Beck Lake, Big Bend Lake, and Belleau Lake are all near Des Plaines and have plenty of bluegill in those waters. Now is a really good time, I've noticed in several bodies of water that the bluegill are spawning near the shallows, so it should be a good time for you guys.
Is there a particular spot on any/ all of those lakes?
I was at Belleau this morning and saw zero fish in the shallows. I just walked around a short distance on the left, coming from the parking lot, though.
I appreciate the info!
I'm surprised to hear that about Belleau!! The couple times I was there, all I saw were bluegill. At Beck, I've seen some by the boat launch, and the shore lines on either side of it. And at Big Bend, I normally see them on the north end where it's more shallow and around the bend where the water stops. You can try at the south end where the lake goes to the river, but it's usually pretty grass choked over there, but still worth a shot. Also, Axehead is another spot I've seen people go for bluegill and panfish too, it's similar to Belleau, lots of shoreline access
Since you're in Des Plaines and specifically looking for bluegill, I'll recommend Lake Opeka. It might be a bit of a pain this year because only the docks are accessible while they redo the walkways, but you just take a really light jig and a piece of nightcrawler or waxworm and just drop it straight off the edge of the dock.
You'll end up with a bunch of bluegills, green sunfish, hybrids of the two, and even the occasional perch. Recently there's been a school of yellow bass coming up near the docks in the fall also.
The signs say it's expected to last through December, unfortunately. But maybe they'll open up small sections as they finish. I know for a short time they had the little pier by the playground open but it's since been fenced off also.
Damn! Did some late winter early spring fishing before the construction but was skunked each time. Just had a thought, I wonder if you can bring a rod with you at the boat rental place in the northwest corner? I’m totally down to rent that swan looking boat so I can finally fish along the western edge weeds LOL
I've asked before, they don't let you fish from their boats. I got a kayak for myself a couple years ago for that same reason and yet I've only used it twice lol, I don't have a trailer for it and it's an absolute pain to put it on the roof of my car.
I too live in DP and bring my toddler age son along fishing for panfish. The places mentioned in the other comments *can* produce, although I haven’t had the best luck there. I catch ‘em but it’s not one after the other type thing. One place I’ve had decent success is the ponds around Prairie Lakes Community Center off of Thacker. Some small catfish, panfish, and some decent size bass. The issue there is the ponds are chock full of weeds, but if you fish open spots with live bait you’ll definitely hook up.
If you’re up to drive a few extra mins, Busse woods in Schaumburg has some decent spots. I’ve had a ton of luck taking out google maps and driving up Milwaukee into Lake County, looking for smallish ponds either behind strip malls and/or industrial parks. You have to be careful for high grass/ticks, and no fishing signs, but get yourself some night crawlers and I guarantee you’ll be tearing em up. Works for us every time.
Interesting to hear about the water by Prairie Lakes. I'm never too sure how to interpret those little bodies, since I assume they're really just there for drainage.
Right I was that way too. Then I saw folks fishing them and saw that there are fishing line disposers lined up next to the pond. I can tell you right now there are several *lunker* bass in the back pond by Algonquin. The weeds and hightails make it a tough place to fish for bass unless you’re using top water. Also, in the shallows in the back pond I saw dozens of panfish last week, which of course was the day I didn’t have live bait or my son with me lol.
Also, I’m originally from south Florida and that’s where I grew up fishing. Outside of the canal systems there, every pond is essentially a drainage pond, but by various ways fish end up there and more times than not, those little dinky ponds will be more likely to produce, or at least produce something FAST
I wanted to circle back with you and let you know that I tried it the ponds by Prairie Lakes tonight, and I caught 3 LMB, 3 Bluegill, and 1 Black Crappie with a little Yo-Zuri Snap Bean.
Thanks again for the recommendation!
Beck Lake, Big Bend Lake, and Belleau Lake are all near Des Plaines and have plenty of bluegill in those waters. Now is a really good time, I've noticed in several bodies of water that the bluegill are spawning near the shallows, so it should be a good time for you guys.
Is there a particular spot on any/ all of those lakes? I was at Belleau this morning and saw zero fish in the shallows. I just walked around a short distance on the left, coming from the parking lot, though. I appreciate the info!
I'm surprised to hear that about Belleau!! The couple times I was there, all I saw were bluegill. At Beck, I've seen some by the boat launch, and the shore lines on either side of it. And at Big Bend, I normally see them on the north end where it's more shallow and around the bend where the water stops. You can try at the south end where the lake goes to the river, but it's usually pretty grass choked over there, but still worth a shot. Also, Axehead is another spot I've seen people go for bluegill and panfish too, it's similar to Belleau, lots of shoreline access
Since you're in Des Plaines and specifically looking for bluegill, I'll recommend Lake Opeka. It might be a bit of a pain this year because only the docks are accessible while they redo the walkways, but you just take a really light jig and a piece of nightcrawler or waxworm and just drop it straight off the edge of the dock. You'll end up with a bunch of bluegills, green sunfish, hybrids of the two, and even the occasional perch. Recently there's been a school of yellow bass coming up near the docks in the fall also.
Wondering when they’re going to be done with the construction there? Was looking forward to summer time catfishing there
The signs say it's expected to last through December, unfortunately. But maybe they'll open up small sections as they finish. I know for a short time they had the little pier by the playground open but it's since been fenced off also.
Damn! Did some late winter early spring fishing before the construction but was skunked each time. Just had a thought, I wonder if you can bring a rod with you at the boat rental place in the northwest corner? I’m totally down to rent that swan looking boat so I can finally fish along the western edge weeds LOL
I've asked before, they don't let you fish from their boats. I got a kayak for myself a couple years ago for that same reason and yet I've only used it twice lol, I don't have a trailer for it and it's an absolute pain to put it on the roof of my car.
Of course they don’t. I’m in the same boat, no pun intended, as you, but that’s the reason I don’t have a kayak as of yet.
I too live in DP and bring my toddler age son along fishing for panfish. The places mentioned in the other comments *can* produce, although I haven’t had the best luck there. I catch ‘em but it’s not one after the other type thing. One place I’ve had decent success is the ponds around Prairie Lakes Community Center off of Thacker. Some small catfish, panfish, and some decent size bass. The issue there is the ponds are chock full of weeds, but if you fish open spots with live bait you’ll definitely hook up. If you’re up to drive a few extra mins, Busse woods in Schaumburg has some decent spots. I’ve had a ton of luck taking out google maps and driving up Milwaukee into Lake County, looking for smallish ponds either behind strip malls and/or industrial parks. You have to be careful for high grass/ticks, and no fishing signs, but get yourself some night crawlers and I guarantee you’ll be tearing em up. Works for us every time.
Interesting to hear about the water by Prairie Lakes. I'm never too sure how to interpret those little bodies, since I assume they're really just there for drainage.
Right I was that way too. Then I saw folks fishing them and saw that there are fishing line disposers lined up next to the pond. I can tell you right now there are several *lunker* bass in the back pond by Algonquin. The weeds and hightails make it a tough place to fish for bass unless you’re using top water. Also, in the shallows in the back pond I saw dozens of panfish last week, which of course was the day I didn’t have live bait or my son with me lol. Also, I’m originally from south Florida and that’s where I grew up fishing. Outside of the canal systems there, every pond is essentially a drainage pond, but by various ways fish end up there and more times than not, those little dinky ponds will be more likely to produce, or at least produce something FAST
I think I can bike my son and I over there pretty easily, so we may check it out soon. I really appreciate your responses!
Anytime, glad to be of help. Let me/us know how it goes.
I wanted to circle back with you and let you know that I tried it the ponds by Prairie Lakes tonight, and I caught 3 LMB, 3 Bluegill, and 1 Black Crappie with a little Yo-Zuri Snap Bean. Thanks again for the recommendation!
Glad to hear it!!! Man I totally forgot about that lure, those suckers are one of the very few crank-style baits I’ve had consistent success with.
Lake Ellyn…there are so many sunfish it’s almost annoying.
Big bend lake, go all the way south following the trail and there’s a spillway into the river and there’s plenty fish there
Go back to bellaeu and put a cicada on a hook by the tree you took it off of. You'll catch tons. I was there last week and caught near 50 fish 🤣🤣