Fox Chain O' Lakes

Lake. Illinois, United States.
42.4301, -88.1641 — View on the map

Area
2,877 ha
Managed by
Illinois Department of Natural Resources (fisheries)
Permit required
Illinois fishing license (IDNR)
Boat launch
yes

Useful gear for this area

Chosen from the species and size limits regulated in this area.

Species present

IDNR ifishillinois.org fishing outlook species

Local rules

IDNR 2026 fishing outlook: Bluegill Very Good; Crappie spp. Excellent; Smallmouth Bass Fair; Channel Catfish Excellent; Largemouth Bass Good; Flathead Catfish Fair; Muskellunge Very Good. Site-Specific Fishing Regulations: All Fish: 2 pole and line fishing only (on state park property bordering the Fox River and Grass Lake) and each pole must not have more than 2 hooks or lures attached while fishing All live bait greater than 8 inches must be rigged with a quick set rig Flathead Catfish: 3 Fish Daily Harvest Limit with no more than 1 fish greater than or equal to 28 inches and 2 fish less than 28 inches Large or Smallmouth Bass: 14 inch Minimum Length Limit; 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit of which no more than 3 can be Smallmouth Bass Muskie: 48 inch Minimum Length Limit; 1 Fish Daily Harvest Limit Northern Pike: 24 inch Minimum Length Limit; 3 Fish Daily Harvest Limit (s

Area rules (Illinois) for these species

Muskellunge and tiger muskie91.4 cm

2026 season calendar

Access

Handicap Access: No; Boat Fishing: Yes - Unrestricted; Boat Ramps: Yes

Official sources

  1. Fox Chain O' Lakes — ifishillinois.org (IDNR) (accessed on 23 September 2026)