Fox Chain O'Lakes Fisheries Fact Sheet

The Fox Chain O'Lakes are unique from other major bodies of water in the state in that they were formed by glaciation thousands of years ago.  Composed of 9 major lakes interconnected by channels, the Fox Chain O'Lakes is classified as a public navigable waterway managed under the authority of the Department of Natural Resources and the Fox Waterway Agency to provide a variety of water oriented recreational activities.

LOCATION: 50 miles northwest of Chicago off Ill. Rt. 173 and U.S. Rt. 12 near the cities of Antioch and Fox Lake.

AREA: 7110.0 acres - Lake Catherine 149.5 acres; Channel Lake 348.5 acres; Lake Marie 585.0 acres; Bluff Lake 92.4 acres; Grass Lake 1451.4 acres; Petite Lake 234.5 acres; Fox/Nippersink Lake 2376.8 acres; Pistakee Lake 1715.7 acres.

STATUS OF THE SPORT FISHERY: The Division of Fisheries has been actively monitoring the status of Fox Chain O'Lakes fishery for over 40 years (1954 to present). Between 30 and 40 fish species inhabit the Fox Chain O'Lakes system or roughly 15 to 20% of the 200 species which occur in Illinois. Two species have voluntarily become established in the Fox Chain O'Lakes; yellow bass in 1973, and more recently, freshwater drum in 1992. Gizzard shad were collected in 2007 for the first time. The following is a brief summary of the major sport species based on general fish population surveys conducted by the IDNR between 1990 and 2007.

Largemouth Bass - With the initiation of an annual fingerling stocking program in 1991 bass density increased 150% between 1990 and 1995. Since 1995, however, the bass population as measured by electrofishing Catch per Effort (CPE), has remained relatively constant at between 16 and 17.6 fish/hr. Stock structure analysis indicates the quality of the fishery remains good, with 46% of the catch over 12 inches and 29% of the catch over 14 inches (legal length). The annual stocking goal of 65,000 four inch fingerlings per year was exceeded with 92,921 four inch and 126,237 fingerlings 1.5 inch fingerlings stocked in 2007. Smallmouth bass are present but less abundant in the Chain.

Bluegill-Since the decline of the yellow bass fishery in the mid 1990's, panfish populations have rebounded. Fishermen and survey data show good numbers of bluegill exceeding 8 inches. Bluegill should be targeted in back channels, along weedlines and near rip-rap shorelines in the main lakes.

Crappie - Both black and white crappie occur in the Fox Chain O'Lakes. Crappie numbers and size structure have been consistent for several years. The average crappie collected while electrofishing was 9 inches, spring trapnets produce much larger fish usually in the 11" to 13" range.

Yellow Bass and White Bass - The yellow bass population experienced a series of natural die-offs that resulted in a 22.7% decrease in relative abundance from 1995 to 1997 Their decline resulted in a dramatic restructuring of the fishery which benefitted other panfish species. With the decrease in yellow bass, white bass abundance has increased. White bass to 14" have been reported by fishermen and occasionally collected by the IDNR. Yellow bass are still present but at greatly reduced number compared to their heyday.

Walleye - Spring trap net data indicate the fishery is dominated by male walleye by a proportion of 2:1 The expansion of the walleye population is in response to better survival rates and recruitment afforded by fingerling versus fry stockings. Evidence of this exists in the fact that IDNR test nets and fishermen's creels have seen increased catch rates.In 1996 a regulation to promote harvesting slower growing male walleye and protect female fish was implemented (see regulation below). During spring netting 2007 male walleye averaged 14.0" long and female walleye averaged 21.0". To maintain the fishery, approximately 1.1 million fry and 286,500 two inch fingerlings were stocked in 2007. Fish and fry were distributed throughout the Chain.

Yellow Perch - Since 1992 perch have experienced moderate fluctuations in abundance. Quality size fish (8") are commonly caught by ice fisherman. Larger fish are present but less common. Fishermen report the yellow perch fishery has rebounded.

Muskie - The Fox Chain O'Lakes has produced legendary size fish! The largest fish collected by the IDNR were 49.5 long fish caught Lake Marie in 2003, Bluff Lake in 2005, and Pistakee in 2006. Muskie exceeding 50" long have been caught by fishermen. The proportion of fish sampled over 42 inches remained relatively constant at 8.5% (2002), 14% (2003), 10% (2004), 13% (2005), 6% (2006), and 9% (2007). The fishery appears stable and was stocked with 3000 fingerlings from the State and 500 from South of the Border Chapter of Muskie Inc. Fish collected in test nets averaged 36" long. Trophy management has been in effect since 1997 with a 48" length limit, 1 fish creel.

Northern Pike - Pike maintain themselves through natural reproduction and require favorable spring conditions to spawn (stable to high water) . Conditions were favorable in spring 2007 so fishing should improve (in 3 or 4 years) as last springs fingerlings grow. Most northerns are between 24 and 30 inches long but fish close to 40" have been caught. Most northerns are caught by ice fishermen.

Channel Catfish - Catfish are abundant in the Chain O'Lakes and under-fished. Three to five pound fish are common and fight like bulldogs. Flathead catfish are occasionally caught by fishermen and collected during surveys. Flatheads collected by the IDNR ranged from 5.5 to 33.5" long and up to 25 pounds.

FISHING REGULATIONS: Includes the Fox River from the Illinois state line to the Algonquin Dam. Trot line fishing is permitted.

Species	Daily Creel Limit	Minimum Length Limit
Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass	6 (No more than 3 fish can be smallmouth, smallmouth bass must be released immediately from April 1 to June 15, no possession)	14"
Walleye*	2 1	14"-18" >24"
Muskie	1	48"
Northern Pike	3	24"
*18" to 24" protected slot limit (no possession)

TAGGED FISH: Please report tagged muskie to the Department of Natural Resources phone number listed below.

FEES: The Fox Waterway Agency requires an annual user fee for watercraft utilizing the Fox Chain O'Lakes and the Fox River from the Illinois state line to Algonquin Dam.  Please contact them for their annual fee schedule and an application.

PHONE NUMBERS: Illinois Dept. Of Natural Resources District Field Office - (Frank Jakubicek)  815/675-2386 or 815/675-2319, Fox Waterway Agency - 847/587-8540

For further information consult the current Illinois Fishing Regulation Booklet, The Illinois Fishing Guide, and the Fox Chain O'Lakes Access Areas and Fishing Guide.

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