What You'll Find at Herrick Lake

Herrick Lake sits in the Salt Creek Greenway Trail corridor near Lombard and Oak Brook, managed by the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County. The lake itself is a shallow, 22-acre impoundment that holds largemouth bass, bluegill, and channel catfish. It's a neighborhood-scale fishery rather than a destination lake — the kind of place you visit because you live nearby or pass through on a bike trail, not because you're driving an hour to get there.

The preserve offers paved trail access, parking, and a small fishing area, but no boat launch or rental. You fish from shore only, which limits your reach to the shallower edges and whatever structure sits within casting distance. The lake is surrounded by residential areas and the trail system, so it's busier on weekends and during evening commute hours than it is on weekday mornings.

Key Takeaways

  • Herrick Lake holds largemouth bass and bluegill in shallow water accessible only from shore, making it best for spin-casting and light tackle.
  • The lake sits in a heavily used trail corridor near Lombard, so early morning or weekday visits will be quieter than weekend afternoons.
  • No motorized boats are permitted; kayaks and canoes are allowed but require carrying from the parking area since there is no launch.
  • Illinois fishing licenses are required for anyone 16 and older, and the lake follows standard state regulations for bass and panfish seasons.
  • Parking is free at the preserve, and the site is open dawn to dusk year-round.

Seasons and What Bites When

Spring (April through May) is the most active period. Largemouth bass move shallow to spawn, and bluegill follow the same pattern. Early morning and late evening produce the most consistent action, especially in the first two hours after sunrise. Water temperatures in the 55 to 70 degree range trigger feeding across both species.

Summer (June through August) slows the bite considerably. Bass retreat to deeper water and shade during midday heat, leaving early morning and dusk as your only reliable windows. Bluegill remain active but often move to deeper structure. Many anglers skip Herrick in midsummer and return in fall.

Fall (September through October) brings a second strong period. Cooling water temperatures push bass back into shallower feeding zones, and the lake can be productive from mid-morning through late afternoon. This is often the best time to visit if you can only go on a weekend.

Winter (November through March) is slow but not impossible. Channel catfish remain somewhat active, and occasional bass will feed on warmer days. Most visiting anglers skip this season entirely, which means you'll have the lake to yourself if you do venture out.

Species, Tackle, and Techniques

Largemouth bass are the primary target. They range from 10 to 16 inches on average, with occasional fish pushing 18 inches. Spin-casting with 1/4 to 3/8 ounce spinnerbaits, crankbaits, and soft plastics works well in spring and fall. In summer, focus on any shade — trees, docks, or the few deeper holes — and fish early or late. Topwater lures at dawn can produce explosive strikes.

Bluegill are abundant and reliable. A light spinning rod with 2-pound test and small jigs, poppers, or live crickets will catch them consistently from April through October. They're excellent for children or anyone wanting steady action without technical difficulty. Panfish often school in the shallower bays on the north and east sides of the lake.

Channel catfish are present but underutilized. They respond to chicken liver, cut shad, or prepared stink baits fished on the bottom at night or early morning. Most anglers ignore them, so if you target catfish you'll have less competition for space.

Shore fishing means you're limited to casting distance — typically 30 to 50 feet depending on your rod and skill. Focus on any visible structure: fallen trees, the dam area on the south end, and the deeper pockets where the creek channel runs through the lake. A small kayak or canoe expands your range significantly if you're willing to carry it from the parking area.

Access, Parking, and Regulations

Herrick Lake is located at the intersection of Ardmore Avenue and Westmore Avenue in Lombard. Parking is free and available in a small lot near the lake; the Forest Preserve District does not charge day-use fees. The preserve is open from dawn to dusk year-round, and fishing is permitted during those hours.

You must have a valid Illinois fishing license if you are 16 or older. Licenses are sold online through the Illinois Department of Natural Resources website, at bait shops throughout DuPage County, and at some sporting goods retailers. A one-day license costs less than a full-year license if you only plan one or two visits.

Bass are subject to a 12-inch minimum length limit and a daily bag limit of 5 fish. Bluegill and other sunfish have no minimum size but a daily limit of 50 fish combined. Channel catfish have no size limit and a daily limit of 50. These regulations are standard across Illinois and are enforced by the Department of Natural Resources.

No motorized boats are permitted on Herrick Lake. Kayaks and canoes are allowed but must be hand-carried from the parking area — there is no boat launch. The lake is shallow enough that a canoe or kayak can run aground in places, so local knowledge or a map helps.

When to Go and What to Expect

Weekday mornings before 9 a.m. are your quietest option. The trail system brings joggers and cyclists throughout the day, especially on weekends, so expect foot traffic and noise if you visit Saturday or Sunday afternoon. The lake itself is not crowded with anglers — you'll rarely see more than two or three other fishermen — but the surrounding preserve is busy with trail users.

Spring weekends (April and May) draw the most fishing pressure. If you want solitude, go on a weekday or visit in early morning before the trail crowd arrives. Fall is less crowded than spring, and winter is nearly empty.

Bring insect repellent in late spring and summer; mosquitoes are present, especially near the shoreline vegetation. The preserve has no facilities — no restrooms, no concessions, no shade structures — so plan accordingly. A small cooler, sunscreen, and water are essentials.

Nearby Alternatives if Herrick Doesn't Fit

If Herrick Lake is too small or too busy, the Forest Preserve District manages several larger lakes within 15 minutes' drive. Busse Lake near Arlington Heights is deeper and holds more fish. Blackwell Forest Preserve near Warrenville has multiple lakes and more developed facilities. Both offer boat launches and more space than Herrick.

If you want a different experience entirely, the Salt Creek itself runs through the preserve system and holds smallmouth bass and catfish in its deeper holes. Creek fishing requires wading and is more technical than lake fishing, but it's less crowded and offers a different kind of challenge.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a boat to fish Herrick Lake?

No. The lake is small enough that shore fishing reaches most productive areas. A kayak or canoe expands your range but is not required. If you bring a kayak, you'll need to carry it from the parking area since there's no launch.

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

Early morning (sunrise to 9 a.m.) is most productive for bass and bluegill. Evening (5 p.m. to dark) is your second-best window. Midday in summer is slow. Weekday mornings are also quieter than weekend afternoons if you want fewer people around.

Can I bring my kids to fish?

Yes. Bluegill are abundant and easy to catch, making them ideal for children. The preserve is family-friendly, and the paved trail system means you can combine fishing with a walk or bike ride. Children under 16 do not need a fishing license.

Is there anywhere to buy bait or tackle nearby?

The preserve itself has no bait shop. You'll need to bring your own or stop at a bait and tackle shop in Lombard or Oak Brook before you arrive. Planning ahead saves a wasted trip.

What happens if I catch a bass under 12 inches?

Release it immediately. The 12-inch minimum is a state regulation, and undersized fish must go back. Keeping undersized bass is illegal and reduces the population of larger fish in future years.