Rush Creek Pond
Location 4 acres
Rush Creek Pond is located at Rush Creek Conservation Area (20501 McGuire Road) in Harvard. From Route 14 in Harvard, go east 0.75 miles on McGuire Road, the Conservation Area is on the south side of McGuire Road.
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Description
Rush Creek Pond is a 3.7-acre dug and dammed pond located in McHenry Conservation District’s (MCCD) Rush Creek Conservation Area. The lake was drained and rebuilt by MCCD staff during the summer of 2005. Maximum depth was increased from 8.0 feet to 15.5 feet, the grated drain structure was modified, several gravel fishing stations were created around the shoreline, the main water body was partially isolated from the inflow tributary by an earthen peninsula to manage sediment loading, and numerous whole-tree habitat structures were added to provide cover for fish. The pond is set in a natural setting within the conservation area and is close to the parking area for people who may have trouble walking long distances.Fishery History
Rush Creek Pond is one of 15 lakes and ponds owned by the McHenry County Conservation District (MCCD). The lake is managed under a Cooperative Management Agreement between the MCCD and the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR). The fish community is sampled every 4 years. The pond is recovering from a significant fish kill during the winter of 2013-14. Largemouth Bass and Bluegill were re-stocked the following 2 years and Channel Catfish were stocked in 2016. An aerator was adding in 2016 to reduce the risk of winterkill. Ice fishing is no longer allowed on this pond. In addition to Largemouth Bass, Bluegill and Channel Catfish, the pond also has Golden Shiner, Green Sunfish and White Sucker that provide additional forage species at Rush Creek Pond.Site Regulations
The use of live bait (minnows) is prohibited. No ice fishing allowed – an aerator causes unsafe ice conditions.
Statewide IDNR regulations apply or follow more restrictive MCCD regulations posted at the site.