Busse Lake - FPDCC
Info / Cook County
Family Friendly
No
Handicap Access
Yes
Boat Fishing
Yes - Electric only
Boat Ramps
Yes
Boat Rentals
No
Camping
No
Picnicking
Yes - More Info
Skiing
No
Swimming
No
Trout Stocking
Fall
Zebra Mussels
Location 557 acres
Fishing Outlook
Bluegill
Good
In 2013, survey data indicated Bluegills approached 7.5”, but did not exceed that length. The increased predation by muskie and the abundant walleye and bass populations should help “contain” Bluegill so that over time their maximum size improves. Bluegill abundance is good, but their maximum size could use some improvement and that takes time. Site Regulation: 15 fish daily limit, no length limit.
Walleye
Excellent
During 2015, we weighed and measured over 62 Walleye during sampling and “rescue” operations; fish ranged from 13.5” and 26” long. 79% of those fish were longer than 18” (the legal limit) and 45% exceeded 20” long, so anglers targeting Walleye should be very happy! Site Regulation: 6 fish daily limit, 18" length limit.
Muskellunge
Good
In 2017, 96 muskie were “rescued” below the spillway and returned to the boat launch in the Main Pool; fish ranged in length from 23” to 42” long; to date the longest muskie measured by IDNR/County Biologists was 42” long.
Largemouth Bass
Very Good
Bass were collected in the Main Pool at a rate of 0.73 fish/minute compared to 0.38 fish/minute in the South Pool, but fish from the South Pool were slightly larger with several fish over 18” in the sample. For the lake as a whole, 83% of the sample exceeded 12”, 33% exceeded the legal length limit of 15”, and 8% were at least 18” long. The population appears to be stable and anglers targeting bass should be very happy. Site Regulation: 6 fish daily limit, 14" length limit.
Channel Catfish
Very Good
Catfish are stocked annually at 8” to 10” long to supplement sport fishing opportunities; fish up to 24” and 5.5 lbs. were recently collected, suggesting anglers targeting them should be in for a fight. Site Regulation: 6 fish daily limit, no length limit.
Black Crappie
Good
In 2013, crappie ranged from 5.8” to 10.9” long. Most crappie are slightly less than 9” long, but a few larger fish are present. Catching larger fish is dependent on finding suitable structure and fishing for them seasonally. As predator abundance and sizes increase, the crappie population improve. Site Regulation: 15 fish daily limit, no length limit.
| 2025 | Channel Catfish | Advanced Fingerling (4 - 7") | 12504 |
| 2025 | Muskellunge | Adult | 407 |
| 2025 | Northern Pike | NonVulnerable (8 - 10") | 460 |
| 2025 | Rainbow Trout | Adult | 4246 |
| 2025 | Walleye | Fingerling (1 - 3") | 22684 |
Contact
708-403-6951
Description
Busse Lake is 457 acres (Main Pool 325 acres, South Pool 115 acres, North Pool 17 acres) and has a maximum depth 19 feet and an average depth 5.5 feet. The lake was created in 1978 when Salt Creek was dug and dammed. The Main Pool and South Pool are deeper lakes that support excellent sport fish populations. The North Pool is an isolated lake and provides more of a small pond fishery. It is stocked in the fall with Rainbow Trout. Fishing piers, handicap access, boat/kayak rentals, and live bait/tackle are available throughout the summer from a concessionaire. Concrete boat launches are available in the two larger impoundments, and a paved bike path with numerous parking areas makes accessing the lakes very easy. Boats with electric motors are allowed, however gas motors must be removed. No fish cleaning station is available.Fishery History
Supplemental surveys to assess Muskie growth, relocate Muskie and Walleye from below the spillway, and to collect samples requested by IEPA to update fish consumption advisories occur regularly. Fish surveys evaluating the overall fishery are regularly undertaken by either IDNR or FPDCC fisheries staff. Muskie stockings began in the Main Pool in 2007; 100 of the original 840 fingerlings were implanted with Passive Integrated Transponder (PIT) tags to track growth over time; in a separate project, the FPDCC has implanted several radio transmitters into fish to track movement. The system receives biennial stockings of 800 12-inch Muskie fingerlings (Main Pool). Northern Pike stockings were stopped in 2017 due to hatchery production cuts, but 4500 8- to 10-inch Channel Catfish, and 20,000 2-inch Walleye occur annually. Approximately 19 species live in this system, including: the above mentioned fish and Green Sunfish, Pumpkinseed, Orangespot Sunfish, White Crappie, Yellow Perch, Yellow Bass, Northern Pike, Black and Yellow Bullhead, Common Carp, Golden Shiners, White Suckers and Gizzard Shad.Site Regulations
Electric motors only (no gas motors attached). Designated ice fishing lake (Main and South pools only).
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
- Muskellunge: 42 inch Minimum Length Limit; 1 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
- Trout: Fall Closed Season; 5 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 PageBath Map
