Des Plaines Lake - LCFPD
Info / Lake County
Family Friendly
No
Handicap Access
No
Boat Fishing
No
Boat Ramps
No
Boat Rentals
No
Camping
No
Picnicking
No
Skiing
No
Swimming
No
Trout Stocking
No
Zebra Mussels
None
Location 19 acres
Fishing Outlook
Channel Catfish
Fair
No Channel Catfish were collected during this survey, but likely do exist in the system, especially since downstream dams have been removed which allows migrating fish, like Channel Catfish, to move more freely.
Largemouth Bass
Good
In 2016, bass collected during sampling measured up to 16.2” and weighed up to 2.5 lbs. 20% were greater than 12”, 12% were greater than 14”, 12% greater than 15” (legal length) and 2% greater than 16” long. This size structure provides quality bass fishing in a relatively small area, but because it is connected to the Des Plaines River, fish may not remain as residence long enough to grow really big. Fish in rivers tend to disperse up and down the system.
Black Crappie
Good
Black Crappie collected during the survey measured up to 11” and weighed up to 0.8 lbs. 80% topped 9”, 40% exceeded 10” and 10% were greater than 11% long.
Bluegill
Good
In 2016, Bluegill collected ranged up to 7.4” long and weighed up to 0.32 lbs. 18% exceeded 6” long, 3% were greater than 7”, 0% exceeded 7.5” long.
Contact
847-367-6640
Description
Des Plaines Lake was once a quarry and isolated from the Des Plaines River. It is now connected, and the Des Plaines River flows through the lake. Des Plaines Lake is 19 acres, has a shoreline length or 1.0 mile, a maximum depth or 36 feet, and an average depth of 4 feet. The closest kayak/canoe launch is approximately 2 miles upstream near Wadsworth Road. The lake is accessible by foot or bike along a limestone path.Fishery History
Since access is so difficult and this system is connected to the Des Plaines River, very little management occurs here. Des Plaines Lake has a nice Largemouth Bass population because it is a backwater of the Des Plaines River. Backwaters are magnets for many fish species that benefit from slower river flows, including bass, Bluegill, Black Crappie, Northern Pike and Bowfin. Additional species include Pumpkinseed, Common Carp, Warmouth, Green Sunfish and various sucker species.Site Regulations
Statewide fishing regulations apply at Des Plaines Lake.Additional Information
Planning to eat your catch? Fish Consumption Advisory information can be found here: Fish Consumption Advisory PageBath Map
