Great Lakes Quarry (HQRA)
Info / Cook County
Family Friendly
No
Handicap Access
No
Boat Fishing
Yes - Trolling motors only
Boat Ramps
Yes
Boat Rentals
No
Camping
No
Picnicking
Yes - More Info
Skiing
No
Swimming
No
Trout Stocking
No
Zebra Mussels
None
Location 41 acres
Located just half a mile east of downtown Lemont, the entrance to the quarry is at the end of Talcott Avenue, just east of Main Street and the adjacent railroad tracks.
| 2025 | Northern Pike | NonVulnerable (8 - 10") | 125 |
| 2025 | Walleye | Fingerling (1 - 3") | 2170 |
| 2024 | Northern Pike | NonVulnerable (8 - 10") | 125 |
| 2024 | Walleye | Fingerling (1 - 3") | 5188 |
| 2023 | Northern Pike | NonVulnerable (8 - 10") | 125 |
Contact
General Inquries
630-257-1590
Description
Heritage Quarries were dug in the late 1800s for their dolomite limestone. When mining operations stopped, the quarries filled with water and were reportedly a source for ice in winter and a popular swimming destination in summer. There are four lakes in the Heritage Quarries Recreation Area (HQRA): Consumers Quarry, Krueger Quarry, Great Lakes Quarry, Icebox Quarry, and The Forge Quarry. While the Village delineates Krueger Quarry from Great Lakes Quarry, this delineation is not useful for fish management and as such both are combined into a singular waterbody (under the name “Great Lakes Quarry”).
Great Lakes Quarry covers 41.1 acres, has a shoreline length 2.5 miles, a watershed of 106 acres, a maximum depth reported at 45 feet, and an average depth reported at approximately 15 feet. There is a single, gravel boat ramp on the West end of the lake and carry-in access on the East end. A large parking lot is available and numerous miles of trail are easily accessible. See “Additional Lake Information” below for important site information.
Fishery History
The Village of Lemont entered into a Cooperative Management Agreement with the Illinois DNR in 2018. As such, the sport fishery is evaluated through routine, periodic fish community and targeted surveys utilizing electrofishing, trap nets, and other gears as appropriate. Routine fish stockings consist of Non-Vulnerable Channel Catfish and Walleye fingerlings, though other species may be stocked as needed.
Site Regulations
Site-Specific Fishing Regulations:
- Bluegill or Redear Sunfish: 15 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
- Large or Smallmouth Bass: 14 inch Minimum Length Limit; 3 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
- White, Black, or Hybrid Crappie: 15 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Additional Information
No concessions, boat rental, live bait or tackle shop are available on premises. Portable toilets are located throughout the property. There are no fish cleaning facilities on the property. For more information on site use regulations please visit: Heritage Quarries Recreation Area.
Planning to eat your catch? Fish Consumption Advisory information can be found here: Fish Consumption Advisory Page