What Blackwell Forest Preserve offers anglers

Blackwell Forest Preserve sits in Warrenville in DuPage County and holds three lakes open to fishing: Blackwell Lake, Herrick Lake, and Maple Lake. The preserve spans over 2,300 acres and is managed by the Salt Creek Greenway Conservancy in partnership with DuPage County. All three lakes hold largemouth bass, bluegill, and channel catfish, with Herrick Lake also stocked with rainbow trout during winter months. The preserve is free to fish and open year-round during daylight hours.

Blackwell Lake is the largest and most developed of the three, with a parking area, boat launch, and fishing pier. Herrick Lake offers quieter shoreline access and is popular with shore anglers. Maple Lake is the smallest and least developed, making it a good choice if you want fewer crowds. All three lakes are shallow — none exceeds 40 feet — which concentrates fish in predictable zones and makes them manageable for anglers of any skill level.

Key Takeaways

  • You need an Illinois fishing license to fish any of the three lakes; licenses are sold online through the Illinois Department of Natural Resources website or at local retailers.
  • Blackwell Lake has a boat launch and allows electric motors only; gas motors are prohibited on all three lakes.
  • Largemouth bass season runs year-round, but the best fishing is typically May through October when water temperatures are warmer.
  • Winter trout stocking at Herrick Lake usually begins in November and continues through February, attracting anglers specifically for that fishery.
  • The preserve has no overnight camping, but day-use parking is free and available at multiple access points.

Seasons and what fish are active when

Spring (March through May) brings warming water and active largemouth bass as they move into shallow areas to spawn. Bluegill also become more aggressive in spring, making them easier to catch on small jigs and live bait. Water temperatures climb from the 40s into the 60s, and this is when most anglers see consistent action on all three lakes.

Summer (June through August) can be productive early and late in the day, but midday heat pushes bass into deeper water and shade. Catfish become more active at night, and many anglers fish after sunset for channel cats using chicken liver, cut shad, or prepared stink baits. Herrick Lake tends to stay slightly cooler than Blackwell due to its smaller size and tree cover.

Fall (September through November) is excellent for bass as water cools and fish feed heavily before winter. Bluegill remain active through October. In November, the Illinois Department of Natural Resources begins stocking rainbow trout at Herrick Lake, and this continues through February. Trout fishing at Herrick is catch-and-release only, and trout must be at least 7 inches long to keep.

Winter (December through February) slows the largemouth and bluegill bite significantly, but Herrick Lake's stocked trout provide a winter fishery. Trout respond to small spinners, spoons, and live minnows. Ice fishing is not typically possible at these lakes because they do not freeze solid enough to safely support anglers, though this varies year to year depending on cold snaps.

Access, parking, and boat launch details

Blackwell Lake has the most developed access. The main parking area is on Blackwell Avenue (Route 59) just north of the lake, with spaces for roughly 50 vehicles. A concrete boat launch is available for electric-motor boats and canoes. The launch fee is free, and there is a fishing pier on the east shore accessible from the parking area. Restrooms are available seasonally.

Herrick Lake has a smaller parking area on Herrick Road on the south side of the lake. This lot serves shore anglers and canoe users; no motorized boats are allowed. The parking area is quieter and less crowded than Blackwell, making it a good choice if you prefer fewer people. Shoreline access is good around most of the lake.

Maple Lake has the most limited access. A small pull-off parking area exists on Maple Avenue on the west side, but facilities are minimal. This lake is best suited for shore fishing or kayaking. No boat launch is available, and the parking area holds only a handful of vehicles.

All three lakes prohibit gas motors and jet skis. Electric trolling motors are allowed on Blackwell Lake only. Canoes and kayaks are permitted on all three lakes. The preserve itself has walking and biking trails throughout, so you can combine fishing with other activities.

Illinois fishing license and regulations

You must have a valid Illinois fishing license to fish any of the three lakes. A one-day license costs less than a full-year license and is a good option if you are visiting once. Licenses are sold through the Illinois Department of Natural Resources website (www2.illinois.gov/dnr), at most sporting goods stores, and at some bait shops in the area. You can also purchase a license on your phone through the IDNR mobile app.

Largemouth bass have a year-round season with a 5-fish daily limit and a 12-inch minimum length. Bluegill and other sunfish have no closed season and no size limit, though a 50-fish daily limit applies. Channel catfish have no closed season, no size limit, and no daily limit. Rainbow trout stocked at Herrick Lake are catch-and-release only and must be at least 7 inches long if you choose to keep one (though the intent is release).

Live bait is permitted. Common baits include shiners, crawfish, and nightcrawlers for bass; waxworms and crickets for bluegill; and chicken liver or cut shad for catfish. Artificial lures work well for bass and bluegill throughout the year. Check the current Illinois fishing digest for any rule changes before you go.

Best techniques and what gear to bring

For largemouth bass, a 6- to 7-foot medium-power spinning rod with 8- to 10-pound monofilament or braided line works well. Crankbaits, soft plastics (4- to 6-inch worms and creature baits), and topwater plugs are effective, especially in spring and fall. Bass relate to the shallow structure — fallen trees, docks, and weed edges — so cast near cover and work your lure slowly. Early morning and late evening produce better than midday.

Bluegill respond to small jigs (1/32 to 1/16 ounce) tipped with live bait, or to small spinners and inline spinners. A light 5- to 6-foot rod with 4- to 6-pound line is ideal. Bluegill school in shallow water near vegetation and structure, so look for them in 2 to 8 feet of water. They bite year-round but are most aggressive in spring and early summer.

Channel catfish are best fished at night with heavy sinkers to keep bait on the bottom. A 6- to 7-foot medium-heavy rod with 12- to 15-pound line handles the weight and occasional large fish. Chicken liver, cut shad, and stink baits are standard. Fish the deeper holes and channel edges, and be patient — catfish fishing is often a waiting game.

For winter trout at Herrick Lake, bring a light spinning rod (5 to 6 feet) with 4- to 6-pound line. Small spinners (size 0 to 2), spoons, and live minnows all work. Trout are more active in the early morning and late afternoon, and they prefer cooler, deeper water. Since trout are catch-and-release, use barbless hooks or pinch down the barb to make release easier.

Getting there and what to bring

Blackwell Forest Preserve is located at 1 South Blackwell Avenue, Warrenville, IL 60555. From Chicago, take I-88 west to Route 59 north, then follow signs to Blackwell Avenue. The drive from downtown Chicago is roughly 30 to 40 minutes depending on traffic. GPS coordinates for the main Blackwell Lake parking area are 41.8065, -88.1569.

Bring sunscreen, a hat, and water — there is no shade at the parking areas, and the preserve can be exposed on sunny days. A cooler with ice is useful if you plan to keep fish. Insect repellent is recommended in summer and fall. If you fish at night for catfish, bring a headlamp and a flashlight. The preserve has no food vendors, so pack snacks or a lunch if you plan to stay several hours.

The preserve is open dawn to dusk. Fishing is allowed during these hours only. No overnight camping is permitted. The parking areas are unattended, so do not leave valuables in your vehicle.

When the bite is slowest and what to do

Midsummer (July and August) can be slow during the day because heat pushes bass and bluegill into deeper water and shade. If you fish during this period, focus on early morning (before 9 a.m.) and late evening (after 6 p.m.). Fish deeper structure — drop-offs, channel edges, and the deepest parts of each lake — rather than shallow shoreline.

Winter (December through February) is the slowest period for largemouth bass and bluegill. If you want to fish during winter, target the stocked rainbow trout at Herrick Lake instead. Trout fishing is most productive in the first few weeks after stocking and again in late January and February as water stabilizes. If you do not want to fish for trout, consider visiting in spring or fall when the bite is more consistent.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fish from shore at all three lakes?

Yes. Blackwell Lake has a fishing pier and shoreline access from the parking area. Herrick Lake has good shoreline access around most of the lake. Maple Lake has limited shore access but is fishable from the small parking area on the west side. All three lakes allow shore fishing without a boat.

Do I need to bring my own boat, or can I rent one?

You must bring your own boat or kayak. The preserve does not rent boats or equipment. Canoes and kayaks are permitted on all three lakes. Only Blackwell Lake has a boat launch for motorized boats (electric motors only).

What is the best time of year to fish Blackwell Forest Preserve?

Spring (April and May) and fall (September and October) are the most consistent periods for largemouth bass and bluegill. Winter (November through February) is best if you want to fish for stocked rainbow trout at Herrick Lake. Summer can be productive early and late in the day but is slower during midday heat.

Are there any fish species I should avoid or that are not worth targeting?

All three lakes hold only largemouth bass, bluegill, channel catfish, and (seasonally) rainbow trout. All are worth targeting depending on your preference. Bass and bluegill are most popular with shore anglers. Catfish attract night fishers. Trout at Herrick Lake are catch-and-release only and provide winter fishing when other species are inactive.

Is there a fee to fish or park at Blackwell Forest Preserve?

No. Day-use parking and fishing are free. There is no launch fee for the boat ramp at Blackwell Lake. You only need a valid Illinois fishing license, which you purchase separately through the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.