COVID-19 sinks fall trout season in DuPage forest preserves
Rainbow trout won't be making a splash in the lakes of the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County.
The district announced Wednesday officials are canceling the fall trout season as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
"Due to concerns about appropriate social distancing related to parking, fishing and general preserve use, the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County has decided to cancel the fall trout opener at our three forest preserve trout lakes," spokesman Tony Martinez said in a statement.
The district's three trout lakes - Silver Lake at Blackwell, Pickerel Lake at Pratt's Wayne Woods and Grove Lake at Wood Dale Grove - won't be stocked with trout this fall, fisheries ecologist Dan Grigas said.
Trout season's opening day originally was set for Oct. 17.
Fishing for other species is still available at nearly 30 DuPage forest preserve lakes, subject to state laws, regulations and district rules.
All anglers 16 and older who do not have a disability must carry valid Illinois fishing licenses, which are available for purchase weekdays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. through Visitor Services at district headquarters in Wheaton at 3S580 Naperville Road, and at some local retailers.
For information, call (630) 933-7200 or visit dupageforest.org.