Des Plaines River
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.
Open stocking page, opens in new tabFishing 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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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
All Flow Stations
Des Plaines River fishing guides
Book a trip with a local fishing guide through Guidesly.


Troy Mattson
Kinn’s Sport Fishing
Fish Lake Michigan, Join Our Charters!
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John Angel
Bass Fishing Guide Service
Awesome Bass Fishing Charter in Itasca, Illinois
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John Reddy
Reddy Guide Service
Professional Fishing Guide in WI & Arizona
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Fishing near Des Plaines River
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Fish species
Fishing spots
- Northwestern Woods Canoe Landing Boat Ramp
- Allison Wood Boat Ramp
- Oak Spring Road Canoe Launch
- Riverside Park Canoe Launch
- Rivershire Park Canoe Launch
- Maywood Grove Canoe Landing Boat Ramp
- Independence Grove Canoe Launch
- Gowe Memorial Park Boat Ramp
- Plank Road Meadow Boat Ramp
- Columbia woods Boat Ramp
- Irving Park Road Canoe Landing Boat Ramp
- Wadsworth Canoe Launch
- All 220 spots
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