HEIDECKE LAKE
Site Information
Water Name: |
Heidecke Lake |
Water Type: |
Inland Lake |
Water Size: |
1955 acres |
Location: |
1 mi. S & 6 mi. E of Morris |
County: |
Grundy |
Fishing Regulations: |
Public Recreational Facilities
Boat Fishing |
yes |
Boat Rental |
|
Ramps |
yes |
Water Skiing |
no |
Motors |
unrestricted |
Swimming |
no |
Camp/Picnic |
picnic |
MAPS TO PRINT
Contour
Habitat
Details
Located in Grundy County just southeast of Morris and under an hour’s drive from the Chicago metropolitan area, Heidecke Lake offers a diverse angling experience and provides both largemouth and smallmouth bass fishing. Impounded in the late 1970's, Heidecke Lake serves as a cooling reservoir for Midwest Generation’s Collins Station, a fossil fuel peaking plant. This is important to note as Heidecke Lake generally runs “cooler” than the nuclear plant cooling lakes which are located nearby.
Heidecke Lake is open to fishing from April 1st until ten (10) days prior to the opening of the Central Zone waterfowl season. The lake is open daily from 6:00 a.m. and closes at sunset. The bank fishing area access is located at the eastern side of the lake and is handicapped accessible, featuring a barrier-free fishing pier. A concessionaire located at the boat ramp offers bait and tackle as well as boat and motor rentals.
Heidecke Lake is a perched cooling lake and can become very hazardous in windy conditions. There is no boat motor horsepower restrictions but boats must have a working gas-powered motor. Larger boats and watercraft with high windshields may have difficulty passing under the railroad trestle to access the north side of the lake.
