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CHAMINWOOD, LAKE
Lake Information
County: WILL
Average Depth: 4.99 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 | While the Bluegill catch rate declined in the Fall 2021 survey, they were still very plentiful (7.5 fish/min). The proportion of adult fish over 6 inches remained unchanged from the last survey (8%), and two fish were over 8 inches. Age data indicated decent Bluegill growth, despite fair body condition values. Mean length was 3.0 inches. The largest fish collected was 8.4 inches. | |
Developing | Surveys tend to produce a very low number of Channel Catfish and the 2021 electrofishing survey was no different (Channel Catfish were absent). Electrofishing is not typically used to evaluate Channel Catfish populations, and as such this survey does not provide a good assessment of the fishery. Channel Catfish are stocked biennially. | |
Poor | Crappie were poorly represented in the Fall 2021 survey (only two were collected). This could be due to omitting Spring or Fall trap netting, but previous surveys indicated the population was a downward cycle. | |
Fair | The Fall 2021 survey resulted in a much higher Largemouth Bass catch rate (current CPUE is 3.9 fish/min) and substantial increase in fish average length (current mean length is 8.5 inches). However, the proportion of adult fish over 12 and 15-inches dramatically declined (current values are 29% and 4%, respectively). A number of fish were aged, and age data revealed that the population may be experiencing slowed growth. The largest fish collected was 17.9 inches. | |
Improving | The Redear Sunfish catch increased substantially from the previous survey, with 89 collected in Fall 2021. Mean length declined to 4.1 inches, though 8% of the adult population was over 9 inches. The largest fish collected was 10.7 inches. | |
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)
White, Black, or Hybrid Crappie: 15 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Walleye, Sauger, or Hybrid Walleye: 14-inch Minimum Length Limit (6 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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