Activities at your forest preserves

Ice Fishing

Ice fishing shelters must be removed at the end of the day, only two poles allowed, and holes must be drilled eight inches or smaller. A 4.5-inch layer of ice is needed for ice fishing.

• At Independence Grove, ice fishing is permitted in the south bay.
• At Lakewood Forest Preserve, ice fishing is permitted on Banana Lake only.
• At Van Patten Woods, ice fishing is available on any part of Sterling Lake when conditions allow. Van Patten Woods also offers extended ice fishing hours on weekdays: 6:30 a.m. until one hour after sunset.

State of Illinois sport fishing regulations and license requirements apply. See www.IFishIllinois.org for details or to purchase a license online.

Check here for current winter sports conditions or call our hotline at 847-968-3235.

Resources

All activities on District property are subject to the Lake County Forest Preserve Rules and Regulations.

Ice Fishing Locations