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Monee Reservoir


Whether you are looking for a place to get away from the stress of everyday life or a place where your family can spend an entire day under the sun, Monee Reservoir is your destination.
 
Monee Reservoir Fishing WallThe 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:
 
Type of FishDaily Limit
Minimum Size
Largemouth Bass115 inches or larger
Channel Catfish6None
Northern Pike324 inches or larger
 
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.

Boy Fishing at Monee ReservoirIn 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
Location
Monee Reservoir is located on Ridgeland Avenue, west of Route 50 and south of Pauling Road, 2 miles south of Monee.
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For Information
708.534.8499
815.722.8700
Hours
6:00 a.m. to Sunset (April - October); 8:00 a.m. to Sunset (November - March)
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Gallery Category: Musher Mania 2010
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Boating
Canoeing/Kayaking
Cross-Country Skiing
Fishing
Geocaching
Hiking/Running
Ice Skating
Picnicking
Snowshoeing
Wildlife Viewing
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Monee Reservoir Preserve Map
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Copyright © 2010 The Forest Preserve District of Will County
17540 W. Laraway Road, Joliet, IL 60433
815.727.8700 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Weekdays
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