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CHAMINWOOD, LAKE
Lake Information
County: WILL
Average Depth: 5.00 feet
Recreational Amenities
Boat Ramps? No
Boat Rental? No
Skiing? No
Swimming? No
Picnicking? No
Camping? No
There are no zebra mussels in this 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 2 Black Crappie collected measuring 6.6 in and 6.8 in. Electrofishing is not a standard gear for evaluating Crappie populations and Fall trap netting is typically conducted to understand these fisheries. Site Regulation: White, Black, or Hybrid Crappie: 15 Fish Daily Harvest Limit. | |
Poor | The Fall 2023 electrofishing survey resulted in a total of 193 Bluegill collected ranging from 0.8 in to 7.4 in, with 116 of those fish > 3.0 in. Average length was 3.7 in. Bluegill CPU declined by half from the 2021 survey but was still relatively high Bluegill size structure improved slightly, with 15% of the adult fish being Quality-sized. Body condition remained poor for all size groups. Similar to Largemouth Bass, overcrowding could be an issue. Nevertheless, Saugeye should hopefully make use of the plentiful Bluegill forage base. Site Regulation: Bluegill or Redear Sunfish: 15 Fish Daily Harvest Limit. | |
Average | Electrofishing is not typically used to evaluate Channel Catfish populations, and as such this survey does not provide a good assessment of the fishery. Site Regulation: 3 Fish Daily Harvest Limit | |
Average | The Fall 2023 electrofishing survey resulted in a total of 122 Largemouth Bass collected ranging from 2.4 in to 15.2 in, with 82 of those fish > 8.0. Average length was 9.0 in. Largemouth Bass catch rates declined from the 2021 survey but were still 3 times the target range of 1.1 fish/minute. Largemouth bass size-structure declined slightly, with both PSD and PSD-P values dropping. Body condition was poor to fair for all non-Sub-Stock size groups, suggesting potential crowding taking place. Site Regulation: 18-inch Minimum Length Limit (1 Fish Daily Harvest Limit). | |
Improving | The Spring 2023 electrofishing survey resulted in a total of 27 Redear Sunfish were collected ranging from 2.4 in to 6.3 in, with 15 of those fish > 4.0 in. Average length was 4.2 in. Redear Sunfish catch rates decline by half from the 2021 survey. Size structure was poor, with no Quality-sized fish collected. This is in stark contrast to the previous survey where 8% of the adult fish were also Preferred-sized. Body condition was poor for the Stock fish collected. Site Regulation: Bluegill or Redear Sunfish: 15 Fish Daily Harvest Limit. | |
Developing | No Saugeye were collected in the Spring 2023 electrofishing survey. Lake Chaminwood has only received two Saugeye stockings thus far, so the fishery is still early in its infancy. A future survey will be conducted to further evaluate the success of these stockings. Site Regulation: Walleye, Sauger, or Hybrid Walleye: 14-inch Minimum Length Limit (6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit) | |
Location: Lake Chaminwood is located in Will County, 1 mile north of Channahon off Shepley Road and just minutes from Interstate 55.
Description: Located in northeastern Illinois, Lake Chaminwood is a gravel pit lake that was purchased in 2009 by the Forest Preserve District of Will County (FPDWC) and is cooperatively managed by the IDNR. Following the completion of the site development project, the lake was opened to the public in 2010. Lake Chaminwood has a maximum depth of 10.0 feet with an average depth of 5.0 feet. The watershed is somewhat limited, but the lake is fed by groundwater. During flood events, water has entered the lake from the adjacent DuPage River. Boat fishing is restricted to smaller watercraft that are easily carried (i.e., canoes and kayaks). Much of the east side of the lake lends itself to bank fishing, whereas the west side has reduced opportunity. A barrier-free fishing pier is available on the east side near the parking lot. See “Additional Lake Information” below for important site information.
History and Status of the Sport Fishery: Lake Chaminwood 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 Saugeye (Walleye x Sauger Hybrid) are stocked on a regular basis (biennial and annual, respectively). The lake’s close proximity to the DuPage River can result in floodwater entering the lake during high-flow events. This leads to the introduction of undesirable species and can complicate management. However, recent surveys do not support the presence of large numbers of rough fish 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: 14-inch Minimum Length Limit (6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit)
White, Black, or Hybrid Crappie: 15 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Contact Information: Will County Forest Preserve: http://www.reconnectwithnature.org/Lake Chaminwood: 815-727-8700 IDNR Fisheries Biologist, Seth Love630-360-4772
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