Hennepin Canal
Location 925 acres
Fishing Outlook
Bluegill
Good
Each pool is a little different. The middle pools, Geneseo to Sheffield, have better numbers and larger fish. The middle pools are the longest pools in the system and have varied habitats. These pools also provide the best access for boating.
Channel Catfish
Good
Channel Catfish can be found throughout the entire length of the Hennepin canal. Fish can be found below the many old locks on the Hennepin canal.
Rainbow Trout
Excellent
Trout are stocked at the Visitor Center Lagoon in the spring and fall.
Largemouth Bass
Good
Each pool is a little different. The middle pools, Geneseo to Sheffield, have better numbers and larger fish. The middle pools are the longest pools in the system and have varied habitats. These pools also provide the best access for boating.
Flathead Catfish
Good
The east end pools of the Hennepin Canal provide better fishing for Flathead Catfish.
| 2025 | Largemouth Bass | Fingerling (1 - 3") | 6325 |
| 2025 | Rainbow Trout | Adult | 504 |
| 2024 | Largemouth Bass | Advanced Fingerling (4 - 7") | 600 |
| 2024 | Largemouth Bass | Fingerling (1 - 3") | 5689 |
| 2023 | Largemouth Bass | Advanced Fingerling (4 - 7") | 1188 |
Contact
16006-875 E. St.
815-454-2328
Description
Spanning 5 counties, the Hennepin Canal is 925 acres with an average depth of 5 feet, is 104.5 miles long, and averages about 90 feet wide. The majority of the canal is accessible to bank angling. All boats should try to operate with “no wake” to protect the shoreline from wave erosion. The Hennepin Canal has 10 concrete boat ramps and 1 gravel boat ramp. There is no concession on the canal, however there are many cities nearby that offer bait, food and supplies.Fishery History
The fishery is managed by annual species-specific surveys and stocking. The Hennepin Canal receives an annual stocking of Largemouth Bass and Sauger. Trout are stocked at the Visitor's Center Lagoon in the spring and fall.Site Regulations
There is a 10 horsepower motor limit and no wake regulation on the Hennepin Canal.
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; jug fishing is permitted from sunset to sunrise and bow fishing is allowed from May 1 through September 30
- Large or Smallmouth Bass: 14 inch Minimum Length Limit
- Trout: Fall Closed Season; Spring Closed Season; 5 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Additional Information
Planning to eat your catch? Fish Consumption Advisory information can be found here: Fish Consumption Advisory PageBath Map
