Libertyville's Lake Minear offers fishing, boating, swimming

Spring-fed Lake Minear is one of the Libertyville area's best kept secrets: a scenic, 72-acre lake that offers swimming, fishing, boating, and picnicking, without large crowds.

Memberships to the lake are available to anyone in the greater Libertyville area. Features include swimming lessons, a concession stand, and special events, like the much-anticipated annual open house and fishing derby to be held May 16.

According to director Mary Conn, although the boat club has been in operation since 1957, its low profile allows it to welcome new members for the 2015 season. Fees for the season are $175 for families, $110 for individuals, and $85 for seniors. The extended fishing fee is $65.

Lake Minear offers a clean, sandy beach, shaded picnic area with tables and grills, and a certified staff. It is operated by the Libertyville Boat Club Inc., a nonprofit, and is run solely by its members. Its waters consistently rate among the cleanest in the county, tested bimonthly by the Lake County Health Department.

The lake is stocked with game and pan fish. Catch-and-release fishing is permitted from the shore when the beach is open, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. With the purchase of an extended fishing license, sportsmen can fish year-round, from sun up to sundown, and bring in a boat, provided motors are 10 horsepower or less. New for this year will be a Lake Minear fishing club. Anyone interested in joining is encouraged to visit the website.

For more information, visit www.LMBEACH.com.