Trout season will open at the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County on Saturday, April 3 at 6 a.m. The District will stock three forest preserve lakes with rainbow trout to create better fishing opportunities for this popular game fish.
New to this year’s trout program, Pickerel Lake at Pratt’s Wayne Woods Forest Preserve in Wayne will be stocked with about 1,080 fish. It will replace Deep Quarry Lake at West Branch Forest Preserve in Bartlett, which will not be stocked because it is inhabited by the zebra mussel, an invasive aquatic species that can be transported to new waters in bait buckets and on fishing gear.
“The opening day of trout season is one of the busiest fishing days of the year, and many anglers fish at multiple lakes,” notes Don LaBrose, the District’s fisheries biologist. “Though Deep Quarry Lake will continue to offer opportunities for sport fishing, by choosing a new location for trout stocking, we hope to reduce the possibility of the invasive zebra mussel spreading to other bodies of water,” LaBrose continues.
In addition to the fish stocked at Pickerel Lake, Grove Lake at Wood Dale Grove Forest Preserve in Wood Dale will receive about 550 fish. Silver Lake at Blackwell Forest Preserve in Warrenville will be stocked with about 3,780 fish in cooperation with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. The three stocked lakes will be closed to all fishing from Monday, March 15 through Friday, April 2.
On opening day, Grove Lake will be the site of a free event designed to get kids interested in fishing by creating a relaxed environment on one of the most fun fishing days of the year. During “Kids Trout Fishing Day” from 6 a.m. to noon on April 3, fishing at the southern area of the lake will be reserved just for anglers 15 and under and their families. Staff and volunteers will be on hand to offer instruction, bait and loaner poles. At noon, the entire Grove Lake shoreline will open to all anglers. For more information or to volunteer for “Kids Trout Fishing Day,” contact Don LaBrose, the Forest Preserve District’s fisheries biologist, at 630-933-7668.
At all lakes, anglers ages 16 and older are required to have valid Illinois fishing licenses with Inland Trout Stamps in their possession. While the Forest Preserve District encourages catch-and-release fishing, the creel limit is five trout per day. The stocked fish will be an average of 1.25 pounds in weight and 13- to 14-inches long.
To enhance the DuPage angling experience, the District produces the free guide “Fishing in DuPage County.” This publication offers information about fishing locations and regulations. To obtain a copy, call the District’s Visitor Services weekdays at 630-933-7248.
With over 25,000 acres, 145 miles of trail and 60 preserves all right at your feet, there’s a perfect way to enjoy DuPage County’s forest preserves that’s just waiting for you. For information, call 630-933-7200, or visit www.dupageforest.org.
Media Contacts: Don LaBrose, Office of Natural Resources, 630-933-7668
Bonnie Olszewski, Office of Public Affairs, 630-871-6402
News Release Date: March 5, 2010