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GREAT LAKES QUARRY
Lake Information
County: COOK
Acreage: 41
Average Depth: 15.00 feet
Shoreline Length: 2.5 miles
Recreational Amenities
Boat Fishing? trolling motors
Boat Ramps? Yes
Boat Rental? No
Skiing? No
Swimming? No
Picnicking? Yes
Camping? No
There are no zebra mussels in this lake.
Fishing Outlook ( Full PDF Report )
Click here for a list of all reports.
Species |
Rank |
Fish Status |
Average | The Fall 2023 electrofishing survey resulted in a total of 170 Bluegill collected ranging from 0.8 in to 186 7.3 in, with 75 of those fish > 3.0 in. Average length was 3.4 in. Bluegill size structure was within the target range of 20 – 40, though larger individuals were absent from the survey. Body condition was good for all measured size groups which indicates good growth potential. The Catch-Per-Unit-Effort was good at 3.4 fish/minute, which was a great increase from the 2018 survey. Again, sampling in the Spring or Late-Fall may provide a better representation of the population. Site Regulation: Aggregate 15 Fish Daily Harvest Limit. | |
Average | Channel catfish are stocked on a routine basis to augment the population as natural reproduction and recruitment are suspected to be low. Harvestable-size Channel Catfish are likely removed as they are caught. | |
Average | The Fall 2023 electrofishing survey resulted in a total of 1 White Crappie collected measuring 2.4 in. Electrofishing is not a standard gear for evaluating Crappie populations and Fall trap netting is typically conducted to understand these fisheries.Site Regulation: Aggregate 15 Fish Daily Harvest Limit. | |
Average | The Fall 2023 electrofishing survey resulted in a total of 68 Largemouth Bass collected ranging from 2.3 in to 13.1 in, with 39 of those fish > 8.0 in. Average length was 8.3 Largemouth Bass size structure was quite poor, with a PSD of 13 and no fish collected over 15 inches. In fact, legal size fish were not collected in the survey. Catch rates were, however, above the target threshold of 1.0 fish/minute. Body condition was poor for all but sub-stock sized fish, which could be an indication of a forage bottleneck taking place though this is not a certainty. The Young-Adult-Ratio was 3.0, which indicates good natural reproduction taking place. The cause of larger fish being absent from the survey is unknown. During the Spring Walleye nighttime survey, Largemouth Bass were (anecdotally) relatively abundant when we sampled in the North/Northwest corner of the lake (though they were not collected due to the nature of the survey). The 2018 survey took place much later in the year (late-October) as well. So perhaps a Spring or late-Fall survey would provide a better representation on the fishery. Site Regulation: 14-inch Minimum Length Limit (3 Fish Daily Harvest Limit). | |
Developing | The Spring 2023 Nighttime Walleye electrofishing survey did not result in the collection or observation of any Walleye. Walleye were first stocked in 2020 and this fishery is still developing. | |
Location: Located just half a mile east of downtown Lemont, the entrance to the quarry is at the end of Pruxne Street.
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 (which is managed by the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District [MWRD] and is not open to the public), Krueger Quarries, Great Lakes Quarries, Icebox Quarry, and The Forge Quarry (which is also not open to the public). 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.
History and Status of the Sport Fishery: The Village of Lemont entered into a cooperative fisheries 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 deemed appropriate.
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: 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: https://www.lemontdowntown.com/news/fishing-in-lemont. Statewide fishing regulations apply.
Additional 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
Contact Information: Village of Lemont 630-257-1590IDNR Fisheries Biologist, Seth Love630-360-4772
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