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BIG LAKE S.S.S.P.
Lake Information
County: Kendall
Acreage: 16
Recreational Amenities
Boat Fishing? Electric only
Boat Ramps? Yes
Boat Rental? Yes
Skiing? No
Swimming? No
Picnicking? Yes
Camping? Yes
Trout stocked in fall
Trout stocked in spring
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There are no zebra mussels in this lake.
Fish Stocking | |||
Year |
Species |
Size |
Count |
2022 |
Channel Catfish |
Advanced Fingerling 4 - 7" |
376 |
2023 |
Channel Catfish |
Non-vulnerable 8 - 10" |
376 |
Additional information for stocking on Big Lake (Loon Lake)
Fishing Outlook ( Full PDF Report )
Click here for a list of all reports.
Species |
Rank |
Fish Status |
Poor | Bluegill dominated the Spring 2022 catch and had a near record high catch rate of 5.7 fish/min. Stock-sized fish (3 – 6 inches) were responsible for this high rate. While the largest fish was 8 inches, the Proportional Size Distribution (PSD) indicated the adult population is mainly comprised of smaller individuals 3 – 6 inches in length. Body condition (plumpness) was poor for all size groups, which may indicate a forage bottleneck exists. | |
Fair | Catchable Channel Catfish are requested from the state hatchery system on an annual basis. Natural reproduction is not expected, and this fishery could be classified as a “put-take” fishery. Fishing Regulation: 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit. | |
Improving | Forty-two (42) Black Crappie were collected in the Spring 2022 Survey, ranging from 2.4 – 11.5 inches. This is a large improvement over the Fall 2020 survey. Despite their scarcity, most surveys collect fish at least 10 inches in size. | |
Average | The Spring 2022 survey had an overall catch rate of 2.4 fish/min which was on par with the Fall 2020 survey. Quality-sized fish (12 – 15 inches) made up the largest proportion of the catch. The largest fish captured was about 16 inches. The length frequency distribution indicates a fair amount of fish “stock piled” just beneath the legal limit, similar to the Fall 2020 survey. Body condition was adequate for all but the Quality size group of fish. Fishing Regulation: 15” Minimum Length Limit | |
Fair | Fifteen (15) Redear Sunfish were collected in the Spring 2022 survey, was fairly low in comparison to the Fall 2020 survey. The sizes ranged from 4.1 – 8.3 inches, indicating that natural reproduction is taking place. Redear Sunfish in excess of 10 inches have previously been collected in these surveys. | |
Fair | A total of five (5) Smallmouth Bass were collected in the Spring 2022 survey, ranging from 6.7 – 14.4 inches. Most surveys collect fish > 9 inches, with fish > 15 inches occasionally observed. Smallmouth Bass stocking has long ceased, with the last stocking taking place before 1996. The current population has been able to reproduce and recruit in sufficient numbers to make an appearance in most surveys. Smallmouth Bass often struggle when cohabitating with Largemouth Bass, though this population has managed to survive (likely due to lake morphology). Fishing Regulation: 15” Minimum Length Limit. | |
Developing | The likely result of an unauthorized angler release, Yellow Bass have established a reproducing and recruiting population. Yellow Bass are highly undesirable due to their added pressure on the lake’s forage base without adding any benefit to anglers. Their presence in Big Lake is an excellent case study of how unwanted and illegal fish introductions can have unintended consequences. | |
Location: Silver Springs is located in Kendall County, 5 miles west of Yorkville on Fox Road. Take Fox Street west off Route 47 in Yorkville to Silver Springs State Fish and Wildlife Area.
Description: All seven of the gravel pits at this state site contain a variety of warm-water fish species, while the two largest, Beaver Lake (4.5 acres) and Big Lake (also known as Loon Lake)(22.0 acres), are actively managed and will provide the most consistent action. Big Lake contains a maximum depth of 20 feet and averages 11.8 feet.
History and Status of the Sport Fishery: To monitor the fish population, Big Lake is surveyed every other year. Aquatic vegetation is monitored annually and treated as required and Fluridone has been utilized in early spring applications to arrest the growth of Eurasian Milfoil and Curleyleaf Pondweed. These applications have generally provided control for multiple seasons. Aquatic habitat projects have included the introduction and establishment of selected emergent aquatic plants as well as man-made structures placed in mid-water locations.
Big Lake receives annual stockings of 8” to 10” Channel Catfish and catchable-size Rainbow Trout both Spring and Fall. A special mercury advisory is in effect for Largemouth Bass of all sizes which limits consumption to one meal per week for both most sensitive and general populations.
Additional Lake Information: A gravel boat ramp is available at Big Lake. Fishing at Big Lake is closed approximately two weeks prior to the opening of the Spring and Fall trout seasons. A concession stand located at the park provides paddle boat rental, bait, food and drinks. A one- lane concrete boat ramp on the Fox River is present at the site as well. Boaters – Electric trolling motor only. Statewide fishing regulation apply.
Additional Site-Specific Fishing Regulations
All Fish Species - Two Pole and Line Fishing Only.
Channel Catfish – 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit.
Large or Smallmouth Bass – 15-inch Minimum Length Limit
Rainbow Trout – Spring and Fall Closed Season (Big Lake).
Contact Information: Silver Springs State Fish & Wildlife Area 630-553-6297IDNR Fisheries Biologist, Seth Love630-360-4772
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