Fishing

Bluegill, bowfin, carp, channel catfish, crappie, largemouth bass, muskellunge (muskie), northern pike, smallmouth bass, walleye and yellow perch are found in Lake County waterways. Some species are common and easier to catch, particularly panfish, a class so named because they’re edible fish that don’t usually outgrow the size of a frying pan.

Carp and channel catfish are non-native fish and plentiful in most preserves. Carp are popular target fish for many anglers. Large predatory fish, such as walleye and muskie, are fairly rare and challenging to catch. Learn about these sport species from videos, books, other anglers and fishing clubs.

The following state of Illinois fishing daily catch limits apply at all sites:

*At Sterling Lake in Van Patten Woods, the minimum length for muskellunge (muskie) is 48 inches. All live bait greater than 8 inches must be rigged with a quick set rig.

Use fishing knots to properly tie your line to your hook, lure and other tackle. The knots below are those most commonly used by anglers. Each knot has a specific purpose. When creating your knot, consider the following:

• The "tag end" (a.k.a. "working end") is the end of the line used to tie the knot.
• The "standing end" is the line that comes from your reel.
• Leave about 12 inches of the "tag end" of line to tie knots permanently
• You want the strongest knot possible to avoid losing fish.
• Simple overhand knots actually weakens your line.
• Practice tying until you can create each knot easily and correctly.
• Use saliva to wet knots as you pull them tight. This prevents damage to the line, helps pull the knot tight and prevents it from slipping.
• Once tied, trim knots closely. A good, tight knot will not come loose, and close trimming prevents the knot from catching snags or weeds.
• Do not burn the tag end. Heat damages the line and knot.

Improved Clinch Knot—Used to tie fishing line to a hook or lure for lines up to 20-pound test. The secret is making five turns of the tag end around the standing end before putting the tag end back through the formed loop.

Palomar Knot—Used to tie fishing line to a hook or lure for lines up to and over 20-pound test. This takes more line to tie and can tangle because it is doubled first, but it is a favorite of many anglers because it is easy and can be tied in the dark.

Non-Slip Loop Knot—Used with larger lines where a tight knot can affect the hook or lure movement. This knot creates a fixed loop so the hook can move freely.

Blood Knot—Used to join two lines of similar diameter. The secret is making five turns of line with each tag end around the overlapped standing end. Tip: Make one series of turns, tuck the tag end between the two lines and repeat with second line.

Arbor Knot—Used to attach line to your reel. This knot does not need to be strong. Run line around the spool, make overhand knot around standing line, clip and pull.