Hennepin-Hopper Lakes
Info / Putnam County
Family Friendly
No
Handicap Access
No
Boat Fishing
Yes - Electric motors only; No shore fishing allowed
Boat Ramps
Yes
Boat Rentals
No
Camping
No
Picnicking
No
Skiing
No
Swimming
No
Trout Stocking
No
Zebra Mussels
None
Location 1200 acres
Fishing Outlook
Pumpkinseed
Excellent
The 2024 Pumpkinseed sunfish population was evaluated by the collection of 127 stock size fish, a much higher sample number than previous years. The population indices show 43.3% are above 6”, and 10.2% are above 8”. The body condition was excellent with a value of 112. During the 2022 sampling efforts, 2 individuals were collected that were larger than the newly certified state record Pumpkinseed (1.12 lbs.) that was caught by an angler from the lakes in 2020 with the largest weighing in at 1.19 lbs.
Largemouth Bass
Excellent
The 2024 Largemouth Bass population was represented by 34 stock size fish. The indices of this population are very good with 70.8 percent of the fish over 15 inches in length. The body condition was also very good with a value of 110.
Bowfin
Very Good
The 2024 Bowfin population was evaluated by the collection of 232 fish from 13 to 27 inches in length. These fish were in excellent body condition and appear to have become well established with recruitment in the lake
Muskellunge
Developing
The Muskellunge population has begun showing up our sampling, most likely due to recent stockings of 13” fish which have a much higher survivorship rate than the previously stocked size classes of 6 inches or less. The 2024 sampling effort collected 27 stock sized fish with 44.4% being over 30 inches in length with a body condition of 86. Angler reports are very satisfactory, with high catch rates.
Bluegill
Good
The 2024 Bluegill population was evaluated by the collection of 257 stock size fish. The population indices showed 18.6% are above 6” and 0.3% are above 8”. The body condition was excellent with a value of 112.
Brown Bullhead
Very Good
The 2024 Brown Bullhead population was evaluated by the collection of 98 fish from 6-17 inches in length. These fish were in excellent body condition and appear to be self-sustaining.
Black Crappie
Very Good
The 2024 Black Crappie population was evaluated by the collection of 167 stock size fish. A much higher collection than in previous years. Population indices show 82.6% of the population are above 8” and 40.7% are above 10” with a body condition of 103, indicating fast growth potential for the crappie population.
Northern Pike
Very Good
The 2024 Northern Pike population was evaluated by the collection of 16 stock size fish. Population indices showed that 62.5% of the population were over 28 inches. The body condition was a value of 74.
| 2025 | Northern Pike | NonVulnerable (8 - 10") | 3016 |
| 2024 | Alligator Gar | Adult | 839 |
| 2024 | Muskellunge | Adult | 1529 |
| 2024 | Northern Pike | NonVulnerable (8 - 10") | 2867 |
| 2023 | Alligator Gar | NonVulnerable (8 - 10") | 432 |
Contact
(312) 922-0777
Description
The Wetlands Initiative (TWI), a nonprofit organization, created and manages the Sue and Wes Dixon Waterfowl Refuge at Hennepin-Hopper Lakes. Since 2001, TWI has been restoring the 2,700-acre site from row crops to diverse native ecosystems, including lakes, wetlands, and prairies. Throughout the project’s history, the IDNR has partnered with TWI to lend expertise in managing fisheries, stocking native fishes, and assisting in monitoring the lake and marsh. Additional information at: The Wetlands InitiativeFishery History
In the fall of 2009, TWI pumped out the water in the lakes so that the IDNR could apply the fish toxicant rotenone to remove Common Carp. In the spring of 2010, the healthy marsh habitat returned, and the IDNR restocked the lakes with native and sport fish. Other native flora and fauna returned, including thousands of migrating canvasback ducks in the spring of 2011. However, by the summer of 2012 the aquatic vegetation began to diminish and the Common Carp population had completed a successful spawn and recruitment at the site. The site was drained in sections in 2012, and a fish rehabilitation was completed in November. In 2013, the site was restocked with native brood fish and fingerlings from the State of Illinois Hatchery, Jake Wolf. Since 2013, the native fish stockings have grown rapidly and created a fishing destination for anglers. The improved water clarity has allowed the establishment of dense beds of submerged rooted aquatic plants and emergent aquatic plants. A new Illinois state record Pumpkinseed sunfish of 1.12 pounds was caught from Hennepin-Hopper Lakes by an angler in 2020.Site Regulations
Hennepin-Hopper Lakes are open to fishing May 1 - Labor Day, from sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset. The last day of the public fishing season is always Labor Day. Anglers MUST fill out free fishing permit located at the kiosk by the boat launch. Fishing is allowed from boats only. NO shore fishing is allowed. Electric trolling motors only! No gas powered motors allowed on boats (even if trimmed up). Fishing allowed only within the designated fishing zone (marked by buoys).
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: 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
- Large or Smallmouth Bass: 15 inch Minimum Length Limit; 3 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
- Muskie: 42 inch Minimum Length Limit; 1 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
- Northern Pike: 24 inch Minimum Length Limit; 3 Fish Daily Harvest Limit (statewide regulation)
- Walleye, Sauger, or Hybrid Walleye: 18 inch Minimum Length Limit; 3 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
- White, Black, or Hybrid Crappie: 9 inch Minimum Length Limit; 25 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Additional Information
Planning to eat your catch? Fish Consumption Advisory information can be found here: Fish Consumption Advisory PageBath Map
