The 255-acre Monee Reservoir features a 46-acre lake which once supplied water to steam engines on a railroad, but now provides fishing and boating opportunities to you!

Free shoreline fishing is available, or rent a rowboat from the concessions building by the hour, half day, or full day to fish from the lake. Canoes, kayaks, pedalboats, and trolling motors are also available for rental; boats are rented April 1 through October 31. Personal canoes and kayaks may be launched at Monee Reservoir with a daily or seasonal launch pass, which is available for purchase at the concessions building.

You can check current fishing conditions at Monee Reservoir Tuesday through Sunday by checking the Monee Reservoir Fishing Report on-line or calling 708.534.8499. The lake is stocked with largemouth bass, northern pike, bluegill, channel catfish, and crappie. Taking frogs, turtles, and mussels is prohibited. Catch and Release fishing is encouraged, but daily limits are: The concessions building, open daily except Mondays, offers snacks and the following bait for sale:

• Large Minnows - $2/dozen
• Small Minnows - $2/dozen
• Nightcrawlers - $2.50/dozen
  
• Jumbo Red Worms - $2.50/30 count
• Little Red Worms - $2.50/50 count
  
• Wax Worms - $2/20 count
• Wax Worm Tub - $9/approximately 250 count
• Dough Bait - $4/jar
• Stink Bait - $5/jar

Minnows must be purchased from the concessions building. The use of live crayfish is prohibited.

In addition, horseshoes, ladder ball equipment, bean bag games, snowshoes, and fishing poles can be rented, and Illinois fishing licenses can be purchased at the concessions building. An Illinois fishing license is required for anyone at least 16 years of age who fishes a public Illinois waterway.

Only line fishing is allowed. Anglers may use a maximum of two poles, with no more than two hooks or lures attached to each. Ice fishing, swimming, wading, and dogs in the water are prohibited. All statewide fishing regulations apply.

Groups can enjoy the peaceful setting of Monee Reservoir for a family outing. Three picnic sites can be reserved for large get-togethers, or individual tables are available for family picnics on a first-come, first-served basis. The reservoir's open spaces are ideal for such activities as kite flying and bird watching. Visitors to the site can also enjoy the 2.5-mile hiking trail that loops through a wetland, home to many forms of wildlife.

Photographs Courtesy of Glenn P. Knoblock