42 public waters in the Chicagoland region — 28 lakes/reservoirs and 14 rivers. Every one is public water fishable on an Illinois licence.
See every public fishing venue in Illinois on the map, with boat ramps, camping, parking and full rules for each one.
Pistakee Lake, a 1,744-acre lake in Lake and McHenry Counties, Illinois, managed by Illinois Department of Natural Resources: The Fox Chain O'Lakes in northeastern Illinois — a connected chain of natural glacial lakes (Fox, Grass, Pistakee, Nippersink, Petite, Marie, Catherine, Channel, Bluff, Redhead) draining into the Fox River. Largemouth Bass, Muskellunge, Northern Pike, Walleye, Bluegill, Crappie and Carp; a huge summer boating and fishing destination.
Elizabeth Lake, a 743-acre lake in McHenry County, Illinois, managed by Public boat ramp: An IDNR-managed lake on a state fish and wildlife area (Sam Parr, Ramsey, Johnson Sauk Trail, Argyle, Sangchris, Forbes, Dolan, Mermet) — Largemouth Bass, Bluegill, Redear Sunfish, Crappie and Channel Catfish, with Muskellunge or Walleye stocked in several. Managed for quality with length limits and boat-motor restrictions on many.
At 740 acres, Lake Elizabeth in McHenry County stands as a substantial Chicagoland fishery hosting largemouth bass, northern pike, yellow perch, black crappie, bluegill, pumpkinseed and rock bass. The lake's size and breadth of species offer something for every angler, from trophy pike hunters to dedicated panfish specialists.
Wonder Lake, a 725-acre lake in McHenry County, Illinois, managed by Illinois Department of Natural Resources: The Fox Chain O'Lakes in northeastern Illinois — a connected chain of natural glacial lakes (Fox, Grass, Pistakee, Nippersink, Petite, Marie, Catherine, Channel, Bluff, Redhead) draining into the Fox River. Largemouth Bass, Muskellunge, Northern Pike, Walleye, Bluegill, Crappie and Carp; a huge summer boating and fishing destination.
Calhoun, DuPage, McHenry and 3 more counties in Illinois — Silver Lake is a 463-acre lake, managed by Public boat ramp: An IDNR-managed lake on a state fish and wildlife area (Sam Parr, Ramsey, Johnson Sauk Trail, Argyle, Sangchris, Forbes, Dolan, Mermet) — Largemouth Bass, Bluegill, Redear Sunfish, Crappie and Channel Catfish, with Muskellunge or Walleye stocked in several. Managed for quality with length limits and boat-motor restrictions on many.
Crystal Lake, a 460-acre lake in Henderson, McHenry and Perry Counties, Illinois, managed by Public boat ramp: An IDNR-managed lake on a state fish and wildlife area (Sam Parr, Ramsey, Johnson Sauk Trail, Argyle, Sangchris, Forbes, Dolan, Mermet) — Largemouth Bass, Bluegill, Redear Sunfish, Crappie and Channel Catfish, with Muskellunge or Walleye stocked in several. Managed for quality with length limits and boat-motor restrictions on many.
In McHenry County, Illinois, Vulcan Lakes is a 276-acre lake, managed by Public boat ramp. An IDNR-managed lake on a state fish and wildlife area (Sam Parr, Ramsey, Johnson Sauk Trail, Argyle, Sangchris, Forbes, Dolan, Mermet) — Largemouth Bass, Bluegill, Redear Sunfish, Crappie and Channel Catfish, with Muskellunge or Walleye stocked in several. Managed for quality with length limits and boat-motor restrictions on many.
McHenry County, Illinois — McCullom Lake is a 242-acre lake, managed by Public boat ramp: An IDNR-managed lake on a state fish and wildlife area (Sam Parr, Ramsey, Johnson Sauk Trail, Argyle, Sangchris, Forbes, Dolan, Mermet) — Largemouth Bass, Bluegill, Redear Sunfish, Crappie and Channel Catfish, with Muskellunge or Walleye stocked in several. Managed for quality with length limits and boat-motor restrictions on many.
In Lake and McHenry Counties, Illinois, Slocum Lake is a 210-acre lake, managed by Non-Governmental Organization. An IDNR-managed lake on a state fish and wildlife area (Sam Parr, Ramsey, Johnson Sauk Trail, Argyle, Sangchris, Forbes, Dolan, Mermet) — Largemouth Bass, Bluegill, Redear Sunfish, Crappie and Channel Catfish, with Muskellunge or Walleye stocked in several. Managed for quality with length limits and boat-motor restrictions on many.
In Gallatin, Cook, Sangamon and 2 more counties in Illinois, Mud Lake is a 162-acre lake, managed by Public boat ramp. An IDNR-managed lake on a state fish and wildlife area (Sam Parr, Ramsey, Johnson Sauk Trail, Argyle, Sangchris, Forbes, Dolan, Mermet) — Largemouth Bass, Bluegill, Redear Sunfish, Crappie and Channel Catfish, with Muskellunge or Walleye stocked in several. Managed for quality with length limits and boat-motor restrictions on many.
Lake Griswold's 153.9 acres in McHenry County, Chicagoland, support an unusually rich species mix: largemouth bass and northern pike share the structure, while yellow perch, yellow bass, bluegill, and white crappie add depth to the panfish bite. Channel catfish complete one of the area's most diverse public-access lakes.
McHenry County, Illinois — Griswold Lake is a 153-acre lake, managed by Non-Governmental Organization: An IDNR-managed lake on a state fish and wildlife area (Sam Parr, Ramsey, Johnson Sauk Trail, Argyle, Sangchris, Forbes, Dolan, Mermet) — Largemouth Bass, Bluegill, Redear Sunfish, Crappie and Channel Catfish, with Muskellunge or Walleye stocked in several. Managed for quality with length limits and boat-motor restrictions on many.
Lake Killarney, a 121-acre lake in McHenry County, Illinois, managed by Public boat ramp: An IDNR-managed lake on a state fish and wildlife area (Sam Parr, Ramsey, Johnson Sauk Trail, Argyle, Sangchris, Forbes, Dolan, Mermet) — Largemouth Bass, Bluegill, Redear Sunfish, Crappie and Channel Catfish, with Muskellunge or Walleye stocked in several. Managed for quality with length limits and boat-motor restrictions on many.
Lily Lake, a 106-acre lake in McHenry and Lake Counties, Illinois, managed by City Land: An IDNR-managed lake on a state fish and wildlife area (Sam Parr, Ramsey, Johnson Sauk Trail, Argyle, Sangchris, Forbes, Dolan, Mermet) — Largemouth Bass, Bluegill, Redear Sunfish, Crappie and Channel Catfish, with Muskellunge or Walleye stocked in several. Managed for quality with length limits and boat-motor restrictions on many.
South Lake, a 102-acre lake in McHenry and Knox Counties, Illinois, managed by Public boat ramp: An IDNR-managed lake on a state fish and wildlife area (Sam Parr, Ramsey, Johnson Sauk Trail, Argyle, Sangchris, Forbes, Dolan, Mermet) — Largemouth Bass, Bluegill, Redear Sunfish, Crappie and Channel Catfish, with Muskellunge or Walleye stocked in several. Managed for quality with length limits and boat-motor restrictions on many.
Island Lake (91 acres) sits in Lake, McHenry, Cook and 1 more county in Illinois, managed by Public boat ramp. An IDNR-managed lake on a state fish and wildlife area (Sam Parr, Ramsey, Johnson Sauk Trail, Argyle, Sangchris, Forbes, Dolan, Mermet) — Largemouth Bass, Bluegill, Redear Sunfish, Crappie and Channel Catfish, with Muskellunge or Walleye stocked in several. Managed for quality with length limits and boat-motor restrictions on many.
Cary Lake (75 acres) sits in McHenry County, Illinois, managed by Public boat ramp. Lakes and reservoirs across this region typically hold walleye, northern pike, yellow perch, largemouth and smallmouth bass, and panfish such as bluegill, crappie and pumpkinseed, with muskellunge present in some larger lakes -- species commonly documented across the region's public waters by state wildlife agencies.
McHenry County, Illinois — Defiance Lake is a 66-acre lake, managed by State Department of Natural Resources: An IDNR-managed lake on a state fish and wildlife area (Sam Parr, Ramsey, Johnson Sauk Trail, Argyle, Sangchris, Forbes, Dolan, Mermet) — Largemouth Bass, Bluegill, Redear Sunfish, Crappie and Channel Catfish, with Muskellunge or Walleye stocked in several. Managed for quality with length limits and boat-motor restrictions on many.
Wold Lake, a 65-acre lake in McHenry County, Illinois, managed by State Department of Natural Resources: An IDNR-managed lake on a state fish and wildlife area (Sam Parr, Ramsey, Johnson Sauk Trail, Argyle, Sangchris, Forbes, Dolan, Mermet) — Largemouth Bass, Bluegill, Redear Sunfish, Crappie and Channel Catfish, with Muskellunge or Walleye stocked in several. Managed for quality with length limits and boat-motor restrictions on many.
This 64-acre McHenry County lake in the Chicagoland region offers solid panfish and bass opportunity for nearby anglers. Largemouth bass, bluegill, and black crappie make up the core fishery, with public boat access available.
Lake Defiance in McHenry County stands out among Chicagoland waters for its northern pike population, adding a predatory thrill to what is otherwise a solid largemouth bass and panfish lake. Yellow perch, yellow bass, bluegill, crappie, channel catfish and common carp ensure variety on every trip.
This 55-acre McHenry County lake in the Chicagoland area serves up solid largemouth bass and channel catfish action, with bluegill providing reliable panfish opportunity throughout the season. Public boat access makes it an accessible choice for Chicago-area anglers seeking a straightforward warm-water fishery.
In McHenry County, Illinois, Lake in the Hills is a 54-acre lake, managed by Public boat ramp. An IDNR-managed lake on a state fish and wildlife area (Sam Parr, Ramsey, Johnson Sauk Trail, Argyle, Sangchris, Forbes, Dolan, Mermet) — Largemouth Bass, Bluegill, Redear Sunfish, Crappie and Channel Catfish, with Muskellunge or Walleye stocked in several. Managed for quality with length limits and boat-motor restrictions on many.
Wonder Lake Sediment Dewatering Basin, a 31-acre lake in McHenry County, Illinois, managed by Public boat ramp: Lakes and reservoirs across this region typically hold walleye, northern pike, yellow perch, largemouth and smallmouth bass, and panfish such as bluegill, crappie and pumpkinseed, with muskellunge present in some larger lakes -- species commonly documented across the region's public waters by state wildlife agencies.
McHenry County, Illinois — North Lake is a 30-acre lake, managed by Public boat ramp: Lakes and reservoirs across this region typically hold walleye, northern pike, yellow perch, largemouth and smallmouth bass, and panfish such as bluegill, crappie and pumpkinseed, with muskellunge present in some larger lakes -- species commonly documented across the region's public waters by state wildlife agencies.
A 26.3-acre McHenry County gem in Chicagoland, Lac Louette holds a prized muskellunge population alongside solid crappie and bluegill action. Channel catfish and largemouth bass round out a well-balanced coolwater-to-warmwater mix.
This 22-acre McHenry County lake in the Chicagoland region offers a compact but diverse fishery anchored by largemouth bass and walleye, with rainbow trout stocked seasonally for cooler-month appeal. Bluegill, channel catfish, and muskellunge round out the catch, making it a solid urban-access option for anglers targeting everything from panfish to pike-family species.
McHenry County, Illinois — Tomahawk Lake is a 6-acre lake, managed by State Department of Natural Resources: An IDNR-managed lake on a state fish and wildlife area (Sam Parr, Ramsey, Johnson Sauk Trail, Argyle, Sangchris, Forbes, Dolan, Mermet) — Largemouth Bass, Bluegill, Redear Sunfish, Crappie and Channel Catfish, with Muskellunge or Walleye stocked in several. Managed for quality with length limits and boat-motor restrictions on many.
Kane, LaSalle, McHenry and 2 more counties in Illinois — Fox River is a 196 km stream: The Fox River (the Illinois one, not the Wisconsin/Wolf one) — Smallmouth Bass, Largemouth Bass, Walleye and Northern Pike through the northeastern suburbs and down to the Illinois River, with several low-head dams creating pooled and free-flowing stretches.
McHenry, Boone and Winnebago Counties, Illinois — Kishwaukee River is a 22 km stream: A central-Illinois prairie river (the Sangamon, Vermilion, Embarras, Mackinaw, Spoon, La Moine) — smallmouth and Largemouth Bass, channel and Flathead Catfish, Rock Bass, Bluegill, Carp and Drum. Muddy, meandering, agricultural-belt water.
DeKalb, McHenry, Boone and 1 more county in Illinois — Coon Creek is a 40 km stream: A warmwater Illinois river or large creek — largemouth and Smallmouth Bass, channel and Flathead Catfish, Bluegill, Rock Bass, Carp and Drum. Wade or paddle; access at IDNR sites, county parks and bridges.
In Boone and McHenry Counties, Illinois, Piscasaw Creek is a 6 km river or creek. A warmwater Illinois river or large creek — largemouth and Smallmouth Bass, channel and Flathead Catfish, Bluegill, Rock Bass, Carp and Drum. Wade or paddle; access at IDNR sites, county parks and bridges.
South Branch Kishwaukee River (31 km) flows through McHenry and Kane Counties, Illinois. A central-Illinois prairie river (the Sangamon, Vermilion, Embarras, Mackinaw, Spoon, La Moine) — smallmouth and Largemouth Bass, channel and Flathead Catfish, Rock Bass, Bluegill, Carp and Drum. Muddy, meandering, agricultural-belt water.
North Branch Kishwaukee River (24 km) flows through McHenry County, Illinois. A central-Illinois prairie river (the Sangamon, Vermilion, Embarras, Mackinaw, Spoon, La Moine) — smallmouth and Largemouth Bass, channel and Flathead Catfish, Rock Bass, Bluegill, Carp and Drum. Muddy, meandering, agricultural-belt water.
North Branch Nippersink Creek runs 20 km through McHenry County, Illinois: A warmwater Illinois river or large creek — largemouth and Smallmouth Bass, channel and Flathead Catfish, Bluegill, Rock Bass, Carp and Drum. Wade or paddle; access at IDNR sites, county parks and bridges.
In McHenry County, Illinois, Nippersink Creek is a 16 km river or creek. A warmwater Illinois river or large creek — largemouth and Smallmouth Bass, channel and Flathead Catfish, Bluegill, Rock Bass, Carp and Drum. Wade or paddle; access at IDNR sites, county parks and bridges.
In McHenry and Boone Counties, Illinois, Rush Creek is a 22 km river or creek. A warmwater Illinois river or large creek — largemouth and Smallmouth Bass, channel and Flathead Catfish, Bluegill, Rock Bass, Carp and Drum. Wade or paddle; access at IDNR sites, county parks and bridges.
In McHenry County, Illinois, Mokeler Creek is a 15 km river or creek. A warmwater Illinois river or large creek — largemouth and Smallmouth Bass, channel and Flathead Catfish, Bluegill, Rock Bass, Carp and Drum. Wade or paddle; access at IDNR sites, county parks and bridges.
In McHenry County, Illinois, Boone Creek is a 13 km river or creek. A warmwater Illinois river or large creek — largemouth and Smallmouth Bass, channel and Flathead Catfish, Bluegill, Rock Bass, Carp and Drum. Wade or paddle; access at IDNR sites, county parks and bridges.
Lawrence Creek runs 11 km through McHenry County, Illinois: A warmwater Illinois river or large creek — largemouth and Smallmouth Bass, channel and Flathead Catfish, Bluegill, Rock Bass, Carp and Drum. Wade or paddle; access at IDNR sites, county parks and bridges.
Lake, Cook and McHenry Counties, Illinois — Flint Creek is a 10 km stream: A warmwater Illinois river or large creek — largemouth and Smallmouth Bass, channel and Flathead Catfish, Bluegill, Rock Bass, Carp and Drum. Wade or paddle; access at IDNR sites, county parks and bridges.
In McHenry and Boone Counties, Illinois, West Branch Piscasaw Creek is a 11 km river or creek. A warmwater Illinois river or large creek — largemouth and Smallmouth Bass, channel and Flathead Catfish, Bluegill, Rock Bass, Carp and Drum. Wade or paddle; access at IDNR sites, county parks and bridges.
Across its mapped waters, McHenry County holds 21 species on PiscaMaps, including Largemouth Bass, Bluegill, Channel Catfish, Muskellunge, Walleye, Black Crappie, White Crappie and Smallmouth Bass.
Ramps, put-ins and species for every water — plus the carp layer no other US app has.
Open the Illinois map Join PiscaMapsOne Illinois Department of Natural Resources fishing licence covers every public water in the state, the Corps and IDNR reservoirs included — resident annual about $16, non-resident annual about $32, with non-resident 1-day and 5-day options. Illinois has no trout stamp requirement for the great majority of its water. Illinois residents 65 and older, and anyone under 16, need no licence. Buy at dnr.illinois.gov.