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 6 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.