advertisement

Cook County to stock lakes for fall trout fishing season

More than 7,400 pounds of fish will be stocked into six lakes

The Forest Preserves of Cook County's 2021 fall inland trout fishing season is slated to start on Saturday, Oct. 16, at Axehead Lake in Park Ridge, Belleau Lake in Des Plaines, Busse Reservoir - North Pool in Elk Grove Village, Sag Quarry East in Lemont, Horsetail Lake in Palos Park and Green Lake in Calumet City.

The forest preserve district is stocking approximately 1,000 pounds at Horsetail Lake, while the Illinois Department of Natural Resources is providing and stocking 850 pounds of Rainbow Trout at Sag Quarry East; 2,700 pounds at Busse Reservoir - North Pool; 1,255 pounds at Axehead Lake; 1,000 pounds at Belleau Lake; and 667 pounds at Green Lake. These are catchable-sized Rainbow Trout, in the 0.5- to 1-pound size range.

As part of the IDNR's stocking program, fishing for and possession of any trout is illegal from Oct. 1 until 5 a.m. on Oct. 16. In addition, the forest preserves' trout lakes will be closed to all fishing from Monday, Oct. 11, until sunrise on Saturday, Oct. 16. The lake closings allow the trout to disperse throughout the lakes prior to opening.

Once the season opens, there is a five trout per day creel limit with no size restrictions. No more than two lines per person, with no more than two hooks per line may be used.

A valid Illinois sport fishing license with an Inland Trout Stamp is required for anglers 16 and older. An Illinois sport fishing license is not required for Illinois residents who are disabled and have a State of Illinois disabled I.D. card showing a Class 2 or 2A disability or a Veterans Disability Card, and Illinois residents who are on active military duty and are home on leave.

For a list of all lakes and waters open to public fishing within the Forest Preserves of Cook County, visit fpdcc.com/fishing, and download the fishing guide. The guide includes maps that show location and depth of each lake, as well as main fish species.

The COVID-19 pandemic may delay the start of the season on the preserves' six lakes. Check fpdcc.com for the latest updates. The public can contact the Forest Preserves' Fisheries Section at (708) 403-6951 for further information.

Article Comments
Guidelines: Keep it civil and on topic; no profanity, vulgarity, slurs or personal attacks. People who harass others or joke about tragedies will be blocked. If a comment violates these standards or our terms of service, click the "flag" link in the lower-right corner of the comment box. To find our more, read our FAQ.