Fishing Chain O' Lakes

AKA: Fox Chain O' Lake, Grass Lake, Nippersink Lake, Pistakee Lake

By AA-Fishing Staff Writers

Popular Fish Species Fox Chain O' Lakes, IL

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Largemouth Bass Fishing

Chain O' Lakes offers good fishing for largemouth bass. Lately the fishing here for bass has continued to impress bass fishing enthusiasts. Some big bass roam Chain O' Lakes, thanks to excellent fisheries management by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, as well as the availability of extensive cover for both baitfish and bass. When the bite is good, bass typically move shallow and are quite aggressive. If you find them shallow and they are not tempted to bite, slow down and use smaller, lighter baits. Fishing for largemouth bass is good virtually any time they are shallow - in spring, mornings in summer, and during warm Fall afternoons. Use shallow crankbaits around rip rap. Around grass use worms, jigs, topwater and spinnerbaits. In deeper water, big worms, jigs and spoons are three good weapons. In winter, spend your time fishing Chain O' Lakes on deeper structure where the bass spend much of their time. Smallmouth bass and spotted bass also reside here in good numbers.

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Channel Catfish Fishing

This year a healthy population of channel catfish populate the waters of Chain O' Lakes, and can be found all around the lake. In Spring channel cats migrate toward incoming water, so stay up river away from the main lake. Night fishing for channel catfish often delivers better results than fishing during the day. In early summer look for rocky banks, the bigger the rocks the better. In summer and winter deeper structure is where to look. The river end of the lake is often the area where the bigger catfish are caught. Fishing for channel catfish is often productive around any kind of structure in the area. Road beds, creek channels and rocky points are all good places to begin. Use a slip sinker or Carolina rig with popular catfish baits. Flathead catfish and blue catfish also reside in the lake and fishing for them is often good as well.

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Yellow Perch Fishing

Chain O' Lakes continues to have a very healthy population of yellow perch, which have been a mainstay in the fishery for decades. Yellow perch are great table fare, and are a food source for many predator fish in the lake as well. Fishing for yellow perch is simple, their primary diet consists of minnows and other small fish, insects and worms. Yellow perch tend to gather in small groups and hang out on relatively deep structure, near cover and/or drop-offs. Use a small hook and sinker. Bait a small hook with minnows, worms or small jigs using 6 to 10 pound line. They make for an excellent fish fry, are a food source for many of the larger predator fish in the lake, and they are fun to catch in winter when ice fishing.

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Fish species to fish for...

Guide to fishing for largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, channel catfish, flathead catfish, black crappie, white crappie, walleye, bluegill, green sunfish, warmouth, muskie and northern pike at Fox Chain O' Lakes in Illinois.

Fox Chain O' Lakes Fishing Video

Touting 488 miles of shoreline, Fox Chain O' Lakes comprises fifteen lakes covering 7,100 surface acres. The primary lakes composing the chain include Bluff Lake, Channel Lake, Fox Lake, Grass Lake, Lake Catherine, Lake Marie, Nippersink Lake, Petite Lake and Pistakee Lake.

The Fox Chain O' Lakes in Illinois is a renowned destination for fishing enthusiasts and outdoor adventurers. Located in Lake and McHenry counties, this extensive network of lakes offers incredible fishing opportunities and stunning natural beauty. The Fox Chain O' Lakes is home to a variety of popular fish species, making it a sought-after spot for anglers of all skill levels.

Walleye fishing is a major attraction on the Fox Chain O' Lakes. Anglers are drawn to the challenge of catching these elusive and highly prized game fish. The lakes provide a variety of walleye fishing opportunities, from trolling along deep channels to targeting them near weed beds and structures. The thrill of reeling in a walleye from the Fox Chain O' Lakes is an experience that keeps anglers coming back for more.

Bass fishing is another highlight of the Fox Chain O' Lakes. Both largemouth and smallmouth bass can be found in these waters, offering anglers plenty of opportunities to test their skills. The chain's diverse habitats, including weed beds, submerged structures, and shallow bays, provide ideal conditions for bass to thrive. Anglers can experience the excitement of battling these powerful fish while enjoying the picturesque scenery of the interconnected lakes.

Muskie and northern pike are two more popular game fish species in the Fox Chain O' Lakes. Known for their aggression and impressive size, muskie and northern pike provide thrilling angling experiences. Catching one of these toothy predators is a badge of honor for any angler, and the Fox Chain O' Lakes offers ample opportunities to pursue these formidable fish.

The chain is also home to various panfish species, including bluegill, crappie, and sunfish. These smaller fish offer great fishing experiences for families and beginners. Bluegill and sunfish, in particular, are abundant in the lakes and provide an opportunity to introduce young anglers to the joys of fishing. Crappie, with their tasty fillets and challenging nature, are a favorite target for anglers looking for a rewarding catch.

There are plenty of boat docks and aquatic vegetation to support healthy populations of fish. These lakes are home to catfish, bass, bluegill, northern pike, crappie, walleye and muskie. Boat ramps provide easy access for boating and fishing vessels. Plenty of shoreline is easily accessible for those who wish to fish from the bank or cover more area while fishing from a boat. In some areas of these lakes, ice fishing during winter can be productive. Check with local officials for authorization and Illinois DNR for regulations before attempting to fish through the ice on any lake. Multiple boat ramps make easy work of launching fishing boats, pontoons and pleasure boats. Kayaks and canoes are an ideal watercraft for traversing this twisting and turning waterway.

Primary fish species residing in Chain O' Lakes

Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.

Fox Chain O' Lakes Amenities

Marina: YES
Boat Rental: YES
Boat Launch Ramp: YES
Campgrounds: YES
RV Hookups: YES
Lodging: YES
Convenience Store: YES
Bait & Tackle: YES
Restaurant: YES

Today's Weather & Forecast

Besides fishing, the Fox Chain O' Lakes is a haven for boating enthusiasts. With its interconnected lakes and navigable channels, the chain provides endless opportunities for boating adventures. Whether you prefer pontoon boating, water skiing, or cruising along the scenic shorelines, the Fox Chain O' Lakes offers a vast playground for water sports and leisurely rides.

Fishing Boat Rentals

Chain O'Lakes Boat Rentals
Rentals: Pontoon boats
224 277-5231

Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings

Ben Watts Marina Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, east side of Pistakee Lake, off US Highway 12, this is a four-lane, concrete ramp with docks and gravel parking.

Highway 173 Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, on the south side of Channel Lake, off Highway 173, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with docks and paved parking.

Maple Grove Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, west side of Grassy Lake, off Fox Chain-O-Lakes State Park Road, this is a four-lane, concrete ramp with docks and massive, paved parking.

Marinas

Ben Watts Marina
116 S US-12
Fox Lake, IL 60020
847 587-0211

Bob's Marina
25584 IL-173
Antioch, IL 60002
847 395-1173

Chain O Lakes Marina
500 E Grand Ave
Fox Lake, IL 60020
847 587-6222

Grass Lake Marina
26250 W Heart O Lakes Blvd
Antioch, IL 60002
773 550-7666

Inland Harbor Marina
38816 N Broadway Ave
Antioch, IL 60002
847 395-8070

Nauti-Port Marina
514 Park Ave
Fox lake IL 60020
708 603-5940

Porthole Marina
39922 N Lakeview Rd
Antioch, IL 60002
815 861-9997

Rustic Harbor Marina
28970 Broadway Terrace
McHenry, IL 60050
815 690-1226

Fishing Guides On Fox Chain O' Lakes

C4 Guide Service - smallmouth bass, walleye, crappie

If you offer fishing guide services on this lake, please contact us for a free listing, to be posted here.

Fishing License

Click here for a Illinois Fishing License.

For those looking to extend their stay, the Fox Chain O' Lakes offers numerous camping options. There are several campgrounds located near the lakes, providing a convenient base for outdoor enthusiasts. Camping allows visitors to fully immerse themselves in the beauty of the area, with opportunities to fish from the shore, explore the lakes, and enjoy peaceful evenings under the starry skies.

Campgrounds & RV Parks Nearby

Grass Lake Marina & RV Park - 847 395-6214

Chain O' Lakes State Park Campground - 847 587-5512

Fox River Recreation Campground - 847 395-6090

Fox Chain O' Lakes IL Map - Fishing & Camping Areas

Contact Information

Fox Chain O' Lakes
Chain O Lakes Marina
500 E Grand Ave
Fox Lake, IL 60020
847 587-6222

Chain O Lakes State Park 847 587-5512

IDNR Fisheries Biologist 815 675-2319

Fox Waterway Agency 847 587-8540

Fishing lakes in each state.

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