Independence Grove Lake - LCFPD
Location 110 acres
Fishing Outlook
Largemouth Bass
Good
In 2023, 121 Bass were collected in one hour of DC electrofishing. Fish ranged from 8.1 to 19.5 inches and weighed up to 3.6 lbs. Fifty-seven were longer than 12 inches, 26% exceeded 14 inches, 16% exceeded 15 inches, only one fish was longer than 18 inches. While no monsters were collected in the most recent survey, a 6.2-pound Bass was collected in the 2017 survey. Easy access to shore fishing at this lake provides an opportunity at catching high numbers of Largemouth if you’re willing to do some walking!
Bluegill
Good
In 2023, we collected 76 Bluegill in a 20-minute sub-sample of this species. This is well above the management goal of 120 fish per hour. Twenty-two percent of the Bluegills collected were longer than six inches. The largest Bluegill was 7.7 inches. Bluegill abundance was higher than in the 2019 survey. Size structure was about the same as the 2019 survey, with just a few larger (over seven inch) fish being collected in 2019. A more diverse predator base and/or some “human predation” would help reduce abundance and increase panfish growth rates.
Northern Pike
Developing
Northern Pike have been stocked by IDNR, most recently in 2020 and 2021.
Black Crappie
Good
Black Crappie catch was higher in 2023 than it was in the 2017 or 2019 surveys. Thirty-one Crappie were collected in our most recent survey. Catch rates in the previous surveys were 20 and 21 fish respectively. Over half the catch was longer than nine inches. The largest Crappie was 13.6 inches long.
Contact
847-367-6640
Description
Independence Grove Lake, formerly known as Liberty Pits, was filled with water in 2000. The Lake County Forest Preserve District acquired the area in the early 1990's and opened the facility once concessions, picnic areas, and a swimming beach were completed. Rental boats with electric motors are available through seasonal concessions. No outside boats, canoes or kayaks are allowed. No fish cleaning facilities are available. This is a “Catch and Release Only” lake for all species. Independence Grove Lake is 110 acres and it has a maximum depth of 50 feet, average depth of 7.5 feet and shoreline length of 4.3 miles. Shore fishing access is excellent and many amenities are available at the preserve. A parking fee is required for non-Lake County residents.Fishery History
Periodic fish surveys are undertaken to track the fishery relative to catch-and-release recreational fishing. Very little aquatic plant management takes place in the lake and most of it occurs near the swim and boat rental areas. Northern Pike have been stocked by IDNR, most recently in 2020 and 2021. A spring electrofishing survey was conducted on May 23rd, 2023. The lake is managed as a no harvest natural system. Largemouth Bass and Bluegill are abundant.Site Regulations
Entrance/parking fee required for non-residents (outside Lake County). No outside boats allowed. No live bait allowed (e.g., minnows, shiners, etc.)
Catch and Release Only (All Species)
Bath Map
