Skokie Lagoons - FPDCC

Description

The Skokie Lagoons are located in the Skokie Valley which lies between two ridges of glacial drift. The southern portion of this valley was a long bay of ancient Lake Chicago. As the lake level receded, this bay became a large marsh. The Skokie River, which drained the upper watershed, ran into the marsh at the north end and exited at the south end as the North Branch of the Chicago River. The Potawatomi Indians referred to the large marsh as "Chewab Skokie" meaning "big, wet prairie." Historically, the marsh had an abundance of fish and wildlife. In 1929, planning began to convert the marsh into a series of lagoons. By 1933, the Forest Preserve District had acquired most of the Skokie marsh so when the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) was created in 1933, 10 companies of workers were allocated to undertake the project. Construction continued until 1942, at which point 4 million cubic yards of earth had been excavated and the present day Skokie Lagoons were created.

The Skokie Lagoon's seven pools cover 242 acres and have a maximum depth of 14.9 feet and an average depth of 5.5 feet. There is a boat ramp at Tower Road and concessions with boat/electric motor rental, canoe/kayak rental, live bait/tackle, food, and soft drinks open during summer months. No fish cleaning station is available.

Fishery History

The Forest Preserve District of Cook County (FPDCC) periodically spot treats aquatic vegetation at main access points. In 2013, water hyacinth and water lettuce were identified, both are aquatic invasive species so research is being done to determine their origin and hardiness. In 1993, the Skokie Lagoons and its watershed were rehabilitated thru a joint project involving the Forest Preserve District of Cook County, Northern Illinois Planning Commission and the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.

The Skokie Lagoons receive annual stockings of 8- to 10-inch Channel Catfish, 8-inch Northern Pike, and 2-inch Walleye. Sixteen additional  fish species have recently been collected during assessment surveys.  They include: Pumpkinseed, Orangespotted Sunfish, Green Sunfish, Hybrid Sunfish, Yellow Bass, Yellow Bullhead, Common Carp, Goldfish, Golden Shiner, White Sucker and Gizzard Shad. 

Site Regulations

Electric trolling motor only (no gas motor attached).

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; no minnow seines, minnow traps, cast nets or shad scoops allowed
• Bluegill, Redear, or Pumpkinseed Sunfish: 15 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
• Channel Catfish: 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
• Large or Smallmouth Bass: 14 inch Minimum Length Limit; 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
• Walleye, Sauger, or Hybrid Walleye: 18 inch Minimum Length Limit; 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
• White, Black, or Hybrid Crappie: 15 Fish Daily Harvest Limit

Additional Information

Planning to eat your catch?  Fish Consumption Advisory information can be found here: Fish Consumption Advisory Page