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Chain of Lakes

Boat Ramps
0
Access Points
0
Species
16

The system consists of 15 interconnected lakes covering 7,100 acres with 488 miles of shoreline in northeast Illinois. It is composed of natural and man-made lakes connected by the Fox River and channels. The largest lakes are Fox Lake and Pistakee Lake (1,700 acres each), followed by Grass Lake (1,360 acres). Depths vary significantly: Grass Lake averages 3 feet deep, Lake Marie averages 14 feet, Lake Catherine up to 45 feet. The system was formed by Wisconsin glacier melting and features diverse habitats including weed beds, channels, drop-offs, rocky points, and shallow bays.

Fishing spots, boat ramps & amenities

Learn how to get on Chain of Lakes. Uncover great fishing access points, boat ramps, and all the facilities you need for an unforgettable day on the water. Some locations shown may border or include private property. Always check property boundaries and applicable regulations before visiting. onWater's Public & Private Land layer can help you plan your access with confidence.

Stonefort Camground Campground

Stonefort Camground Campground

Campsite
Fever Campground And Hunt Club

Fever Campground And Hunt Club

Campsite

Know where you can legally fish on Chain of Lakes

See public and private land boundaries along the water, turn on private parcels with owner details to know where permission is required, and find land-trust parcels that offer permitted fishing access.

Illinois licenses and regulations

Illinois Boating Regulations

When using any type of watercraft to access a body of water, it is important to follow all federal, state, and local rules and regulations. These rules and regulations include boat permitting and licensing, invasive species inspections and stamps, life jacket and PFD rules, motor size and horsepower restrictions, noise limitations, restrictions on personal watercraft, and many more. Visit the web link below for the most current rules and regulations for this body of water.

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Illinois Fishing License

All individuals who are 16 and over are required to have a fishing license. All youth who are below 16 may fish without a license.

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Illinois Fishing Regulations

This river has a variety of species and regulations, including potential floating and/or watercraft restrictions. Because this river is specially managed for species, seasons, angling methods, and watercraft, it is strongly encouraged you check all federal, state, and local regulations before fishing. Visit any of the links below, inquire locally, or contact a local fly shop to learn current regulations and restrictions.

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Illinois Steam Access Laws

If the waterway is navigable in fact and the streambed is publicly owned, it is most likely fully accessible. If the streambed is privately owned, it is only accessible for navigation, not for hunting, fishing or portage.

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Take Chain of Lakes with you

The onWater Fish app keeps this water's access points, species and conditions in your pocket, with the tools you use once you're there.

  • Use the map without signal

    Download the map around Chain of Lakes to use it offline when coverage drops.

  • Log your catches here

    Keep a private fishing journal for Chain of Lakes to find where and when fish are biting for you.

  • HD depth charts from Garmin

    Find drop offs, ledges, channels, points and shallow flats with Garmin depth charts in the app.

Get the onWater Fish app

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Water and weather conditions (10 day forecast)

See the best times to fish Chain of Lakes and check the forecast before you go.

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