For Immediate Release
March 6, 2009
Trout season will open at the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County one hour after sunrise on Saturday, April 4. The District, in partnership with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, will stock three forest preserve lakes with rainbow trout to create better fishing opportunities and maintain a healthy population of this popular game fish.
Silver Lake at Blackwell Forest Preserve in Warrenville will be stocked with about 2,600 fish, Deep Quarry Lake at West Branch Forest Preserve in Bartlett with about 2,200 fish and Grove Lake at Wood Dale Grove Forest Preserve in Wood Dale with about 550 fish. To allow the trout to acclimate, the three lakes will be closed to all fishing from Sunday, March 15 through Friday, April 3.
Grove Lake will be the site of a new free event designed to get kids interested in fishing by creating a relaxed learning 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 4, fishing at the southern area of the lake will be reserved just for anglers 15 and under. Staff and volunteers will be on hand to offer instruction, bait and loaner poles. The entire Grove Lake shoreline will open to all anglers at noon. This year, to ensure that there are plenty of fish to go around, Grove Lake will be stocked with an additional 300 pounds of rainbow trout. 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 1.5 pounds in weight and 13- to 14-inches long.
Trout stocking is part of the District’s fisheries management program. The presence of this species in a freshwater lake provides more than just sporting opportunities. “Trout are very sensitive to pollutants in the water; when they are doing well, it is a good indication that the water quality is good, too,” LaBrose explains.
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, or send an e-mail to forest@dupageforest.com.
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.com.
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Media Contacts: Don LaBrose, Office of Natural Resources, 630-933-7668
Bonnie Olszewski, Office of Public Affairs, 630-871-6402