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WOLF LAKE
Lake Information
County: Cook
Acreage: 380
Average Depth: 5.91 feet
Shoreline Length: 8.2 miles
Recreational Amenities
Boat Fishing? Unrestricted
Boat Ramps? Yes
Boat Rental? Yes
Skiing? No
Swimming? No
Picnicking? Yes
Camping? No
Trout stocked in fall
Trout stocked in spring
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There are zebra mussels in this lake.
Fish Stocking | |||
Year |
Species |
Size |
Count |
2021 |
Bluegill |
Fingerling 1 - 3" |
1600 |
2021 |
Channel Catfish |
Advanced Fingerling 4 - 7" |
12000 |
2021 |
Largemouth Bass |
Advanced Fingerling 4 - 7" |
12010 |
2021 |
Northern Pike |
Non-vulnerable 8 - 10" |
969 |
2021 |
Rainbow Trout |
Adult |
2314 |
2021 |
Sunfish hybrid |
Advanced Fingerling 4 - 7" |
1000 |
2021 |
Walleye |
Fingerling 1 - 3" |
21403 |
2022 |
Channel Catfish |
Advanced Fingerling 4 - 7" |
12000 |
2022 |
Largemouth Bass |
Advanced Fingerling 4 - 7" |
14817 |
2022 |
Largemouth Bass |
Fingerling 1 - 3" |
10410 |
2022 |
Northern Pike |
Non-vulnerable 8 - 10" |
972 |
2022 |
Rainbow Trout |
Adult |
1210 |
2022 |
Walleye |
Fingerling 1 - 3" |
28478 |
Additional information for stocking on Wolf Lake
Fishing Outlook ( Full PDF Report )
Click here for a list of all reports.
Species |
Rank |
Fish Status |
Fair | In 2017, fish measured from 4.2” to 10.2” and weighed up to 0.54 lbs. Anglers report nice-sized fish, but crappie are difficult to collect with electrofishing gear so are poorly represented in our data. | |
Improving | In 2017, 20% of the bluegill captured exceeded 6” long. They ranged in size from 2” to 7.5”, with the largest weighing 0.29 lbs. Abundant aquatic vegetation provides hiding cover and reduces predator efficiency, but since the lake includes some E&T pondweed species, it’s a balancing act between managing vegetation and protecting listed species. Additional largemouth bass predation should help grow larger panfish. | |
Good | This species is stocked every year at 8” to 10” to enhance shore fishing opportunities. Anglers report catches up to 5.0 pounds, however our catch data is too sparse to comment. | |
Very Good | In 2017 sampling, fish measured 4" to 19" and weighed up to 3.6 lbs.; 69% were greater than 12" long (sexually mature), 56% were over 14" (legal size), 47% were greater than 15” and 26% greater than 16”, so bass fishing can be very good. This size structure creates high reproductive potential to expand the population. | |
Good | Wolf Lake a good match for northern pike as the lake is shallow, is well vegetated and has clear water. Anglers report fish up to 20 lbs.; we typically collect fish from 22" to 28" long. If hybrid muskie are caught, they are downstream migrants from Indiana's portion of Wolf Lake. Illinois has not stocked tiger muskie (hybrids) in Wolf Lake since the low 1990s and none of those fish exist anymore. Norther pike stockings were stopped in 2017, but fish will be present for the next 5 or 6 years, so enjoy! | |
Location: Wolf Lake is located southeast of Chicago, east of Avenue "O" at 130th Street in the Hegwisch neighborhood.
Description: Prior to 1947 Wolf Lake was a small, shallow glacial lake situated in a wetland area between the confluence of the Grand Calumet and Calumet Rivers. Since that time however, the construction of a low level dam and levees from extensive dredging operations have changed the lake's appearance. The lake and it's fishery have developed into a haven for anglers to enjoy some quiet time away from the highly urbanized vicinity and catch quality-sized fish. The lake is located on the Illinois and Indiana state line. The Illinois portion of Wolf Lake consists of 390 of the acres of water and is managed by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. Fishing ranks as one of the most popular recreational activities at William Powers. The maximum depth of Wolf Lake is 15 feet and the average depth is 5 feet. There are 3 developed boat ramps in the Park, but no concession or fish cleaning facilities available.
History and Status of the Sport Fishery: The last survey was 5/2/2017 evaluating the overall fishery in the three pools; no herbicides were applied in 2017, but in 2016 two gallons of Reward were applied in the Office Lagoon to manage Eurasian milfoil and lily pads and keep the area open for the trout seasons.
Wolf Lake has received annual stockings of predator sport fish: 12,000 8” to 160” channel catfish, 4500 2” smallmouth bass, 1200 8” northern pike, and 15,000 2” walleye for many years. Northern pike were dropped from hatchery production in 2017, so we increased largemouth bass numbers by 10,000 2” to 4” fiingerlings.
Additional Lake Information: Fishing access is reduced during the waterfowl hunting season. Boat fishing is allowed; boats with motors larger than 10 hp must remain at "no wake." Rental boats are available from the park concessionaire. Swimming and wading are prohibited. Two pole and line fishing only. The park is open sunrise to sunset.
Site Regulations:
Largemouth/Smallmouth Bass: 6 fish daily limit, 14" length limit
Walleye: 6 fish daily limit, 14" length limit
Tiger Muskie: 1 fish daily limit, 36" length limit
Northern Pike: 3 fish daily limit, 24" length limit
Channel Catfish: 6 fish daily limit
Contact Information: William W. Powers Conservation Area 773-646-3270IDNR Fisheries Biologist, Seth Love630-360-4772
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