What You'll Find at Hazlet State Park Fishing Pier

Hazlet State Park's fishing pier sits on the Kankakee River in Will County, about 40 miles south of Chicago. The pier is a concrete structure that extends into the river and is open to the public year-round during daylight hours. It's one of the few public access points to the Kankakee in this stretch, making it a practical stop if you're fishing the river system without a boat.

The pier itself is short — roughly 100 feet — and draws mostly bank and pier anglers rather than boat traffic. The river bottom here is a mix of sand and silt, and the current is moderate. Water depth at the pier ranges from about 4 to 8 feet depending on recent rainfall and dam releases upstream.

Access is free. There is a small parking area at the park entrance, and the pier is a short walk from the lot. The park has restrooms and picnic tables, but no bait shop or concessions, so bring what you need before you arrive.

Key Takeaways

  • Hazlet State Park Pier is open year-round during daylight hours and requires no fee or permit beyond your Illinois fishing license.
  • The Kankakee River here holds catfish, carp, and bass, with catfish most reliable from late spring through fall.
  • No bait or tackle is sold at the park, so purchase supplies in advance from a nearby shop or bring your own.
  • The pier is concrete and can be slippery when wet; wear shoes with good grip and watch your footing, especially in rain or after frost.

Species and Seasonal Patterns

Catfish are the most consistent catch at Hazlet. Channel catfish and flatheads both use the Kankakee here. Channel cats bite best from May through September, especially at dusk and after dark. Live bluegill, shad, or chicken liver work well. Flatheads are nocturnal and prefer live baitfish; they show up in the same months but are more active after sunset.

Carp are abundant in the Kankakee and will take corn, dough balls, and pack bait from the pier. Spring (April through May) and fall (September through October) are peak times. Carp can run large here — 20 to 30 pounds is not unusual — so bring heavier rod and reel if you're targeting them.

Bass — both largemouth and smallmouth — inhabit the river. Largemouths prefer the slower, weedy sections; smallmouths favor current breaks and rocky areas. Spring and fall are most productive. Soft plastics, crankbaits, and live shiners all work from the pier.

Winter fishing is slow. Water temperatures drop, and fish move to deeper holes away from the pier. Some anglers fish for catfish through the winter using live bait, but success is inconsistent.

Regulations and Licensing

You must have a valid Illinois fishing license to fish at Hazlet. Licenses are sold online through the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) website, at bait shops, and at some sporting goods stores. A one-day license costs less than a full-year license if you're visiting once.

Illinois has specific size and bag limits for each species. Channel catfish have a 15-inch minimum and a 50-fish daily bag limit. Flathead catfish have no minimum size and no bag limit. Largemouth bass have a 12-inch minimum and a 6-fish daily bag limit. Carp have no size or bag limit. Check the current IDNR fishing guide before you go, as regulations can change year to year.

The pier is open during daylight hours only. Night fishing is not permitted on the pier itself, though bank fishing along the park grounds may have different rules — ask at the park entrance if you're unsure.

Getting There and What to Bring

Hazlet State Park is located at 2221 North Joslin Avenue in Wilmington, Illinois. From Chicago, take I-55 south toward Joliet, then follow local roads east toward Wilmington. GPS coordinates are approximately 41.35°N, 88.18°W. Parking is free and the lot is small but usually has space on weekdays.

Bring your own tackle, bait, and supplies. The nearest bait and tackle shops are in Wilmington and Joliet, both 10 to 15 minutes away by car. Bring sunscreen, water, and snacks — there are no vendors at the park. A net is useful for landing larger carp and catfish. Wear polarized sunglasses to spot fish in the shallows, and bring a headlamp if you plan to fish into early evening.

The pier has no railings in some sections, so watch your footing, especially if the concrete is wet. Wear shoes with good grip. The park has restrooms but no shower facilities.

When to Fish and Weather Considerations

Spring (April through May) and fall (September through October) are the most reliable seasons. Water temperatures are moderate, fish are active, and the weather is usually comfortable. Summer can be productive for catfish at night, but daytime fishing slows as water warms.

Rain and high water can affect fishing. After heavy rain, the river rises and current increases, which can make the pier harder to fish from and can push fish into deeper water. Check the USGS stream gauge for the Kankakee near Wilmington before you go if you want to know whether water levels are rising or falling.

Winter is cold and slow. Ice can form on the pier, making it hazardous. Some anglers fish for catfish in winter, but you'll need patience and should check weather forecasts carefully.

Nearby Fishing and Facilities

If Hazlet is crowded or slow, the Kankakee River has other public access points nearby. Kankakee River State Park, about 10 miles north, has boat launches and bank fishing. Wilmington is the nearest town with gas, food, and lodging. Joliet, 15 miles north, has more services and is a hub for Illinois fishing information.

The Kankakee River system extends for over 100 miles and holds similar species throughout. If you're planning a longer trip, consider exploring multiple access points to find where fish are most active on the day you visit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a boat to fish at Hazlet, or can I fish from the pier only?

The pier is the main public fishing area at Hazlet. You can fish from the pier without a boat. Bank fishing is also possible along the park grounds, though the pier is the most reliable spot. If you have a boat, there is no launch at Hazlet itself, but Kankakee River State Park has a public launch about 10 miles north.

What's the best time of day to fish the pier?

For catfish, early morning and dusk into evening are most productive. Carp bite throughout the day but are often more active in early morning and late afternoon. Bass are active in spring and fall mornings and evenings. Summer daytime fishing is generally slower.

Can I keep fish I catch, or is it catch-and-release only?

Hazlet has no catch-and-release requirement. You may keep fish within Illinois bag and size limits. Catfish, carp, and bass are all legal to keep. Check the current IDNR guide for exact limits before you fish.

Is there parking and are there facilities at the park?

Yes. Hazlet has a small free parking lot and restrooms. There are no bait shops, restaurants, or lodging at the park. The nearest town with services is Wilmington, about 5 miles away.

What should I do if the pier is crowded?

Bank fishing is possible along the park grounds, though the pier is the main access point. If you want to explore other spots on the Kankakee, Kankakee River State Park to the north has additional access and is larger. Call ahead or check the IDNR website to see if other nearby areas are less busy.