Trout Fishing Season Opens April 6

Experienced fishermen and novices alike can enjoy trout fishing at the Forest Preserve District of Cook County’s three trout fishing locations – Axehead and Belleau Lakes in Park Ridge and Sag Quarry-East in Lemont – when the 2013 season opens on Saturday, April 6.

The three lakes will be closed to all fishing while the Districts stocks approximately 3,000 pounds of catchable-sized rainbow trout (1/2 – ¾ lbs. average) through dawn on April 6. The closures will also allow the trout time to disperse throughout the lakes prior to re-opening.

Once fishing season opens on April 6, there is a five (5) trout per day creel limit with no size restrictions. No more than two (2) lines per person with no more than two (2) hooks per line may be used. A valid Illinois sport fishing license with an Inland Trout Stamp is required for anglers 16 years of age and older. An Illinois sport fishing license is not required for Illinois residents who are disabled and have a State of Illinois disabled I.D. card showing a Class 2 or Class 2A disability or a Veterans Disability Card, and Illinois residents who are on active military duty and are home on leave.

Axehead Lake is located in Park Ridge at Touhy Ave, east of River Rd. and the Tri-State Tollway (I-294). Belleau Lake is located in Park Ridge at Busse Highway, west of the Tri-State Tollway (I-294). Sag Quarry-East is located in Lemont at Route-83 and Archer Ave., at 111th St.

The free Forest Preserve Fishing Guide lists all of the lakes and waters open to public fishing within the Forest Preserve District of Cook County. The guide includes individual maps that show the location and depths of each lake, and list principal fish species. The guides are available at no cost at the District Headquarters in River Forest (536 N. Harlem) or at any of the six nature centers located throughout the County. They can also be downloaded online at www.fpdcc.com/fishingguide,

EXTENDED HOURS FOR PICNIC PERSON SALES

The Forest Preserve District of Cook County is now offering extended hours for patrons purchasing picnic permits at the District’s General Headquarters (536 N. Harlem Avenue in River Forest.)

Permits will be available from 8:30 am until 6:30 pm, Monday through Friday, and from 9 am until 1 pm on Saturdays. Patrons can purchase picnic permits, along with special use permits during this time.  Picnic permits can also be purchased online 24 hours/day at www.fpdcc.com/. Extended hours will be offered through September 30.

This is the first time the District has offered extended hours for in-person permit sales.