The 40-acre Deep Quarry Lake has two fishing piers and a maximum depth of 45 feet; 15-acre Bass Lake’s deepest point is 30 feet. Both contain bass, sunfish, channel and flathead catfish, carp, bluegill, and crappie.
Due to COVID-19, the preserve closes one hour after sunset and night fishing is not allowed at this time.
The West Branch of the DuPage River snakes through the forest preserve for more than 2 miles, offering scenic beauty for all visitors in addition to ample fishing opportunities.
Anglers 16 or older who are not legally disabled must carry valid Illinois fishing licenses. Creel limits, minimum lengths and other regulations are on our Fishing page.
Notice — The Forest Preserve District has found nonnative, invasive zebra mussels in Deep Quarry and Bass Lakes at West Branch Forest Preserve. You can help stop their spread no matter where you fish.
- Remove all plants, animals and mud from boats, equipment and trailers.
- Drain all water from your boat and gear and dry everything thoroughly with a towel.
- Empty all bait buckets in garbage cans or dumpsters before leaving the lake. (You can't see juvenile zebra mussles with the naked eye.)
Boating
You can explore Deep Quarry Lake in your canoe, kayak or other select nongasoline-powered watercraft but need to have a Forest Preserve District permit in your possession.
History
Before settlement, the preserve was made up of prairie, wet/marshy prairie and scattering timber surrounding the West Branch of the DuPage River. The preserve was primarily under cultivation. Miles of drain tiles were installed and drained into the river. Several home sites dotted the landscape, including the Baker Homestead, still standing along St. Charles Road near Prince Crossing Road.
The bulk of the preserve was purchased in the mid-1970s, with parcels added in the intervening decades.
