Rush Lake
Info / DuPage County
Family Friendly
No
Handicap Access
No
Boat Fishing
No
Boat Ramps
No
Boat Rentals
No
Camping
No
Picnicking
Yes - More Info
Skiing
No
Swimming
No
Trout Stocking
No
Zebra Mussels
Location 14 acres
Fishing Outlook
Largemouth Bass
Fair
In the 2020 Spring electrofishing survey, Largemouth Bass were caught at a rate of 46 fish per hour. This is lower than desired management goal of 60 fish per hour. Bass ranged in size from 3.1 to 18.2 inches and averaged 12.7 inches. The largest bass weighed 2.8 pounds. Site Specific Regulations: 14-18 protected slot limit. 4 fish possession limit. 3fish under 14 inches. 1 fish over 18 inches.
Bluegill
Very Good
Bluegill were captured at a rate of 122 fish per hour. The lack of large Bluegill (over 6 inches) in the sample suggests high angler harvest or gear avoidance in the deep, clear water. Site Specific Regulations: 25 fish daily harvest limit.
Contact
630-933-7200
Description
Rush Lake is a 15.0-acre borrow pit lake located in the East Branch Forest Preserve (Forest Preserve District of DuPage County – FPDDC). The lake was built in the 1980s and rehabilitated in 1990. It has a maximum depth of 20 feet and average depth of 8 feet. The East Branch of the DuPage River flows adjacent to the lake, but it does not appear to have flooded the lake since the 1990 rehabilitation. The lake and much of its watershed are set in a natural setting in the park and the shore is undeveloped. There is a moderate 50-yard walk down hill, on a gravel trail to access the lake. A crushed limestone path circles the lake and several areas are cleared for fishing access.Fishery History
The fish community in this pond is sampled every 4 years. Largemouth Bass and Channel Catfish are stocked when needed including 152 adult bass from Harrier Lake in 2017. Vegetation is being treated by a contractor hired by FPDDC. New sportfishing regulations for all DuPage County Forest Preserve lakes and ponds went into effect April 1st, 2017 - most notable being a 14-18 inch protected slot length limit for Largemouth Bass. Anglers will be allowed to harvest three bass under 14 inches and one trophy (over 18 inches), if desired. This regulation is designed to increase numbers of preferred size bass as well as increase the size of Bluegill (more large bass to feed on small Bluegill). A 40-minute electrofishing survey of Rush Lake took place in late spring 2020 and showed this lake has a low abundance of Largemouth Bass and good numbers of Bluegill. Catch rates could be lower than normal as the survey took place after the bass spawning season. Easy shore access and fish attractors should provide ample opportunities for a quality fishing experience.Site Regulations
No watercrafts are allowed at Rush Lake.
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
- Bluegill or Redear Sunfish: 25 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
- Channel Catfish: 12-inch Minimum Length Limit; 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
- Largemouth Bass: Protected Slot Length Limit with no possession of fish greater than or equal to 14 inches and less than 18 inches; 4 Fish Daily Harvest Limit with no more than 1 fish greater than or equal to 18 inches and 3 fish less than 14 inches
- White, Black or Hybrid Crappie: 15 Fish Daily Harvest Limit