Some top suburban forest preserves to fish this summer

The suburban area is unique in its fishability.

Unlike a lot of other locales throughout the Midwest, the greater Chicago area is relatively lacking in larger lakes that are easier to fish with larger boats and gas motors. Kayaks, trolling motors and shore fishing are more akin to the suburban scene, and the best place to find these waters is in local forest preserves.

With proper planning, your fishing trip to a local forest preserve can be a great success. While there are plenty of suburban forest preserves with excellent fishing, here are three within easy driving distance and sport great fishing opportunities.

For more information and specific preserve regulations from all the collar counties, I recommend checking online with the county and forest preserve districts for each preserve.

1. Blackwell, Warrenville

Located off Butterfield Road in West suburban Warrenville, Blackwell Forest Preserve is home to both Blackwell Lake and the West Branch of the DuPage River.

In Blackwell Lake, largemouth bass, bluegill and crappie are the targets of choice. Plastic worms, crankbaits and spinnerbaits are all popular for the bass, while Blackwell panfish can't turn down a minnow or wax worm under a bobber. Don't overlook the river portion of Blackwell, as the West Branch offers great smallmouth bass fishing on finesse plastics and topwater.

2. Busse Woods, Elk Grove

Nestled between O'Hare Airport and Woodfield Mall, Busse Woods has long been a popular haunt for area anglers. Bank anglers have miles of shore access throughout the system to explore, and those with kayaks and small boats with electric motors are welcome. Boats may also be rented at Busse Woods.

While largemouth bass are still king at Busse, don't be shocked if you happen to tie into a musky or walleye, as healthy populations of both reside at this expansive preserve.

3. Independence Grove, Libertyville

Over the last 20 years, it's hard to think of a preserve that has been more well-regarded for its fishing than Independence Grove.

The bass fishing at Independence Grove is the main calling card, especially for those that like to fish topwater baits at dawn and dusk. The lake's northern pike population is also robust, so don't forget your inline spinners and swimbaits.

For nonresidents of Libertyville, entry costs $6 per car Monday through Thursday and $12 per car Friday through Sunday.