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
DEEPEST WATER20 - 35 ft
DEEPEST WATER20 - 30 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
crappiebluegill/sunfish
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
crappiebluegill/sunfish
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
Lakewood Forest Preserve
DirectionsLocated in Wauconda in southwestern Lake County. At corner of Route 176 and
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
Lakewood Forest Preserve
4 acres
max depth: 5 feet
Heron Pond
DirectionsLocated in Wauconda in southwestern Lake County. At corner of Route 176 and
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
crappiebluegill/sunfish largemouth basschannel catfish
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
crappiebluegill/sunfish largemouth basschannel catfish
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
crappiebluegill/sunfish largemouth basschannel catfish
crappiebluegill/sunfish
channel catfish
walleye
largemouth bass
muskellunge(not restocking)
26
CH
ICA
GO
, MILW
AUK
EE
, ST. PAU
L AN
D PA
CIFIC
RA
ILRO
AD
RO
UTE
41
DES PLAINES RIVER
DES PLAINES RIVERD
ES PLAINES
RIVER
TRAIL
TO W
AD
SW
OR
TH R
D C
AN
OE
LAUN
CH
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
crappiebluegill/sunfish
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
Printed on Recycled Paper Printed with Soy Ink
Top Related