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Des Plaines River

Boat Ramps
16
Access Points
24
Species
43

The Des Plaines River flows through southern Wisconsin and northern Illinois, spanning 133 miles with about 105 miles in Illinois. It's a diverse waterway that has transformed from a once degraded stream to a healthy urban fishery. With an average width between 40-100 feet and typical depth of 3 feet during normal water levels, the river provides excellent fishing opportunities for anglers of all skill levels. The picturesque setting features lush riverbanks, tranquil waters, and abundant wildlife, offering a peaceful escape from urban life while providing diverse fishing habitats.


Species & education

Learn what type of fish are at Des Plaines River and what's needed to catch them.

Fish stocking schedule

Latest 5 stockings

  • Sauger54,254 fish · 2.0 in2026
  • Sauger1,500,000 fish2025
  • Sauger56,326 fish · 2.0 in2025
  • Sauger91,589 fish · 2.0 in2024
  • Sauger38,197 fish · 2.0 in2023

Source

Illinois Department of Natural Resources

Updated Nov 13, 2026. Sizes are the length the agency reports. Dates are as precise as the agency reports them.

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Fishing spots, boat ramps & amenities

Learn how to get on Des Plaines River. 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.

Know where you can legally fish on Des Plaines River

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.

Wisconsin licenses and regulations

Wisconsin 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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Wisconsin Fishing License

Wisconsin residents and non-residents 16 years old or older need a fishing license to fish in any waters of the state. Children under 16 years of age do not need a fishing license.

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Wisconsin 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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Wisconsin Stream Access Laws

Floatable water is public in Wisconsin, and users are legally allowed access to all lakes and streambeds below the high water mark for recreational purposes. Though riparian owners can own streams, the public has legal access to those streambeds below the high water mark while engaged in water-related recreational activity.

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Take Des Plaines River 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 Des Plaines River to use it offline when coverage drops.

  • Log your catches here

    Keep a private fishing journal for Des Plaines River to find where and when fish are biting for you.

Get the onWater Fish app

Free on iOS and Android

Water and weather conditions (10 day forecast)

See the best times to fish Des Plaines River and check the forecast before you go.

DES PLAINES RIVER AT ROUTE 53 AT JOLIET, IL

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