Hastings Lake - LCFPD
Info / Lake County
Family Friendly
No
Handicap Access
No
Boat Fishing
Yes - Electric trolling motors only
Boat Ramps
No
Boat Rentals
No
Camping
No
Picnicking
No
Skiing
No
Swimming
No
Trout Stocking
No
Zebra Mussels
None
Location 74 acres
Fishing Outlook
Largemouth Bass
Very Good
In 2021, 28 Largemouth Bass were collected in 50 minutes of DC electrofishing. Fish measured 1.6” and 18”; 57% were over 12” long, 57% were over 14” long, and 42% exceeded the legal length of 15”. Fish sampling can be difficult because of the lake has mostly a shallow shelf near shore then drop-offs fairly steeply. The size structure suggests consistent reproduction and a quality bass fishing experience. Site Regulation: 15” minimum length limit; 6 fish daily creel limit.
Northern Pike
Average
This species is stocked annually with 10” fingerlings. Spring fyke nets targeting Northern Pike yielded 4.2 fish/net night; averaged 27” long and weighed 4.8 lbs. No Northern Pike were collected with electrofishing gear this year. Site Regulation: 24” minimum length limit; 3 fish per day creel limit
Black Crappie
Good
6 Black Crappie were collected in 2021. Fish measured from 3.9” to 5.0”. Larger crappie were not detected but mature size fish >9” likely inhabit the lake.
Bluegill
Very Good
In 2021, 128 Bluegill were collected. Fish ranged from 2” to 7.6”; 9% of the Bluegill were over 7” long and 2% were over 7.5” long. Larger fish likely exist but because of sampling conditions larger size Bluegill were tough to collect.
| 2025 | Northern Pike | NonVulnerable (8 - 10") | 309 |
| 2024 | Northern Pike | NonVulnerable (8 - 10") | 300 |
| 2023 | Northern Pike | NonVulnerable (8 - 10") | 292 |
Contact
847-367-6640
Description
Hastings Lake was purchased by the Lake County Forest Preserve District in 2003 from the YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago. The YMCA maintained a Youth Camp at the lake from 1923 to 2003. Hastings Lake is a glacial origin lake and has inputs from Crooked Lake to the west and Linden Lake to its southeast. Hastings Lake is 74 acres, has a shoreline length of 1.5 miles and a watershed of 2,129 acres (29 to 1). The lake's maximum depth is 26 feet and average depth is 9.5 feet. Carry-in boats, kayaks and canoes can launch on a sandy shoreline in the northwestern part of the lake. Electric trolling motors are allowed. There is no developed boat ramp and no trailer parking available. No concessions or fish cleaning facilities are available.Fishery History
Common Carp were causing some water quality problems when the lake was acquired in 2003 so a removal project was undertaken. At least 1,687 carp weighing 6,062 pounds were removed thru 2021 and predator stockings were enhanced. The fishery has rebounded and now supports a more balanced combination of sport fish and pan fish. Occasional fish surveys take place to update the status of the fishery. Hastings Lake receives annual stockings of 10-inch Northern Pike.Site Regulations
Carry-in boats, kayaks and canoes can launch on a sandy shoreline in the northwestern part of the lake. Electric trolling motors are allowed.
Site-Specific Fishing Regulations:
- All Fish: 2 pole and line fishing only and each pole must not have more than 2 hooks or lures attached while fishing
- Channel Catfish: 3 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
- Large or Smallmouth Bass: 15 inch Minimum Length Limit; 1 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
- Walleye, Sauger, or Hybrid Walleye: 16 inch Minimum Length Limit; 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Additional Information
Planning to eat your catch? Fish Consumption Advisory information can be found here: Fish Consumption Advisory PageBath Map
