Braidwood Lake
Reservoir. Illinois, United States.
41.2185, -88.2230 — View on the map
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- Area
- 907 ha
- Managed by
- Illinois Department of Natural Resources (fisheries)
- Permit required
- Illinois fishing license (IDNR)
- Boat launch
- yes
Species present
Channel catfishIctalurus punctatus
Largemouth bassMicropterus salmoides
BluegillLepomis macrochirusIDNR ifishillinois.org fishing outlook species
Local rules
IDNR 2026 fishing outlook: Flathead Catfish Fair; Striped Bass x White Bass (Wiper) Average; Channel Catfish Good; Redear Sunfish Fair; Largemouth Bass Excellent; Blue Catfish Very Good; Bluegill Fair. Not mapped: Striped Bass x White Bass (Wiper), Redear Sunfish. Site-Specific Fishing Regulations : Recreational Use Restrictions: Braidwood Lake is closed to all fishing and boat traffic, except for legal waterfowl hunters, from 10 days prior to the start of the regular duck season through the close of the Canada goose season and regular duck season. Fishing tournaments are prohibited from July through August 31 (both dates inclusive). All Fish: 2 pole and line fishing only and each pole must not have more than 2 hooks or lures attached while fishing Large or Smallmouth Bass: 15 inch Minimum Length Limit; 3 Fish Daily Harvest Limit Striped, White, or Hybrid Striped Bass: 10 Fish Daily Harvest Limit with no more than 3 fish greater than or equal t
2026 season calendar — Illinois
Access
Handicap Access: No; Boat Fishing: Yes - Unrestricted; Boat Ramps: Yes
Official sources
- Braidwood Lake — ifishillinois.org (IDNR) (accessed on 23 September 2026)
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