Forest Preserves of Cook County Prepares for Fall 2024 Trout Fishing Season

Forest Preserves of Cook County Prepares for Fall 2024 Trout Fishing Season

More than 7,900 pounds of fish will be stocked into trout fishing lakes

The Forest Preserves of Cook County’s 2024 fall inland trout fishing season is slated to start on Saturday, Oct. 19, at Axehead Lake in Park Ridge, Belleau Lake in Des Plaines, Busse Reservoir – North Pool in Elk Grove Village, Sag Quarry East in Lemont, Horsetail Lake in Palos Park and Green Lake in Calumet City.

The Forest Preserves is stocking approximately 1,500 pounds at Horsetail Lake, while the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) is providing and stocking 850 pounds of rainbow trout at Sag Quarry East; 2,700 pounds at Busse Reservoir - North Pool; 1,255 pounds at Axehead Lake; 1,000 pounds at Belleau Lake; and 667 pounds at Green Lake. These are catchable-sized rainbow trout, in the 0.5-1-pound size range.

As part of the IDNR’s stocking program, fishing for and possession of any trout is illegal until 5 a.m. on Oct. 19. In addition, the Forest Preserves’ trout lakes will be closed to all fishing until sunrise on Saturday, Oct. 19. The lake closings allow the trout to disperse throughout the lakes prior to opening.

Once the season opens, there is a five trout per day creel limit with no size restrictions. No more than two lines per person with no more than two hooks per line may be used.

A valid Illinois sport fishing license with an Inland Trout Stamp is required for anglers 16 years of age and older. An Illinois sport fishing license is not required for Illinois residents who are disabled and have a State of Illinois disabled I.D. card showing a Class 2 or 2A disability or a Veterans Disability Card, and Illinois residents who are on active military duty and are home on leave.

For a list of all lakes and waters open to public fishing within the Forest Preserves of Cook County, visit fpdcc.com/fishing/, and download the Fishing Guide in English or Spanish. The guide includes maps that show location and depth of each lake, as well as main fish species.

Latest Stories

Latest Podcast

Secretary of State Giannoulias