Fishing Guide
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
Your Lake County Forest Preserves
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
3
Origins
Ice Fishing
Lake 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.
Ice 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.
Licenses
Cast No Trash
All 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.
Please 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.
Bait
Live 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 nonnative species will cause problems for existing fish populations. Worms and
tackle are sold only at Independence Grove.
Catch-and-Release—tips for proper technique
Catch-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.
Wheelchair Access
Many forest preserves offer wheelchair access for fishing. See individual preserve
maps on the following pages for details.
Fishing in your Lake County Forest Preserves
The 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.
Species
Minimum Length
Creel Limit
Bluegill/sunfish
Channel catfish
Crappie
Largemouth bass
Muskellunge
Northern pike
Rainbow trout
Smallmouth bass
Walleye
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
36 inches
24 inches
10 inches
n/a
14 inches
n/a
n/a
n/a
6 per day
1 per day
3 per day
5 per day
3 per day
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.
Boat Rentals
Site Map Legend
Fishing 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.
Hours
Fishing 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.
4
N
Drinking Water
North Arrow
Phone
Ranger Station
Restrooms
Wheelchair Access
5
Basic Fishing Knots
Buffalo Creek Forest Preserve
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:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
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.
Buffalo Creek Reservoir
34 acres
max depth: 7 feet
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.
Directions
Located 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.
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.
Step 1
Step 2
Palomar Knot - Used to tie fishing line to a hook or lure for lines up to and over
largemouth bass
bluegill/sunfish
northern pike
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.
Step 1
Step 3
Step 2
Step 4
CHECKER ROAD
PA
R
Non-Slip Loop Knot - Used with larger lines where a tight knot can affect the
KI
NG
hook or lure movement. This knot creates a fixed loop so the hook can move freely.
Step 2
Step 3
TR
AI
L
N
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.
Step 1
TRAIL
DEEPEST WATER
7 ft
TRA
IL
ARLINGTON HEIGHTS ROAD
Step 1
Step 2
SCALE
0 50
200 FEET
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.
LAKE-COOK ROAD
Step 1
6
Step 2
7
Des Plaines River Greenway
Captain Daniel Wright Woods Forest Preserve
Wright Woods Pond
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:
3 acres
max depth: 12 feet
• Van Patten Woods Canoe Launch on Russell Road, east of Route 41
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.
• Wadsworth Road Canoe Launch, east of Route 41
Directions
• Route 60 Canoe Launch, east of Milwaukee Avenue (Route 21)
Located 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.
Note: River fishing is not allowed at Ryerson Conservation Area, MacArthur Woods
or Wadsworth Prairie.
• Oak Spring Road Canoe Launch, west of St. Mary’s Road
TO EXIT AND ST. MARY’S
AND EVERETT ROADS
Russell Rd
PINE
PINE
Canoe launch
n
Hunt Club Rd
R
IL
IVE TRA
S R ER
INE RIV
A
L
S
S P AINE
DE
L
TO ES P
D
&
• Independence Grove Canoe Launch in preserve, near North Bay Pavilion
M DUNES
ES
131
VAN PATTEN WOODS
173
94
WADSWORTH
PRAIRIE
5 ft
Wadsworth Rd
WETLANDS
RESEARCH
PROJECT
ONALD
O
LD
D
Canoe launch
WA
WA
AUKEGA
UK
UKEG
U
KEEGA
GAN
GA
GAN
AN
WAUKEGAN
SAVANN
SAV
SA
AVANNA
AV
A
AVA
VA
V
VAN
A
ANNA
NNA
NN
NA
SAVANNA
ONNER
ER FA
FAR
FARM
ARM
RM
10
eR
rn
lb
ou
t
Ki
S
A
NA
5f
ft
5 ft
ALMO
ALMO
LM
MOND
OND
ALMOND
MARS
MAR
MA
AR
A
ARSH
RSSH
RS
RSH
H
MARSH
Belvidere Rd
Du
Almond Rd
L
AI
channel catfish
LAKE
CARINA
BRA
RAE
AE LO
LOCH
CH
BRAE
LF CLUB
CLU
CL
LUB
GOLF
TR
132
Washington St
ft
10 ft
R
ale
gd
43
Casey Rd
NERA
N
ERAL
ERAL
ERA
R OFFICES
RA
NERAL
INDEPENDENCE
GROVE
Rd
ey
Bu
ck l
5f
t
41
131
n Rd
45
crappie
137
ga
Wauke
AIL
d
21
bluegill/sunfish
Lewis Ave
ft
12
Grand Ave
Yorkhouse
eR
Gre Bay Rd
Green
10
Delaney Rd
PARKING
d Lake Rd
TR
THUND
HUNDE
D
THUNDE
GOLLF CL
C
GOLF
41
ETHEL’S
ET
THEL’
L’’S
WOO
WO
WOODS
OODS
DS
Oak Spring Rd
Canoe launch
176
OLD SCHOOL
N
SCALE
0 10 20
50
100 FEET
YSSSID
YSIDE
UB
UB
A
LA
21
St Marys Rd
MACARTHUR
WOODS
60
Canoe launch
ADLAI E. STEVENSON
HISTORIC HOME
DAM
GRAINGER
WOODS
Everett Rd
45
83
HALF DAY
WRIGHT
WOODS
Arlington
on Hts Rd
Checke
crappie
channel catfish
largemouth bass
northern pike
Riverwoods
r
Rd
bluegill/sunfish
8
largemouth bass
MIDDLEFO
MIDDLEFO
MIDDLE
D LEFO
DDLEFO
LLEFFO
SAVANNA
SAV
SA
SAVANN
AVA
VANNA
VAN
NNA
RYERSON
CONSERVATION
AREA
Deerfield R
83
r Rd
21
94
N
9
Fox River Preserve and Marina
Grant Woods Forest Preserve
Fox River
Rubber Duck Pond
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.
2 acres
Directions
Located in the southwest corner of Lake County. The entrance and parking area
are located on Roberts Road, west of Route 59.
max depth: 12 feet
Rubber Duck Pond was excavated in 1987. Turn this map on its side to see how the
pond got its name.
Directions
Located 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.
MONAVILLE ROAD
TO ROUTE 59
channel catfish
crappie
bluegill/sunfish
N
largemouth bass
northern pike
12
ft
8
ft
4
ft
smallmouth bass
CENTER STREET
TO
U
RO
TE
walleye
6
17
8
R
PA
ft
ROBERTS ROAD
G
N
KI
PAR
K
4 ft
TO
RO
U
ING
TE
59
4
12
ft
ft
PARKING
8 ft
PARKING
PAR
K
ING
TO
PAR
KIN
G
NO FISHING
BOAT LAUNCH
YOUTH
CAMPGROUND
FOX RIVER
TRAIL
NO FISHING
IN MARINA
SCALE
PA
IN
RK
G
0 10 20
50
200 FEET
R
IVE
XR
FO
SCALE
0
10
1/8
1/4 MILE
N
bluegill/sunfish
channel catfish
largemouth bass
11
Greenbelt Forest Preserve
Greenbelt Forest Preserve
Dugdale Lake
Pulaski Lake
6 acres
6 acres
max depth: 16 feet
max depth: 15 feet
Built to its final shape in 1984, Dugdale Lake offers great shoreline fishing.
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.
Directions
Located 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.
Directions
Located 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.
channel catfish
largemouth bass
0
PARKING
UTE 12
TO RO
bluegill/sunfish
TR
AIL
N
NBAY
GREE
ORTH
ND N
1)
(RT. 13
ROAD
A
AGO
CHIC
TERN
WES
PARKING
2 ft
AY
RAILW
TRAIL
10 ft
16 ft
N
TE
ROU
3
ft
ft
16
SCALE
0
50
100
200 FEET
41
10
DEEPEST WATER
15 ft
ft
ROCK
SHOALS
TRAIL
14
3 ft
t
f
10
ft
14TH STREET
3 ft
ft
2f
t
ROCK
SHOALS
TO
14
TH
ST
.
AIL
DU
GD
AL
E
TR
RO
AD
16
16 ft
10
ft
ft
10
ft
14
SCALE
0 10 20
50
100 FEET
bluegill/sunfish
12
crappie
channel catfish
largemouth bass
13
Half Day Forest Preserve
Hastings Lake Forest Preserve
Half Day Pond
Hastings Lake
3 acres
74 acres
max depth: 12 feet
max depth: 25 feet
Named after the Potowatomi Chief Aptakisic, whose name means half day, this
pond was built in 1989.
Hastings Lake features 12,000 feet of shoreline and many species for good fishing.
Directions
Directions
Located 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.
Located 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.
G
RA
SS
GELDEN ROAD
LA
KE
RO
AD
NG
KI
R
PA
N
TRAIL
bluegill/sunfish
crappie
2 ft
12
ft
PA
RK
I
NG
t
7f
channel catfish
ft
7f
t
2f
t
2
7
ft
AI
L
12
ft
DES
P
RIVE LAINES
R TR
AIL
t
7f
ft
PARKING
TR
2f
t
2
t
2f
ROUTE 21
ft
12
12 f
t
ft
7 ft
2
largemouth bass
6 ft
TR
AIL
25 ft
24 ft
2 ft
22 ft
SCALE
010 20
50
northern pike
100 FEET
20 ft
18 ft
16 ft
14 ft
12 ft
10 ft
8 ft
yellow perch
6 ft
4 ft
SCALE
bluegill/sunfish
14
channel catfish
largemouth bass
0
150
300
450
600 FEET
N
2 ft
15
Independence Grove Forest Preserve
DES PLAINES
RIVER TRAIL
CATCH
AND
RELEASE
The Lake at Independence Grove
muskellunge
(not restocking)
115 acres
max depth: 49 feet
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.
northern pike
TRAIL
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.
DEEPEST
WATER
20 - 35 ft
TRAIL
RK
DEEPEST
WATER
45 - 50 ft
PA
CANOE LAUN
IN
CH
G
TRAIL
DEEPEST
WATER
20 - 30 ft
Directions
Located 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.
VISITORS
CENTER
BEACH
HOUSE
NO FISHING
RIV
TRAIL
SCALE
DE
S
DE
largemouth bass
PARKING
S
INE
PLA
ES
ER
R
PARKING
N
LAI
SP
channel catfish
RIVER ROAD
MARINA,
BAIT SHOP &
BOAT RENTAL
IL
crappie
RA
RT
IVE
bluegill/sunfish
0
250
500
750
1000
GATEHOUSE
walleye
N
yellow perch
ENTRANCE
16
TO ROUTE 21
ROUTE 137
TO TOLLWAY
17
Lake Carina Forest Preserve
Lakewood Forest Preserve
Lake Carina
Banana Lake
Taylor Lake
23 acres
3 acres
8 acres
max depth: 23 feet
max depth: 25 feet
max depth: 20 feet
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.
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.
Directions
Located 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).
northern pike
Directions
Located 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.
crappie
bluegill/sunfish
channel catfish
3 ft
RS
TE
IN
largemouth bass
rainbow trout
(Banana Lake only)
ft
crappie
25
94
bluegill/sunfish
t
Y
HW
20 f
TE
TA
N
10
NG
20
KI
ft
R
PA
ft
10 ft
TO EXIT AND
ROUTE 176
Banana Lake
3f
TR
t
AI
L
largemouth bass
4 ft
8 ft
10
RY
MU
S
3
IL
t
18
ft
AIL
UN
KE
N
15 f
20
LA
MI
TR
CO
LW
AU
KE
E
16 ft
12 ft 16 ft
15
8 ft
4 ft
TRA
1
TY
8 ft
ft
t
0f
DIS
AV
E(
RO
U
TE
21
CO
VE
)
20 ft
t
3f
ft
ft
18
ft
Taylor Lake
ft
10 ft
12 ft
12 ft
M
16 ft
G
EU
16 ft
PARK
IN
3 ft
yellow perch
PARKING
12 ft
16 ft
23 ft
16 ft
SCALE
8 ft
0 10 20
50
100 FEET
20 ft
12 ft
NG
KI
3f
t
R
PA
G
L
SCALE
AI
12 ft
18
R
PA
4 ft
TR
16 ft
N
KI
0
150
300
450
600 FEET
AD
RO
AD
RO
NH
A
D
IV
EL
FI
IR
FA
TO
OE
19
Lakewood Forest Preserve
Lakewood Forest Preserve
Beaver Lake
Acorn Pond
Heron Pond
5 acres
2 acres
4 acres
max depth: 10 feet
max depth: 14 feet
max depth: 5 feet
Directions
Directions
Located 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.
Located 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.
Note: Bicycles and dogs are not allowed on these trails.
bluegill/sunfish
largemouth bass
channel catfish
crappie
TO
AD
RO
I
RF
I
FA
D
EL
bluegill/sunfish
OPERATIONS
OFFICE
A
HOE RO
TO IVAN ING LOT
PARK
OE
AD
RO
NH
IVA
channel catfish
D
TRAIL
5f
t
largemouth bass
SCALE
t
8f
ft
2
0
ft
50
100
5 ft
Beaver Lake
N
2 ft
Acorn Pond
200 FEET
PARKING
14
DEEPEST WATER
5 ft
TR
AI
2 ft
L
ft
ft
10
50
100 FEET
N
TRAIL
SCALE
010 20
TO BEAVER AND
ACORN PONDS
10
TRAIL
2
ft
20
21
Old School Forest Preserve
Nippersink Forest Preserve
CATCH
AND
RELEASE
Nippersink
Old School Lake
13 acres
12 acres
max depth: 17 feet
max depth: 16 feet
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.
Old School Lake began as a borrow pit left after construction of the adjacent
Interstate Tollway 94 in the 1950s.
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.
Directions
TO NORTH
SHORE BIKE PATH
Directions
Located 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.
2 ft
crappie
TRA
t
16 f
bluegill/sunfish
IL
Located 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.
largemouth bass
channel catfish
2f
t
bluegill/sunfish
6 ft
PA
RK
I
N
DEEPEST WATER
17 ft
NG
crappie
S
TO
R
PA
NG
RY’S ROAD
T. MA
KI
PA
R
KIN
G
2f
t
12 ft
channel catfish
R
PA
KI
NG
TR
largemouth bass
L
12 ft
6
2 ft
PARK
ING
ft
ING
RK
PA
yellow perch
AI
OUT
IL R
E 12
0
PARKING
22
FAIR
TO
FIE
LD
D
ROA
SCALE
0
25 50
100
300 FEET
N
SCALE
0
50
100
200 FEET
23
Raven Glen Forest Preserve
Van Patten Woods Forest Preserve
Timber Lake
Sterling Lake
33 acres
74 acres
max depth: 33 feet
max depth: 25 feet
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.
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.
Directions
Located 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.
Directions
Located 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.
TRAIL
bluegill/sunfish
largemouth bass
channel catfish
crappie
25 ft
24 ft
PARKING
4 ft
PAR
4 ft
D
RI ES
VE PL
R AN
TR E
AI S
L
12 ft
G
AIL
20 ft
16 ft
24 ft
16 ft
8 ft
KIN
TR
20 ft
25 ft
8 ft
12 ft
yellow perch
northern pike
20 ft
crappie
bluegill/sunfish
16 ft
channel catfish
16 ft
12 ft
PRIVATE
PROPERTY
NO ACCESS
TRA
BOAT
LAUNCH
16 ft
8 ft
12 ft
G
IN
PARK
IL
12 ft
16 ft
RI
VE
R
16 ft
18 ft
22 ft
26 ft
12 ft
8 ft 4 ft
OVERLOOK
32 ft
DE
S
30 ft
ES
12 ft
PL
AN
2 ft
6 ft
10 ft 14 ft
20 ft
largemouth bass
16 ft
0
50
200 FEET
8 ft
4 ft
muskellunge
(not restocking)
ROUTE 41
IL
TRA
SCALE
33 ft
12 ft
N
32 ft
24
walleye
ROUTE 173
AI
L
TO I-94 SOUTH
14 ft
10 ft
6 ft
2 ft
TR
30 ft
26 ft
22 ft
18 ft
N
SCALE
0 100
300FEET
25
Wadsworth Road Canoe Launch
Des Plaines Lake
19 acres
max depth: 36 feet
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.
Directions
Located 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.
bluegill/sunfish
largemouth bass
crappie
RI
VE
R
D
OA
ILR
S
RA
NE
ES
IN
LA AIL
S P TR
DE VER
RI
AI
IC
PL
IF
AC
DP
S
AN
H
NC
LAU
DE
L
AU
T. P
E, S
E
NO
CA
RD
KE
AU
ILW
,M
GO
ICA
CH
H
RT
WO
DS
WA
TO
northern pike
DEEPEST WATER
36 ft
1
TE 4
ROU
DES
2 ½ MILES TO
KILBOURNE RD
PARKING LOT
IVER
ES R
PLAIN
N
26
SCALE
0
50 100
200 FEET
Sport Fish Species of the
Lake County Forest Preserves
crappie
bluegill/sunfish
muskellunge
channel catfish
northern pike
largemouth bass
rainbow trout
smallmouth bass
walleye
yellow perch
carp
These non-native ﬁsh are now
found in many Forest Preserve
water ways. Carp are popular
target ﬁsh for many anglers.
Phone: 847-367-6640 Fax 847-367-6649
Email: [email protected]
Web site: www.LCFPD.org
Emergency: call 911
Non-emergency public safety issue: 847-549-5200
Fish illustrations courtesy of the Illinois Department of Natural Resources
Printed on Recycled Paper
Printed with Soy Ink
6/11 10M ALF