What You'll Find at Lakewood Forest Preserve

Lakewood Forest Preserve sits in DuPage County, about 25 miles west of Chicago, and holds two lakes stocked with largemouth bass, bluegill, and channel catfish. The preserve is day-use only — no overnight camping — and offers paved parking, restroom facilities, and a boat launch on the larger lake. The setting is wooded and quiet, which makes it popular with anglers who want to avoid the crowds at more famous Illinois lakes.

The two lakes are shallow and weedy, which favors bass fishing in spring and fall when the water temperature drops. Summer can be productive for catfish, especially at dawn and dusk. The preserve stocks bluegill regularly, so it's a reliable spot for panfish if you're bringing children or want a straightforward day without long waits between bites.

Access is straightforward: the preserve has a small day-use fee (typically a few dollars per vehicle, though this varies by season and DuPage County policy). The parking area is near the boat launch, and the walk to the water is short. If you don't have a boat, you can fish from the shore, though the deeper water and better structure are reachable by small boat or kayak.

Key Takeaways

  • Lakewood holds largemouth bass, bluegill, and channel catfish in two shallow, weedy lakes suitable for both boat and shore fishing.
  • Spring and fall are the most productive seasons for bass; summer favors catfish fishing at dawn and dusk.
  • A day-use fee is required, and the preserve offers parking, restrooms, and a boat launch but no overnight facilities.
  • The preserve is located in DuPage County about 25 miles west of Chicago and is open during daylight hours only.
  • Bluegill are stocked regularly, making this a good choice for panfish and family fishing trips.

Seasons and Best Times to Fish

Spring (March through May) is when largemouth bass become most active as water temperatures rise from the 40s into the 60s. Shallow areas near vegetation warm first, so focus on the edges of weeds and fallen timber. Early morning and late afternoon produce the most strikes during this season.

Summer (June through August) is slower for bass but excellent for channel catfish. Fish at night or very early morning when the water is cooler and catfish are most active. Bluegill remain catchable throughout the day, especially if you target deeper holes or shaded areas under trees.

Fall (September through November) brings another strong bass bite as water cools again. The fish move back into shallower water and feed heavily before winter. This is often the best season overall at Lakewood because the weather is comfortable and the fishing is consistent.

Winter (December through February) slows dramatically. The lakes freeze or become very cold, and fish move to the deepest holes. If you fish during this period, focus on the deepest parts of each lake and use live bait or small jigs. Many anglers skip Lakewood in winter and fish larger, deeper lakes instead.

Species, Tackle, and Techniques

Largemouth bass are the main draw. They respond to crankbaits, soft plastic worms, and topwater lures in spring and fall. In summer, switch to deeper-diving crankbaits or jigs to reach cooler water. The weedy structure means you'll lose some lures, so bring extras and use a weedless hook setup when possible.

Bluegill and other panfish are abundant and easy to catch on small jigs, live crickets, or worms. A simple ultralight spinning rod with 4-pound line works well. Kids and beginners catch fish consistently here, which makes it a good family destination.

Channel catfish respond to chicken liver, cut shad, or commercial stink baits. Fish the bottom in deeper areas, especially at night. A medium-weight rod with 10- to 15-pound line is appropriate. Set your rod in a holder and wait for the bite — catfishing is a patient game.

The shallow, weedy lakes mean you'll encounter snags. Bring a net to land fish safely and reduce the chance of losing them at the last moment. A small tackle box with a variety of lures and baits covers most situations.

Access, Parking, and Facilities

Lakewood Forest Preserve is located in Downers Grove, DuPage County. The address is 1000 East Warrenville Road, Downers Grove, IL 60516. Parking is available near the boat launch and main lake access point. The lot fills on weekends during spring and fall, so arrive early if you're fishing on a Saturday or Sunday.

A day-use fee is required to enter the preserve. DuPage County charges a small per-vehicle fee, though residents of DuPage County may have different rates or discounts. Check the DuPage County Forest Preserve District website or call ahead to confirm current fees and hours, as these change seasonally.

Restroom facilities are available near the parking area. There is a boat launch suitable for small boats, kayaks, and canoes. If you don't have a boat, shore fishing is possible along both lakes, though boat access reaches better structure and deeper water. No overnight camping is allowed.

The preserve is open during daylight hours only. Exact opening and closing times vary by season, so confirm hours before you go. In winter, the preserve may have limited access or different hours due to weather or maintenance.

Illinois Fishing Regulations and Licensing

You must have a valid Illinois fishing license to fish at Lakewood Forest Preserve. Licenses are sold by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) and are available online, by phone, or at authorized retailers throughout the state. A one-day license costs less than a full-year license if you fish only occasionally.

Bass have a minimum size limit of 12 inches and a daily bag limit of 6 fish per angler in Illinois. Bluegill and other panfish have no minimum size but a daily limit of 50 fish per species. Catfish have no minimum size and a daily limit of 25 fish. These limits apply statewide and are enforced at Lakewood.

Check the IDNR website or the current Illinois fishing guide for any changes to regulations, as rules are updated periodically. Catch-and-release fishing is always an option and is encouraged if you want to preserve the fishery for future visits.

Nearby Fishing and Lodging Options

If Lakewood doesn't meet your needs, several other DuPage County preserves offer fishing within 15 to 30 minutes. Busse Lake, also in DuPage County, is larger and holds walleye and pike in addition to bass and panfish. Blackwell Forest Preserve has multiple lakes and is popular for both fishing and paddling.

For overnight stays, the Chicago suburbs offer hotels and motels throughout Downers Grove, Naperville, and surrounding towns. Camping is not available at Lakewood, but several state parks and private campgrounds in the region offer overnight facilities if you want to make a longer trip.

If you're visiting from out of state or want to explore larger waters, Starved Rock State Park (about 90 minutes north) offers walleye, catfish, and bass in the Illinois River. Lake Michigan shore fishing is also accessible from the Chicago area and offers different species and conditions.

What to Bring and How to Prepare

Bring a valid fishing license, your tackle box, and appropriate rods for the species you're targeting. A net is helpful for landing fish safely. Sunscreen, insect repellent, and a hat are essential, especially in spring and summer when mosquitoes are active and sun exposure is high.

Check the weather forecast before you go. Spring and fall weather in Illinois can change quickly, so bring a light jacket or rain gear. In summer, bring plenty of water to stay hydrated. In winter, dress warmly and be aware that the parking area and paths may be icy.

If you're bringing a boat, confirm that the launch is in good condition and that your boat meets any size or horsepower restrictions. The preserve's boat launch is designed for small boats and kayaks, so check ahead if you have a larger vessel. A fish finder is useful for locating deeper holes and structure, especially in summer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fish at Lakewood at night?

The preserve is day-use only and closes at sunset. Night fishing is not permitted. If you want to fish at night for catfish, you'll need to visit a different location that allows after-hours access.

Do I need a boat to fish here, or can I fish from shore?

Shore fishing is possible and productive, especially for bluegill and panfish. A boat gives you access to deeper water and better structure, but you can catch fish from the bank. The weedy shallows near shore hold bass in spring and fall.

What's the best time of day to fish at Lakewood?

Early morning (sunrise to mid-morning) and late afternoon (two hours before sunset) are most productive for bass. Bluegill bite throughout the day. Catfish are most active at night, but since the preserve closes at sunset, you'd need to fish early morning or late afternoon for catfish as well.

Are there any restrictions on the size or type of boat I can launch?

The boat launch is designed for small boats and kayaks. Check with the DuPage County Forest Preserve District before launching a larger boat or one with a high-horsepower motor. Some preserves have restrictions on engine size or boat length.

Is there a concession stand or bait shop at the preserve?

Lakewood does not have an on-site bait or tackle shop. Bring all your tackle and bait with you, or purchase them at a local shop before you arrive. Several tackle retailers operate in the Downers Grove and Naperville area.