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HENNEPIN CANAL


Lake Information

County: Bureau

Acreage: 925

Average Depth: 4.99 feet

Shoreline Length: 104.5 miles

Recreational Amenities

Boat Fishing? 10 HP

Boat Ramps? Yes

Boat Rental? No

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

Largemouth Bass

Advanced Fingerling 4 - 7"

3209

2022

Largemouth Bass

Fingerling 1 - 3"

16814

2023

Largemouth Bass

Advanced Fingerling 4 - 7"

3211

2023

Largemouth Bass

Fingerling 1 - 3"

12313


Additional information for stocking on Hennepin Canal


Fishing Outlook  ( Full PDF Report )

Click here for a list of all reports.

Species

Rank

Fish Status

BLUEGILL

Good

Each pool is a little different. The middle pools, Geneseo to Sheffield, have better numbers and larger fish. The middle pools are the longest pools in the system and have varied habitats. These pools also provide the best access for boating.

CHANNEL CATFISH

Good

Channel Catfish can be found throughout the entire length of the Hennepin canal. Fish can be found below the many old locks on the Hennepin canal.

FLATHEAD CATFISH

Good

The east end pools of the Hennepin Canal provide better fishing for Flathead Catfish.

LARGEMOUTH BASS

Good

Each pool is a little different. The middle pools, Geneseo to Sheffield, have better numbers and larger fish. The middle pools are the longest pools in the system and have varied habitats. These pools also provide the best access for boating.

RAINBOW TROUT

Excellent

Trout are stocked at the Visitor Center Lagoon in the spring and fall.

Location: This 104.5 linear park spans 5 counties (Rock Island, Henry, Bureau, Lee and Whiteside).Construction began on the Canal in 1890 and was completed in 1907. The Canal became a State Park in 1970. The Visitors Center is located just south of Interstate 80 just off Highway 40.

Description: Spanning 5 counties, the Canal is 925 acres with an average depth of 5 feet, is 104.5 miles long, and averages about 90 feet wide. The majority of the Canal is accessible to bank angling.

All boats should try to operate with “no wake” to protect the shoreline from wave erosion. The Hennepin Canal has 10 concrete boat ramps and 1 gravel boat ramp. There is no concession on the canal. However, there are many cities near the Canal that offer bait, food and supplies.

History and Status of the Sport Fishery: The fishery is managed by annual species-specific surveys and stocking. The Hennepin Canal receives an annual stocking of Largemouth Bass and Sauger. Trout are stocked at the Visitor Center Lagoon in the spring and fall.

Additional Lake Information: All Fish: 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only

Site Regulations:

Large or Smallmouth Bass: 6 fish daily limit; 14˝ Minimum Length Limit

Jug Fishing is permitted from sunset to sunrise.

Carp and Buffalo may be taken by bow and arrow devices May 1 through September 30.

Contact Information:
Hennepin Canal Parkway State Park
16006-875 E. St.
815-454-2328
IDNR Fisheries Biologist: David Wyffels
630-360-4185

There were 5 tournaments held on this waterbody in 2023.

Species Total Fish Caught
Bluegill 11
Largemouth Bass 127

Top 5 Largemouth Bass caught on this waterbody in 2023 tournaments:

1     4.87 lbs
2     4.79 lbs
3     3.66 lbs
4     3.52 lbs
5     3.30 lbs

Top 5 Total Tournament Weight of Largemouth Bass caught on this waterbody in 2023 tournaments:

1 92.83 lbs
2 75.72 lbs
3 51.67 lbs
4 36.03 lbs
5 0.00 lbs


Multiple day tournaments are listed with * end date.

Interested in participating in one of these public tournaments? Contact us with tournament ID for more information.

2024 Approved or Pending Tournaments
Start Date ID Approval Ramp Location Bank/Boat
Hook/Bow
Max Boats Species Youth? Open to Public?
June-2226396ApprovedGeneseo Ramp boat
hook
10Largemouth Bass
Smallmouth Bass
NoNo
July-1326397ApprovedGeneseo Ramp boat
hook
12Largemouth Bass
Smallmouth Bass
NoNo
August-0326398ApprovedVisitor Center Ramp boat
hook
14Largemouth Bass
Smallmouth Bass
NoNo
October-1226402ApprovedVisitor Center Ramp boat
hook
12Largemouth Bass
Smallmouth Bass
NoNo