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INDEPENDENCE LAKE (LCFPD)
Lake Information
County: Lake
Acreage: 110
Recreational Amenities
Boat Fishing? No personal watercraft
Boat Ramps? No
Boat Rental? Yes
Skiing? No
Swimming? Yes
Picnicking? Yes
Camping? No
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There are no zebra mussels in this lake.
Fish Stocking | |||
Year |
Species |
Size |
Count |
2021 |
Northern Pike |
Non-vulnerable 8 - 10" |
410 |
Additional information for stocking on Independence Grove Lake - LCFPD
Fishing Outlook ( Full PDF Report )
Click here for a list of all reports.
Species |
Rank |
Fish Status |
Excellent | Of the black crappie collected in the 2017 survey, measurements ranged between 4.7” and 10.5” long and weighed up to 0.6 pounds. 50% of the catch exceeded 9”, 15% exceeded 10” and 0% exceeded 11” for this survey. Most crappie were collected in the western lagoon near timber. | |
Average | In 2017, bluegill collected during the survey ranged from 1.2” to 7.5” long and topped the scale at 0.3 pounds. 18% exceeded 6” long, 6% were longer than 7” and 3.6% were over 7.5” long. A more diverse predator base and/or some “human predation” would help reduce abundance and increase panfish growth rates. | |
Good | In 2017, bass collected ranged from 2.7” to 22.5” and weighed up to 6.2 pounds. 63% were over 12” long, 19% exceeded 14”, 7.6% exceeded 15” and 6.5% exceeded 16”. Many of the originally impounded bass that grew fast, large, and made the lake locally famous for trophy-sized fish have died off and now the system contains quality-sized second and third generation fish that have slower grow rates because of competition. Over all bass condition is normal for northeastern Illinois. According to our data, 13” to 14” bass are the thinnest size group in the lake. | |
Location: Independence Grove Lake is located east of the Des Plaines River, north of Buckley Road (Rt. 137), near Libertyville, IL in Lake County.
Description: Independence Grove Lake, formerly known as Liberty Pits, was filled with water in 2000. The Lake County Forest Preserve District acquired the area in the 1990s and opened the facility once concessions, picnic areas, and a swimming beach were completed. Rental boats with electric motors are available through seasonal concessions. No outside boats, canoes or kayaks are allowed. No fish cleaning facilities are available as this is a "catch-and-release-only" lake for all species. Independence Grove Lake is 110 acres; maximum depth is 50.0 ft., average depth is 7.5 ft. shoreline length is 4.3 miles.
History and Status of the Sport Fishery: Periodic fish surveys are undertaken to track the fishery relative to "catch-and-release" recreational fishing. Very little aquatic plant management takes place in the lake, but shoreline work does occur to improve cosmetics and control wind drive, bank, erosion. Independence Grove has received a couple of northern pike stockings since 2000, but little else. The lake is managed as a no harvest "natural" system. 11 species of fish have been collected in this lake.
Additional Lake Information: Boaters – No outside boats allowed, Rentals available at Concessionaire.
No live bait (minnows, shiners, etc.).
Contact Information: Lake County Forest Preserve District, General Office 847-367-6640IDNR Fisheries Biologist, Andy Plauck815-675-2386 ext. 214
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