Catfish Pond
Info / DuPage County
Family Friendly
Yes
Handicap Access
No
Boat Fishing
No
Boat Ramps
No
Boat Rentals
No
Camping
No
Picnicking
Yes
Skiing
No
Swimming
No
Trout Stocking
No
Zebra Mussels
Location 6 acres
Fishing Outlook
Largemouth Bass
Good
Largemouth Bass were captured at a rate of 129 fish per hour. This rate is higher than the management goal of 60 fish per hour, and higher than it has been in the previous three surveys. Bass ranged in size from 3.9 to 17.76 inches, the largest weighing 3.2 pounds. The average length bass in the sample was 10.0 inches. A good proportion of the sample, 28% was longer than 15 inches. Catfish Pond offers anglers a good shot at a quality outing.
Bluegill
Average
Bluegill catch rate was quite low at only 81 fish per hour. This is most likely due to the timing of the survey or the steep sided morphology of this pond which makes Bluegill difficult to catch via electrofishing. Bluegill ranged in size from 1.2 to 6.4 inches, with an average length of 4.0 inches. Only four percent of the catch was longer than six inches.
Black Crappie
Poor
Black Crappie were not present in this survey. We caught 26 Crappie in the 2015 survey. Black Crappies tend to be very cyclical in their population numbers. We typically don’t manage for or stock Crappies in small ponds as they can become over-abundant and compete with young of year Largemouth Bass.
Contact
General Inquiries
630-933-7200
Description
Catfish Pond is a 5-acre gravel pit with a maximum depth of 16 feet and an average depth of 7 feet. Catfish Pond is one of 30 lakes and ponds owned and maintained for sport fishing by the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County (FPDDC). There is good shoreline fishing access available close to the north parking area via a gravel trail around the lake. No watercraft allowed.Fishery History
Abundant Largemouth Bass should offer anglers plenty of action in this "easy to access" pond. Bluegill, Black Crappie, Redear Sunfish, Channel Catfish and Northern Pike are also present. Several riverine species are present in this lake due to connectivity with Brewster Creek during flood events. Easy access and proximity to the parking area make this a family friendly fishing spot!These waters have been under management by the FPDDC Biologist to provide quality sport fishing opportunities. In 1984, the FPDDC entered into a Cooperative Management Agreement with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources to facilitate management activities. Largemouth Bass and Channel Catfish are occasionally stocked to supplement the population. Northern Pike and Redear Sunfish have been stocked in the past. A fish survey was conducted on April 24th, 2023.
Site Regulations
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
- Northern Pike: 24 inch Minimum Length Limit; 3 Fish Daily Harvest Limit (statewide regulation)
- White, Black or Hybrid Crappie: 15 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
- Yellow Perch: 9 inch Minimum Length Limit; 5 Fish Daily Harvest Limit