Sterling Lake - LCFPD
Info / Lake County
Family Friendly
No
Handicap Access
Yes
Boat Fishing
Yes - Carry in only; Electric motors only
Boat Ramps
Yes
Boat Rentals
No
Camping
No
Picnicking
Yes - More Info
Skiing
No
Swimming
No
Trout Stocking
No
Zebra Mussels
Location 74 acres
Fishing Outlook
Muskellunge
Fair
In 2013 sampling, muskie ranged from 31" to 34" in length, with the biggest weighing 12.6 lbs. Muskie have been periodically stocking in Sterling Lake since 1990 so the possibility of trophy size fish exists.
Black Crappie
Good
In 2013 sampling, fish measured from 7" to 11.8" and weighed up to 0.9 lbs., 44% exceeded 9", 31% exceeded 10", and 19% of the catch exceeded 11" long.
Largemouth Bass
Good
In 2013 sampling, fish measured between 6" to 15.5" and weighed up to 1.9 lbs. 24% were over 12" long, 17% exceeded 14" and 10% exceeded 15" (legal length). This size structure maintains reproductive potential and helps balance panfish species for better overall sportfishing opportunities.
Channel Catfish
Good
This species is stocked every year at 8" to 10", and Channel Catfish are a popular species for weekend fishermen enjoying the quiet of the Park.
Bluegill
Average
In 2013 sampling, Bluegill ranged from 4" to 6.7", with the biggest weighing 0.2 lbs. 10% were longer than 6", but none exceeded 7" long. Sterling Lake is an old gravel pit which has matured a little, but is still a fairly infertile lake relative to older systems.
Walleye
Poor
In 2013 sampling, 1 Walleye was collected; the fish measured 10.3". In 2011 a single 19" fish was collected and fishermen report legal catches (>18") for those targeting Walleye.
| 2025 | Channel Catfish | Advanced Fingerling (4 - 7") | 579 |
| 2025 | Muskellunge | Adult | 157 |
| 2025 | Walleye | Fingerling (1 - 3") | 5208 |
| 2024 | Channel Catfish | Advanced Fingerling (4 - 7") | 495 |
| 2024 | Walleye | Fingerling (1 - 3") | 5170 |
Contact
847-367-6640
Description
Sterling Lake, formerly known as Vulcan Gravel Pits, was constructed in 1939. The lake is located adjacent to the Des Plaines River and is connected via a 10- to 12-inch tube with a hinged gate so water can flow in during high water events. The Lake County Forest Preserve District acquired the area in 1974 with an emphasis on providing recreational fishing opportunities. Sterling Lake is 74 acres, has a maximum depth of 23.0 feet, an average depth of 14 feet, and a shoreline length of 2.3 miles. A crushed limestone, multi-use path surrounds the perimeter. There are handicap accessible fishing piers and a gravel ramp for launching a canoe/kayak or carry-in boats (electric trolling motors allowed). No concession facilities are available. No fish cleaning station is available.Fishery History
In 2013, a DC electrofishing survey was conducted to assess the overall fishery. Sterling Lake receives periodic stockings of 5000 2-inch Walleye, 150 11-inch Muskie and annual stockings of 600 8- to 10-inch Channel Catfish. Fourteen species of fish were detected during this survey. In addition to the species listed, you can also find Pumpkinseed Sunfish, Warmouth, Yellow Perch, Spotted Sucker, Bluntnose Minnow, Bowfin, Common Carp, and Yellow Bullhead. Historically, the lake supported Yellow Bass, White Sucker, Brook Silverside, and Johnny Darters.Site Regulations
Only electric trolling motors are allowed on watercraft in Sterling Lake. Only carry-in boats are allowed.
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
- All live bait greater than 8 inches must be rigged with a quick set rig
- Channel Catfish: 3 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
- Large or Smallmouth Bass: 15 inch Minimum Length Limit; 1 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
- Muskie: 48 inch Minimum Length Limit; 1 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
- Walleye, Sauger, or Walleye Hybrid: 16 inch Minimum Length Limit; 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Additional Information
Planning to eat your catch? Fish Consumption Advisory information can be found here: Fish Consumption Advisory PageBath Map
