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WHALON LAKE
Lake Information
County: Will
Acreage: 80
Average Depth: 15.00 feet
Shoreline Length: 1.5 miles
Recreational Amenities
Boat Fishing? Electric only
Boat Ramps? Yes
Boat Rental? Yes
Skiing? No
Swimming? No
Picnicking? Yes
Camping? No
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There are no zebra mussels in this lake.
Fish Stocking | |||
Year |
Species |
Size |
Count |
2023 |
Channel Catfish |
Non-vulnerable 8 - 10" |
500 |
2023 |
Walleye |
Fingerling 1 - 3" |
1956 |
2024 |
Walleye |
Fingerling 1 - 3" |
4560 |
Additional information for stocking on Whalon Lake
Fishing Outlook ( Full PDF Report )
Click here for a list of all reports.
Species |
Rank |
Fish Status |
Average | The Fall 2023 electrofishing survey resulted in a total of 8 Black Crappie collected ranging from 2.8 in to 3.1 in, with none of those fish > 5.0 in. Average length was 75 mm (3.0 in). Electrofishing is not a standard gear for evaluating Crappie populations and Fall trap netting is typically conducted to understand these fisheries. | |
Fair | The Fall 2023 electrofishing survey resulted in a total of 14 Bluegill collected ranging from 4.6 in to 6.9 in, with 14 of those fish > 3.0. Average length was 5.5 in. Bluegill catch declined from the 2021 survey, with only 14 fish collected. PSD and PSD-P remain below the target thresholds, though body condition of the few that were collected was quite good. This small collection is perplexing, though has been observed in past surveys. For example, only 8 fish were collected during electrofishing in 2015 though about 55 were collected in trap nets. A Spring panfish trap netting survey may be warranted to see what adult catches are like. Site Regulation: Bluegill or Redear Sunfish: 15 Fish Daily Harvest Limit | |
Average | Channel Catfish were absent from this survey and are typically collected in low numbers. Community electrofishing is not typically used to evaluate Channel Catfish populations, so Channel Catfish are likely more abundant than the survey indicates. Non-Vulnerable Channel Catfish (NVC) are requested from the state hatchery system on a rotational basis. Site Regulation: 3 Fish Daily Harvest Limit | |
Average | The Fall 2023 electrofishing survey resulted in a total of 155 Largemouth Bass collected ranging 2.4 in to 19.4 in, with 14 of those fish > 8.0. Average length was 5.3 in .Largemouth Bass CPUE was extraordinarily high for a Fall survey, due to the plethora of YOY fish collected (as evidenced by a low CPUE > 150 mm). Unfortunately, the number of fish over Stock-sized greatly declined. While all above the target ranges, the proportional size distribution indices are not informative given the small sample size of fish > Stock-size. Body condition was excellent for all size groups which should relate positively to fish growth but again, a small sample of larger, weighable fish was collected. The 2023 Year Class is strong and if survival is high, hopefully correlates to greater adult abundances. A nighttime electrofishing survey may be warranted in future surveys to increase sampling efficiency. Site Regulation: 18-inch Minimum Length Limit (1 Fish Daily Harvest Limit). | |
Fair | The Fall 2023 electrofishing survey resulted in a total of 5 Smallmouth Bass collected ranging from 3.1 in to 18.7 in, with 1 of those fish > 7.0 in. Average length was 185 mm (7.3 in) Site Regulation: 18-inch Minimum Length Limit (1 Fish Daily Harvest Limit). | |
Good | The Spring 2023 electrofishing survey resulted in a total of 22 Walleye collected ranging from 7.3 in to 24.3 in, with 13 of those fish > 10.0 in. Average length was 13.0 in. This was the first nighttime electrofishing survey conducted for Walleye on Whalon Lake, so benchmark data has not been collected yet. Catch rates were at the desired threshold, though not as high as other waterbodies in Northern Illinois. Part of the challenge is finding areas where adult Walleye congregate, but once those locations are found a higher sample size should be obtained. Body condition was good overall. Thirty-six percent of all fish were legal size, and 62% of fish > Stock-size were legal size. The number of Walleye stocked in 2023 was reduced substantially due to some water chemistry issues at the LaSalle State Hatchery. Site Regulation: Walleye, Sauger, or Hybrid Walleye: 16-inch Minimum Length Limit (3 Fish Daily Harvest Limit). | |
Location: Whalon Lake is an 81-acre gravel pit lake located in Bolingbrook 2 miles west of Rt. 53 on Royce Road and just minutes from Interstate 55.
Description: Whalon Lake is owned and operated by the Forest Preserve District of Will County (FPDWC), and the fishery is cooperatively managed by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) and FPDWC. This site was surface-mined by Elmhurst-Chicago Stone for sand, gravel and limestone for nearly 50 years and was purchased in the 1990’s by FPDWC. Following the completion of a site development project, the lake was allowed to fully impound and opened to the public in 2008. Whalon Lake has a maximum depth of nearly 100 feet with an average depth of 15.0 feet. The watershed is very limited, but the lake is fed by groundwater. During high water events, water can also enter the lake from the adjacent DuPage River. Shoreline length is approximately 1.5 miles, excluding the two islands located in the southeast portion of the impoundment. Whalon Lake offers diverse habitats, both natural and man-made. Very user-friendly, the entire shoreline is accessible to bank fishing and a barrier-free fishing pier facilitates access for anglers with special needs. Whalon Lake has a two-lane concrete boat ramp. See “Additional Lake Information” below for important site information.
History and Status of the Sport Fishery: Whalon Lake is routinely surveyed on a biennial basis, but other surveys may take place as circumstances dictate. Aquatic vegetation is managed by FPDWC, in cooperation with the IDNR. Channel Catfish and Walleye are stocked on a regular basis (biennially and annually, respectively). Prior to the impoundment of Whalon Lake, three large overflow pipes with which the quarry was fitted were specified to contain valves to prevent the ingress of fish from the nearby DuPage River. Unfortunately, this vital component of the lake level control system was omitted and during high water events riverine species have gained access to the lake. Consequently, the fishery also supports riverine species (e.g., Gizzard Shad, White Suckers, and Bullhead species).
No special mercury advisory or other contaminant-related consumption advisories pertain. However, the statewide methylmercury advisory for sensitive populations is in effect (one meal per week of predatory sportfish for the most sensitive populations).
Additional Lake Information: Swimming is prohibited. Electric trolling motor only. Ice fishing is prohibited, and fishing is open daily during open water. Statewide fishing regulations apply.
Additional Site-Specific Fishing Regulations:
All Fish Species: Two Pole and Line Fishing Only
Bluegill or Redear Sunfish: 15 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Channel Catfish: 3 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Large or Smallmouth Bass: 18-inch Minimum Length Limit (1 Fish Daily Harvest Limit)
Walleye, Sauger, or Hybrid Walleye: 16-inch Minimum Length Limit (3 Fish Daily Harvest Limit)
Contact Information: Forest Preserve District of Will County 815-727-8700IDNR Fisheries Biologist, Seth Love630-360-4772
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