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BEAVER LAKE S.S.S.P.


Lake Information

County: Kendall

Acreage: 5

Recreational Amenities

Boat Fishing? Electric only

Boat Ramps? Yes

Boat Rental? Yes

Skiing? No

Swimming? No

Picnicking? Yes

Camping? Yes


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There are no zebra mussels in this lake.


Fishing Outlook  ( Full PDF Report )

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Species

Rank

Fish Status

BLUEGILL

Fair

The Spring 2022 electrofishing survey resulted in a total of 23 Bluegill collected ranging from 2.3 - 6.3 inches in length, with an average length of 5.3 in. The catch rate of Bluegill declined substantially from the Fall 2020 survey (0.92/min and 6.6/min, respectively), only because of the sheer number of Young-of-Year (YOY) collected in 2020. The Proportional Size Distribution (PSD) greatly increased from 8 to 30, meaning that 30% of fish at least 3 inches in length were also 6 inches in length.

CHANNEL CATFISH

Fair

Catchable Channel Catfish are requested from the state hatchery system on a triennial basis (next stocking in 2024). Natural reproduction is not expected, and this fishery could be classified as a “put-take” fishery. Fishing Regulation: 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit.

LARGEMOUTH BASS

Fair

The Spring 2022 electrofishing survey resulted in a total of 49 Largemouth Bass collected ranging from 5 – 13.1 inches in length, with an average length of 10.1 inches. The catch rate of Largemouth Bass greatly exceeded that of the Fall 2020 survey (1.96/min and 0.9 fish/minute, respectively). The proportion of adult fish over 12 inches declined to 44 and no legal sized fish were collected. Body condition (i.e., plumpness) was adequate for Sub-Stock and Stock-sized fish, though Quality-sized fish exhibited poor body condition. Fishing Regulation: 15” Minimum Length Limit.

REDEAR SUNFISH

Average

The Spring 2022 electrofishing survey results in a total of 18 Redear Sunfish collected ranging from 5.0 – 7.8 inches, with an average length of 6.7 inches. The catch rate of Redear Sunfish greatly improved from the Fall 2020 survey (0.72/min and 0.13/min, respectively) and the Proportional Size Distribution (PSD) also improved from 0 to 17 (indicating that 17% of the adult fish were of Quality-sized length).

Location: Silver Springs is located in Kendall County, 5 miles west of Yorkville on Fox Road. Take Fox Street west off Route 47 in Yorkville to Silver Springs State Fish and Wildlife Area.

Description: A total of seven gravel pits are located at this state site and contain a variety of warm-water fish species, while the two largest, Beaver Lake (4.5 acres) and Big Lake (also known as Loon Lake )(22.0 acres), are actively managed and will provide the most consistent action. Beaver Lake has a maximum depth of 14 feet and averages 8 feet.

History and Status of the Sport Fishery: To monitor the fish population, Beaver Lake is surveyed biennially. Aquatic vegetation is monitored annually and treated as required and fluridone has been utilized in early spring applications to arrest the growth of Eurasian milfoil and curleyleaf pondweed. These applications have generally provided control for multiple seasons. Aquatic habitat projects have included the introduction and establishment of selected emergent aquatic plants, as well as man-made structures placed in mid-water locations. No special mercury advisory or other contaminant-related consumption advisories pertain. However, the statewide methylmercury advisory for sensitive populations is in effect (one meal per week of predatory sportfish for the most sensitive populations).

Additional Lake Information: Beaver Lake does not have a formal boat ramp but there is a small gravel access for personal watercraft launching. A concession stand located at the park provides paddle boat rental, bait, food and drinks. A one- lane concrete boat ramp on the Fox River is present as well. Boaters – Electric trolling motor only. Statewide fishing regulations apply.

Additional Site-Specific Fishing Regulations:
All Fish Species - Two Pole and Line Fishing Only.
Channel Catfish – 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit.
Large or Smallmouth Bass – 15-inch Minimum Length Limit.

Contact Information:
Silver Springs State Fish and Wildlife Area
630-553-6297
IDNR Fisheries Biologist, Seth Love
630-360-4772