Braidwood Lake
Info / Will County
Family Friendly
No
Handicap Access
No
Boat Fishing
Yes - Unrestricted
Boat Ramps
Yes
Boat Rentals
No
Camping
No
Picnicking
No
Skiing
No
Swimming
No
Trout Stocking
No
Zebra Mussels
None
Location 2241 acres
Fishing Outlook
Flathead Catfish
Fair
The Fall 2025 targeted electrofishing survey did not result in Flathead Catfish being collection. However, past surveys (both targeted and non-targeted) have collected multiple sizes of fish, indicating that natural reproduction is occurring. Flathead Catfish were originally stocked many years ago and have managed to hang on at low densities.
Striped Bass x White Bass (Wiper)
Average
The Fall 2023 community electrofishing survey resulted in a total of 2 Hybrid Striped Bass collected measuring 447 mm (17.6 in) and 490 mm (19.3 in), with both of those fish > Stock size (200 mm [8.0]). Hybrid Striped Bass catches have historically been mediocre in electrofishing surveys on Braidwood Lake. Targeted Hybrid Striped Bass surveys (utilizing gill nets) are being planned to better assess this popular fishery. Site Regulation: 10 Fish Daily Limit (only 3 Fish > 17 inches).
Channel Catfish
Good
The Fall 2023 community electrofishing survey resulted in a total of 47 Channel Catfish collected ranging from 256 mm (10.1 in) to 692 mm (27.2 in), with 45 of those fish > Stock size (280 mm [11.0 in]). Average length was 383 mm (15.1 in). Channel Catfish CPUE remained high for a community electrofishing survey. High Channel Catfish densities have historically led to poor body condition and size structure, which continues to be evident in the relatively low PSD value and body condition index. A brief YouTube search will reveal the ease with which anglers catch Braidwood Lake Channel Catfish. It would be worthwhile conducting a targeted Channel Catfish survey utilizing baited hoop nets to periodically assess this fishery.
Redear Sunfish
Fair
Excess production in the State Hatchery System has allowed for the stocking of Redear Sunfish on a few occasions, and while not as prevalent as bluegill, larger specimens are occasionally caught.
Largemouth Bass
Excellent
The Spring 2026 targeted sunfish electrofishing survey resulted in a total of 125 Largemouth Bass were collected ranging from 218 mm (8.6 in) to 603 mm (23.7 in), with all fish > Stock size (200 mm [8.0 in]). Average length was 398 mm (15.7 in). The Largemouth Bass catch rate was good (1.4 fish/minute), and both body condition and size structure metrics were excellent. Site Regulation: 15-inch Minimum Length Limit (3 Fish Daily Limit).
Blue Catfish
Very Good
The Fall 2025 targeted electrofishing survey resulted in a total of 160 Blue Catfish collected ranging from 124 mm (4.9 in) to 695 mm (27.4 in), with 156 of those fish > Stock size (300 mm [12.0 in]). Average length was 452 mm (17.8 in). This is the third consecutive annual Blue Catfish survey that has taken place at Braidwood. The size distribution of the population remains unchanged with few fish over 23 inches (600 mm) collected. Braidwood Lake would likely be considered an “action” lake due to the high numbers of smaller Blue Catfish.
Bluegill
Fair
The Spring 2026 targeted sunfish electrofishing survey resulted in a total of 461 Bluegill collected ranging from 30 mm (1.2 in) to 198 mm (7.8 in), with 439 of those fish > Stock size (80 mm [3.0 in]). Average length was 125 mm (4.9 in). Body condition was sub-par for all size groups, and the population seems dominated by smaller fish (though some larger individuals were collected).
| 2026 | Striped Bass x White Bass (Wiper) | Fingerling (1 - 3") | 15722 |
| 2025 | Blue Catfish | Advanced Fingerling (4 - 7") | 23040 |
| 2025 | Largemouth Bass | Advanced Fingerling (4 - 7") | 5840 |
| 2025 | Largemouth Bass | Fingerling (1 - 3") | 70904 |
| 2025 | Striped Bass x White Bass (Wiper) | Fingerling (1 - 3") | 23992 |
Contact
815-237-0063
Description
Braidwood Lake is a 2,640-acre, partially perched cooling lake. When impounded in 1981 several old strip-mine pits were flooded within the lake proper. No horsepower limitations; maximum speed limit is 40 mph except in designated "no wake" and "hazard" areas; working gasoline engine required as main propulsion unit; boats under 14 feet are not recommended. County Line Road Access (south access) has a four-lane concrete boat ramp with 35 car/trailer parking. An additional 75+ car lot is located adjacent to the ramp area. Cemetery Road Access (north access) has a two-lane concrete boat ramp with parking for 35 car/trailers. A majority of the shoreline is open to bank fishing, and these areas are clearly marked. Access to the interior islands by anglers is prohibited. Steep drop-offs, rock piles, man-made habitat, current and thermal breaks and woody cover are all present. The nature of this lake requires extreme care in boating and a good topographic map is well worth the expense.Fishery History
Braidwood Lake is maintained by periodically pumping water from the Kankakee River. As a result, the lake supports a variety of nongame fish species which include Common Carp, Quillback, Freshwater Drum. Braidwood Lake is supported by a thriving Gizzard and Threadfin Shad forage base as well as various other minnow species. In terms of stocking, the lake receives annual stockings of Largemouth Bass, Blue Catfish, and Hybrid Striped Bass. The fishery is evaluated via biennial major surveys and species-specific ancillary surveys. Fish habitat enhancement has been conducted for several years and most recently involves the installation of commercially made units. Braidwood Lake supports a persistent phytoplankton bloom which suppresses rooted aquatic vegetation.Site Regulations
Swimming, wading, water skiing and sail boating are prohibited. Braidwood Lake is open to fishing daily from 6:00 a.m. till sunset from March 1 until 10 days prior to the opening of the waterfowl season (Central Zone). Portions of Braidwood Lake are restricted to unauthorized access (these areas are clearly marked), and bank fishing boundaries are posted. Fishing within the old Walleye Rearing Pond is permitted. Since windy conditions can produce treacherous waves, the lake closes to fishing when wind speeds are projected to be 30 mph or greater per the NOAA forecast.
Site-Specific Fishing Regulations:
- Recreational Use Restrictions: Braidwood Lake is closed to all fishing and boat traffic, except for legal waterfowl hunters, from 10 days prior to the start of the regular duck season through the close of the Canada goose season and regular duck season. Fishing tournaments are prohibited from July through August 31 (both dates inclusive).
- All Fish: 2 pole and line fishing only and each pole must not have more than 2 hooks or lures attached while fishing
- Large or Smallmouth Bass: 15 inch Minimum Length Limit; 3 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
- Striped, White, or Hybrid Striped Bass: 10 Fish Daily Harvest Limit with no more than 3 fish greater than or equal to 17 inches
Additional Information
FALL FISHING CLOSURE: October 15
Planning to eat your catch? Fish Consumption Advisory information can be found here: Fish Consumption Advisory Page
Bath Map
Fish Attractor Map
