Trout season in Cook County Forest Preserves begins Saturday
The Forest Preserves of Cook County's 2014 fall inland trout fishing season will start at dawn on Saturday, Oct. 18.
Catchable-sized rainbow trout (1/2 to 3/4 pounds average) will be stocked into Busse Reservoir - North Pool, Axehead Lake, Belleau Lake, Horsetail Lake and, new for the fall season, Green Lake.
As part of the stocking process, until 5 a.m. on Oct. 18, fishing for and possession of any trout is illegal. In addition, the trout lakes will be closed to all fishing until dawn on Oct. 18. The lake closings allow the trout to disperse throughout the lakes prior to opening.
Once the season opens, there is a five trout per day creel limit with no size restrictions. No more than two lines per person with no more than two hooks per line may be used. A valid Illinois sport fishing license with an Inland Trout Stamp is required for anglers 16 years of age and older.
An Illinois sport fishing license is not required for Illinois residents who are disabled and have a state disabled ID card showing a Class 2 or 2A disability or a Veterans Disability Card, and Illinois residents who are on active military duty and are home on leave.
The Forest Preserves will be purchasing and stocking approximately 1,000 pounds of rainbow trout for Horsetail Lake, while the Illinois Department of Natural Resources will be providing and stocking 1,255 pounds for Axehead Lake, 1,000 pounds for Belleau Lake, 3,400 pounds for Busse Reservoir and 1,000 pounds for Green Lake.
For a list of all of the lakes and waters open to public fishing within the Forest Preserves of Cook County, visit fpdcc.com/recreation/fishing and download our Fishing Guide. The guide includes maps that show the location and depths of each lake, and list principal fish species.
Contact the Forest Preserves' Fisheries Section at (708) 403-6951 for further information.