Boating Season Returns At The Forest Preserve Lakes
Spring is here! Time to start dusting off the life preservers, oars and anchors so that you are ready for the return of boating season on the four Forest Preserve lakes. Boating season also means fishing season.
Here’s everything you need to know to about making waves this boating seasons.
Boating and Fishing Rules
Federal and State regulations require that boats must contain one well-fitting personal flotation device for each person on the watercraft. Children under the age of 13 must wear a personal flotation device when on water, also known as a PFD. The Forest Preserve District requires all individuals regardless of age to wear PFDs when in private canoes and kayaks.
Swimming and wading are prohibited. Persons must be entirely secured in all boats. All statewide fishing regulations apply, including daily creel and size limits. Illinois fishing licenses are required for everyone age 16 years or older who fishes on a public waterway, with the exception of persons declared legally disabled or blind. Licenses are available for purchase at the Monee Reservoir, located at 27341 Ridgeland Avenue, Monee, Illinois.
Additional information regarding statewide fishing regulations may be obtained from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.
The four lakes at the Will County Forest Preserve are listed below with information about the lake according the Forest Preserve Press Release.
Monee Reservoir
Personal boats cannot be launched at Monee Reservoir in Monee Township. But pedal boats and rowboats will be available for rental from April 2-October 31. Fishing is permitted from rowboats, and trolling motors are also available for rental. Boats are rented on a first-come, first served basis from the visitor center, which is closed on Mondays.
Lake Chaminwood
Only vessels also known as ships or large boats that can be carried on top of a vehicle are permitted because there is no boat trailer parking at Lake Chaminwood in Minooka. Boats, including kayaks and canoes, can be launched from an area that has grass or gravel, depending on the water level.
Rock Run Rookery and Whalon Lake
The Forest Preserve’s two boat launches will reopen Monday, April 1, at Rock Run Rookery Preserve in Joliet and Whalon Lake in Naperville.
As with all Forest Preserve lakes, only non-gasoline powered watercraft up to 18 feet are permitted, including fishing boats, rowboats, canoes and kayaks. Sailboats, float tubes and paddle boards are not permitted on District lakes. Only electric trolling motors can be used. Gas-powered motors must be raised and out of the water at all times.
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