PAR

KIN

G

TRAIL

TR

AIL

2 ft

2 ft

6 ft16 ft

2 ft

12 f

t

2 ft

12 ft

6 ft

SCALE

0 50 100 200 FEET

PARKING

TO ST. M

AR

Y’S

RO

AD

TO NORTH SHORE BIKE PATH

PARKING

PARKIN

G

PAR

KIN

G

PARKIN

G

PAR

KIN

G

SCALE

FEET3001000 25 50

TO FAIRFIELD ROAD

IL ROUTE 120

DEEPEST WATER17 ft

Old School Forest Preserve

Old School Lake

Old School Lake began as a borrow pit left after construction of the adjacent

Interstate Tollway 94 in the 1950s.

12 acres

max depth: 16 feet

DirectionsLocated in Libertyville in central Lake County. At

corner of Route 176 and St. Mary’s Road, go south for

½ mile on St. Mary’s Road to preserve entrance. Take

preserve road to parking lot marked for Shelter C and

Sled Hill. Take the short trail north to the lake.

Nippersink Forest Preserve

Nippersink

Man-made in 1965, extensive shoreline restoration efforts and improved fish

habitats make Nippersink’s two lakes great for fishing. Anglers can fish from shore

or from two handicap-accessible fishing piers.

Note: Catch-and-release fishing is mandatory. This program makes it recreational for

anglers and beneficial for nature. Anglers are encouraged to use barbless, non-stainless

steel hooks. See page 4 for proper techniques.

DirectionsLocated in west-central Lake County in Round Lake. The entrance is located on

Belvidere Road (Route 120), just west of Cedar Lake Road, east of Fairfield Road.

13 acres

max depth: 17 feet

N

N


yellow perch

crappie

bluegill/sunfish

largemouth bass

channel catfish

CATCH AND

RELEASE

24 25

PRIVATE PROPERTY NO ACCESS

TRAI

L

TRAIL

TRAIL

OV

ER

LOO

K

PAR

KIN

G

FEET0 50 200

SCALE

10 ft

10 ft6 ft

22 ft

14 ft

26 ft

18 ft

2 ft

30 ft

32 ft

6 ft

22 ft26 ft

18 ft

2 ft

30 ft

32 ft

33 ft

14 ft

25 ft

24 ft

4 ft

12 ft 25 ft20 ft

16 ft24 ft

16 ft

20 ft20 ft

8 ft

8 ft

16 ft

12 ft

4 ft

16 ft

12 ft

12 ft8 ft

16 ft

12 ft

20 ft16 ft16 ft

12 ft

12 ft 4 ft8 ft

16 ft

12 ft

4 ft8 ft

ROUTE 173

TR

AIL

PARKING

PARKING

TRAIL

DES

PLA

NES

RIV

ER

RO

UT

E 4

1

DES PLA

NES

RIVER T

RAIL

0 100 300FEETSCALE

BOAT LAUNCH

TO I-94 SOUTH

Raven Glen Forest Preserve

Timber Lake

Timber Lake is one of the most prominent natural features of Raven Glen. Anglers

can fish from shore or from two handicap-accessible fishing piers.

DirectionsLocated in north-central Lake County between Antioch and Old Mill Creek. Use

the main entrance and parking area located on Route 45 south of Route 173 and

north of Miller Road.

Note: While the District owns 95 percent of Timber Lake, the northern portion of the

lake is privately owned and not accessible for public use.

33 acres

max depth: 33 feet

Van Patten Woods Forest Preserve

Sterling Lake

Sterling Lake boasts a public launch for car-top boats: canoes, kayaks or other

small watercraft. Launching is free and at your own risk. You’ll need approved

flotation gear and your boat must be properly registered with the State of Illinois.

Trailers are permitted but parking is limited to the grass overflow lot. Electric

trolling motors are allowed. Ice fishing is permitted on Sterling Lake only when

conditions allow.

DirectionsLocated in Wadsworth in northern Lake County. At corner of Routes 173 and 41, go

east on Route 173 to preserve entrance. Stay left on preserve road to lake. Two

parking lots lie on western shore. Boat launch located at first lot.

74 acres

max depth: 25 feet

N

N

yellow perchnorthern pike



channel catfish

walleye

largemouth bass

muskellunge(not restocking)

26

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41

DES PLAINES RIVER

DES PLAINES RIVERD

ES PLAINES

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TRAIL

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SCALE

0 50 100 200 FEET

2 ½ MILES TO KILBOURNE RD PARKING LOT

DEEPEST WATER36 ft

Wadsworth Road Canoe Launch

Des Plaines Lake

Originally a sand and gravel pit, researchers from the Wetlands Research Project

diverted the Des Plaines River through here in 1987. The lake is not managed for

fishing but contains those fish common in the Des Plaines River.

DirectionsLocated in Gurnee in northeastern Lake County. At corner of Route 41 and

Wadsworth Road, go east on Wadsworth Road to the Canoe Launch on south side

of road. From parking lot, go south on Des Plaines River Trail 1¾ miles to the lake.

19 acres

max depth: 36 feet

N

northern pike

crappiebluegill/sunfish largemouth bass

Fish illustrations courtesy of the Illinois Department of Natural Resources

Sport Fish Species of the Lake County Forest Preserves

6/11 10M ALF

Phone: 847-367-6640 Fax 847-367-6649Email: [email protected] site: www.LCFPD.org

Emergency: call 911Non-emergency public safety issue: 847-549-5200


largemouth bass rainbow trout smallmouth bass

walleye yellow perch

These non-native fi sh are now

found in many Forest Preserve

water ways. Carp are popular

target fi sh for many anglers.

carp

muskellunge northern pike

channel catfish

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fishing guide—lake county forest preserves · 2014-04-29 · ice fishing ice fishing shelters...

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