Wolf Lake
Info / Cook County
Family Friendly
No
Handicap Access
Yes
Boat Fishing
Yes - 10 hp limit and no wake for boats with larger motors
Boat Ramps
Yes
Boat Rentals
Yes
Camping
No
Picnicking
Yes - More Info
Skiing
No
Swimming
No
Trout Stocking
Fall & Spring
Zebra Mussels
Location 380 acres
Fishing Outlook
Bluegill
Improving
The Spring 2023 electrofishing survey resulted in a total of 83 Bluegill being collected ranging from 1.5 in to 6.5 in, with 46 of those fish > 3.0 in. Average length was 86 3.4 in. Catches rates did not substantially decline from the 2017 survey though the size structure severely truncated with only 4% of adult fish being at least 6 inches. It’s possible that larger fish were missed during the survey given the patchy fish distribution.
Largemouth Bass
Average
The Spring 2023 electrofishing survey resulted in a total of 20 Largemouth Bass being collected ranging from 2.6 in to 17 in, with 16 of those fish > 8.0 in. Average length was 11.5 in. Catch rates and total catch drastically declined from the 2017 survey, most likely a result of patchy fish distribution and not an indication of broader fishery issues. Site Regulation: 14-inch Minimum Length Limit (6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit).
Black Crappie
Fair
No Crappie were collected during the Spring 2023 electrofishing survey and only seven Crappie were collected during the 2017 electrofishing survey. Electrofishing is not a standard gear for evaluating Crappie populations, so this is not surprising. Fall trap netting is a much better gear at evaluating these fisheries.
Channel Catfish
Average
Channel Catfish are requested from the State Hatchery System on an annual basis. These fish are typically 8 – 10 inches and immediately provide anglers the opportunity to bring home their catch. A baited-hoop netting survey needs to be conducted to formally evaluate this fishery. Site Regulation: 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit.
Northern Pike
Average
The Spring 2023 electrofishing survey resulted in the one Northern Pike collected measuring 27.4 inches. Electrofishing is not a standard method to evaluate Northern Pike populations, so this is not an accurate representation of the fishery. Spring trap netting is a much better gear at evaluating these fisheries. Statewide Regulation: 24-inch Minimum Length Limit (3 Fish Daily Harvest Limit).
Walleye
Average
The Spring 2023 electrofishing survey resulted in the one Walleye collected measuring 20.2 inches. Daytime, late Spring electrofishing is not a standard method to evaluate Walleye populations, so this is not an accurate representation of the fishery. Early Spring nighttime electrofishing is a much better gear at evaluating these fisheries. Statewide Regulation: 14-inch Minimum Length Limit (6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit).
| 2025 | Bluegill | Advanced Fingerling (4 - 7") | 1000 |
| 2025 | Channel Catfish | Adult | 300 |
| 2025 | Channel Catfish | Advanced Fingerling (4 - 7") | 12000 |
| 2025 | Largemouth Bass | Advanced Fingerling (4 - 7") | 6945 |
| 2025 | Largemouth Bass | Fingerling (1 - 3") | 5081 |
Contact
773-646-3270
Description
Prior to 1947 Wolf Lake was a small, shallow glacial lake situated in a wetland area between the confluence of the Grand Calumet and Calumet Rivers. Since that time however, the construction of a low level dam and levees from extensive dredging operations have changed the lake's appearance. The lake and it's fishery have developed into a haven for anglers to enjoy some quiet time away from the highly urbanized region and catch quality-sized fish. The lake is located on the Illinois and Indiana state line. The Illinois portion of Wolf Lake consists of 390 acres of water and is managed by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. Fishing ranks as one of the most popular recreational activities at William Powers. The maximum depth of Wolf Lake is 15 feet and the average depth is 5 feet. There are three developed boat ramps in the park, but no concession or fish cleaning facilities are available.Fishery History
The fishery is evaluated via routine major and species-specific surveys and stocking includes Largemouth Bass, Chanel Catfish, Walleye, and Northern Pike. The "Office Lagoon" receives catchable Rainbow Trout as part of the Inland Trout Program and Hybrid Sunfish as part of the Urban Fishing Program.Site Regulations
Fishing access is reduced during the waterfowl hunting season (contact site for more information). Boat fishing is allowed; boats with motors larger than 10 hp must remain at no wake speed. Rental boats are available from the park concessionaire. Swimming and wading are prohibited. The park is open sunrise to sunset.
Site-Specific Fishing Regulations:
- Recreational Use Restriction: Waterfowl Refuge or Hunting Area (see above)
- 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: 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
- Large or Smallmouth Bass: 14 inch Minimum Length Limit; 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
- Northern Pike: 24 inch Minimum Length Limit; 3 Fish Daily Harvest Limit (statewide regulation)
- Trout: Fall Closed Season; Spring Closed Season; 5 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
- Walleye, Sauger, or Walleye Hybrid: 14 inch Minimum Length Limit; 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit (statewide regulation)
Additional Information
Planning to eat your catch? Fish Consumption Advisory information can be found here: Fish Consumption Advisory PageBath Map
