Fishing

Fishing

Bring your gear and drop a line in all DuPage forest preserve lakes and along both branches of the DuPage River, Salt Creek, the Des Plaines River and all tributaries unless posted.

Fishing in the Forest Preserves

Anglers 16 or older who are not legally disabled must carry valid Illinois fishing licenses (inland trout stamps, too, if they're fishing for trout).

You can buy licenses in-person 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. Monday – Friday at Visitor Services at 3S580 Naperville Road in Wheaton. Licenses can also be bought at sporting goods stores or online through the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.

Complete forest preserve rules and regulations (including creel limits and minimum lengths) are included in our Fishing Guide (PDF), which also has the lake maps from the chart below and stocking reports. You can request a printed copy from Visitor Services at 630-933-7248. 

Maps 

Ice Fishing

You can ice fish on most forest preserve waters, but rangers do not monitor ice conditions; you go on the ice at your own risk. As a guideline not a guarantee, a minimum of 4 inches of ice is recommended for any activity. 

Advisories

For current fish consumption advisories, visit the Illinois Department of Public Health website (link).

Zebra Mussels

The Forest Preserve District has found nonnative, invasive zebra mussels in five lakes at four preserves: Deep Quarry and Bass lakes at West Branch, Mallard Lake at Mallard Lake, Eagle Lake at Hidden Lake, and Sanctuary Pond at Blackwell. You can help stop their spread no matter where you boat or 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 mussels with the naked eye.)