DuPage forest preserve lakes will not be stocked with rainbow trout
(Sept. 16, 2020) — The DuPage Forest Preserve District is canceling the 2020 fall trout season at its three rainbow trout lakes due to COVID-19.
“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,” said Forest Preserve District Community Relations Director Tony Martinez.
The Forest Preserve District’s three trout lakes — Silver Lake at Blackwell, Pickerel Lake at Pratt’s Wayne Woods, and Grove Lake at Wood Dale Grove — will not be stocked with trout this fall, fisheries ecologist Dan Grigas said. The fall trout opener had been slated for Oct. 17.
The Forest Preserve District does not participate in the state’s catch-and-release fly fishing program.
Fishing for popular sports species at nearly 30 DuPage forest preserve lakes is still available, subject as always to state laws and regulations and Forest Preserve District rules.
Creel limits, depth maps and species lists are in the District’s free “Fishing in DuPage County” guide, which is available online or through Visitor Services at 630-933-7248 or forest@dupageforest.org.
All anglers 16 and older who are not legally disabled must carry valid Illinois fishing licenses, which are available for purchase weekdays 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. through Visitor Services at District headquarters at 3S580 Naperville Road in Wheaton and at select local retailers.
The Forest Preserve District of DuPage County has been connecting people to nature for more than 100 years. More than 4 million people visit its 60+ forest preserves, 166 miles of trails, six education centers and scores of programs each year. For information, call 630-933-7200 or visit dupageforest.org, where you can also link to the District’s e-newsletter, blog, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages.
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