Calling All Anglers: Trout Season Begins April 7

From the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County

Spring rainbow trout season will open at the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County on April 7 at 6 a.m. 

The District will stock Pickerel Lake at Pratt’s Wayne Woods Forest Preserve in Wayne with about 1,600 rainbow trout and Grove Lake at Wood Dale Grove Forest Preserve in Wood Dale with about 800 fish. The Illinois Department of Natural Resources will stock Silver Lake at Blackwell Forest Preserve in Warrenville with about 2,800 rainbow trout. The stocked rainbowtrout will be an average of 1 – 1.25 pounds and 14 – 15 inches.

To allow the trout to acclimate, the three lakes will be closed to all fishing from Thursday, March 15 through Friday, April 6. 

When fishing for trout, anglers 16 and older who are not legally disabled or Illinois residents on leave from active duty in the armed forces must have in their possession valid Illinois fishinglicenses with inland trout stamps. The creel limit is five trout per day with no length restriction.

This year, the District is offering children ages 15 and under special early access to one of DuPage County’s stocked lakes. “Trout Fishing for Kids” is free and takes place on Saturday, March 31 from 8 a.m. to noon at Wood Dale Grove Forest Preserve in Wood Dale. 

During the event, young anglers will have the 9-acre Grove Lake opened just for them. Adults are invited to help their children but may not fish on their own. Staff and volunteers will be on hand to offer free bait and loaner poles. Registration is not required. For more information on “Trout Fishing for Kids,” call Don LaBrose at 630-933-7668. 

For a free copy of the Forest Preserve District’s “Fishing in DuPage County” guide with regulations, depth maps and species lists for 31 lakes at 18 different DuPage County forest preserves call Visitor Services at 630-933-7248 or email forest@dupageforest.org.