Guide To Taking Kids Fishing In Illinois

Ideas and locations to take kids fishingin IL.

Fishing and the great outdoors offers kids an alternative to many influences they encounter in their busy lives today. A single fishing trip could be the turning point in a young life, and we encourage you to invest the time. Take them ice fishing in winter. The rewards are endless and it takes so little effort.

Illinois offers plenty of opportunities to take kids fishing and develop a love for the sport. Many fish species are accessible and suitable for young anglers to target, providing a fun and educational experience. Some popular fish species for kids fishing in Illinois include bluegill, sunfish, crappie, bass, and catfish.

Bluegill and sunfish are often the perfect target for kids due to their abundance, willingness to bite, and smaller size. These colorful panfish can be found in many Illinois lakes, ponds, and rivers, making them easily accessible for families. Young anglers can learn the basics of casting, reeling, and landing fish while enjoying the excitement of hooking into these feisty panfish.

Crappie are another species that kids can target in Illinois. These panfish offer a bit more challenge than bluegill and sunfish, as they can be more selective in their feeding habits. Crappie fishing can be an excellent opportunity for kids to develop patience and hone their angling skills.

Bass fishing can be an exciting endeavor for older kids or those with more experience. Both largemouth and smallmouth bass can be found in various lakes and rivers across Illinois. Catching a bass can be a thrilling experience for young anglers, as these fish are known for their powerful strikes and acrobatic fights.

For those seeking a bigger challenge, catfish are an excellent option. Channel catfish and bullhead catfish can be found in rivers, lakes, and ponds throughout the state. Fishing for catfish can provide an exciting adventure for kids, as these bottom-dwelling fish put up a strong fight when hooked.

In addition to the various fish species, Illinois offers several urban fishing locations that are specifically designed to provide easy access and opportunities for families. The Chicago Park District, for example, maintains numerous urban fishing locations, including lagoons and ponds in city parks. These urban fisheries are often stocked with fish and have amenities such as fishing piers, bait shops, and picnic areas, making them ideal destinations for kids fishing.

Some popular urban fishing locations in Illinois include Lincoln Park Lagoon in Chicago, the Quarry in Lemont, and Rock Springs Pond in Decatur. These urban fisheries not only offer a convenient and family-friendly fishing experience but also provide a chance for kids to connect with nature and develop a passion for the outdoors.

Overall, Illinois offers a wealth of opportunities for kids to experience the joy of fishing. With a variety of fish species to target and convenient urban fishing locations, young anglers can create lasting memories and develop a lifelong love for the sport. Whether it's catching bluegill at a local pond or battling a catfish in a river, kids fishing in Illinois is an excellent way to connect with nature and foster a sense of adventure.

Places in Illinois to take kids fishing

Consider these small lakes, ponds, creeks and urban fishing locations as places to take a kid fishing in the Prairie State.

Consider these small lakes, ponds, creeks and urban fishing locations as places to take a kid fishing in Illinois. Then send us a picture of the kids with their catch.

Aurora
- Eagle Heights Park
- Hawthorne Hill Park
- Slade Avenue Park
- Trout Park
- Wing Park

Champaign
- Kaufman Park
- Mattis Park

Chicago
- Axehead Lake
- Belleau Lake
- Big Bend Lake
- Bullfrog Lake
- Columbus Park Lagoon
- Flatfoot Lake
- Gompers Park
- Green Lake
- Ida Lake
- Skokie Lagoons
- Tampier Lake

Danville
- Lake Mingo
- Lake Vermilion Park

Hammond
- Monee Reservoir

Joilet
- Baileywood Park
- Brighton Ridge Park
- Commissioner's Park
- DuPage River Park
- Hunters Woods Park
- Olesen Estates
- Sportsman's Park
- Summerfield Lake
- Wildflower Park

Litchfield
- Lake Lou Yeager

Peoria
- Lake Bloomington

Rockford
- Pierce Lake

Taylorville
- Lake Taylorville

Waukegan
- Des Plaines River
- Dugdale Lake

Top 3 tips for taking kids fishing in IL

1. Make sure that the goal is to have fun. Catching fish is a bonus.

2. Keep it simple. Simple tackle, techniques and locations.

3. Keep the focus on the kids. Be a hero by helping them enjoy the day.

Click here for additional tips to create a successful day of fishing for kids.

Kids Fishing Video

Youngsters with their prized catch

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Three-year old Aiden Kaganofsky catches a nice bluegill on a worm while fishing with his Papa.

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7-year old Anthony Stovall catches a largemouth at lake Opeka in Des Plaines, Illinois.

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See additional tips, ideas and instructions for taking kids fishing.

Kids fishing locations and information, by state.