Tuesday, April 1, marks the official start of boating season in the Forest Preserve District. 

Boat launches at Rock Run Rookery Preserve in Joliet and Whalon Lake in Naperville will reopen. Also, kayak rentals will begin at Lake Chaminwood in Channahon via a rental station operated by Rent.Fun. 

On Saturday, April 5, the gates will reopen at Hidden Lakes Trout Farm in Bolingbrook for the season and in time for a special Trout Season Celebration program set for 6 a.m. to 8 a.m. All Illinois Department of Natural Resources and Forest Preserve rules and regulations apply.

Trout will be stocked in the Hidden Lakes ponds for the free, all-ages program and The Tackle Box bait shop will be open to sell fishing licenses, bait and food. Fishing poles can be checked out for free. 

Also, three fishing derbies will be held at Hidden Lakes in 2025. An Adult Fishing Derby is set for May 17, a Kids' Fishing Derby on June 28 and a Summer Sendoff All Ages Derby on Sept. 20. 

Other sites that are open or will be opening to water recreation now that spring has arrived include: 

Lake Chaminwood

The preserve features an accessible and adaptive canoe/kayak launch that is designed to help paddlers with disabilities enter and exit the water independently and safely. The launch is open to people of all abilities. There is a gravel parking lot for kayak and canoe trailer parking. 

The preserve also allows for the launch of personal small fishing boats, but only boats that can be carried or rolled by hand cart to the lake are permitted. There is no boat launch. 

Monee Reservoir

The visitor center reopened for the season on March 1 for bait, tackle and snack sales and equipment rentals. Rowboat rentals begin April 1; kayak, canoe and pedal boat rentals start May 1. Boat launch fees are no longer required for personal kayaks and canoes launched on the lake.

McKinley Woods – Frederick’s Grove

The lower parking lot at McKinley Woods – Frederick’s Grove in Channahon will reopen for the season on April 1. This parking lot is closed to vehicle traffic each winter starting Nov. 1 due to the steep hill that leads to the lot. Also, four primitive campsites at Frederick's Grove will once again be available for rental. 

Whalon Lake

Onsite kayak rentals via The Forge Lemont Quarries will begin in May. Single, tandem and fishing kayaks will be available. Details will be posted on The Forge’s Whalon Lake kayak rental website. 

The preserve provides both a canoe/kayak launch and a boat launch for small fishing boats.