Location: Rush Creek Pond is located at Rush Creek Conservation Area (20501 McGuire Road) in Harvard. From Route 14 in Harvard, go east 0.75 miles on McGuire Road, the Conservation Area is on the south side of McGuire Road.

Description: Rush Creek Pond is a 3.7-acre dug and dammed pond located in McHenry Conservation District’s (MCCD) Rush Creek Conservation Area. The lake was drained and rebuilt by MCCD staff during the summer of 2005. Maximum depth was increased from 8.0 feet to 15.5 feet, the grated drain structure was modified, several gravel fishing stations were created around the shoreline, the main water body was partially isolated from the
inflow tributary by an earthen peninsula to manage sediment loading, and numerous whole-tree
habitat structures were added to provide cover for fish. The pond is set in a natural setting within
the conservation area and is close to the parking area for people who may have trouble walking
long distances.

History and Status of the Sport Fishery: Rush Creek Pond is one of 15 lakes and ponds owned by the McHenry County Conservation District (MCCD). The lake is managed under a cooperative management agreement between the MCCD and the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR). The fish community in this lake is sampled every four years. The pond is recovering from a significant winterkill during from the winter of 2013-14. Largemouth bass and bluegill were re-
stocked the following two years and channel catfish were stocked in 2016. An aerator was adding
in 2016 to reduce the risk of winterkill. Ice fishing is no longer allowed on this pond.

In addition to largemouth bass, bluegill and channel catfish, the lake also has golden shiner, green sunfish and white sucker that provide additional forage species at Rush Creek Pond.

Additional Lake Information: The use of live bait (minnows) is prohibited. No ice fishing allowed – an aerator causes unsafe ice conditions.

Site Regulations:
Largemouth and smallmouth bass: Daily creel limit of one fish – must be 18” or longer
Bluegill: Daily creel limit of five fish – must be 8” or longer* (MCCD regulation)

Contact Information:
McHenry County Conservation District
815-338-6223
IDNR Fisheries Biologist, Andy Plauck
815-675-2386 ext. 214