Located primarily in the western portion of Lake County, the Chain O’Lakes waterway system is comprised of 15 lakes connected by the Fox River and manmade channels. The “Chain,” as it’s commonly called, includes 7,100 acres of water, 488 miles of shoreline and 45 miles of river. The Fox Waterway Agency oversees the system. The lakes are popular with boaters and anglers, drawing summer weekend crowds of 60,000 people. In fact, the Chain is…
Just released this week is Visit Lake County's "Best Day of My Life in Lake County, Illinois" music video which highlights many of the attractions and sights of Lake County — and of course, boating. The music video showcases charter fishing and other boating adventures, as well as some of the beautiful waters found in Lake County, from the sandy Lake Michican shoreline to Independence Grove's 115-acre man-made lake. See how many boating shots…
Captain Rick Bentley originally began fishing the Lake Michigan waters off Waukegan Harbor for salmon and trout when he was about 12 years old with his uncle. Within several years, he was being actively pursued to run the rods on the deck as a first mate for many different captains in Waukegan. Following a career in financial consulting, Rick returned to Waukegan Harbor as a full-time charter fishing guide in 2007. Earlier this month,…
The temperatures are rising, the sun is out and the water is calling your name. Luckily, Lake County offers a body of water for all boaters, new and seasoned. If you’re new to boating or just have a desire to get out on the water without hauling a boat, Independence Grove is an excellent place to get your feet wet (pun intended). If you’re unfamiliar with Independence Grove, its history is quite fascinating. When…
Memorial Day Weekend is upon us, and boaters will soon be hitting the waters of Lake County for a fun, long weekend of boating. We wrote about the “Wear It!” campaign for this year’s National Safe Boating Week, May 17-23. Watch the “Wear It!” video below: Below are some simple tips that will ensure you, your friends and family members have a safe and fun weekend of boating: Have a float plan. Tell a…
When boating this summer, don’t just carry a life jacket – “Wear It!” May 17-23, 2014 is National Safe Boating Week, and as boating season approaches, now is the perfect time to refresh yourself and your loved ones on safe and responsible boating practices – including wearing a life jacket. State law requires that anyone under the age of 13 must wear a life jacket while aboard any watercraft under 26 feet in length…
Lakewood Forest Preserve in Wauconda will open for rainbow trout fishing on Saturday, April 5, following the release of roughly 600 pounds of trout in Banana Lake. Most of the trout range in size from three-quarters to one pound. The trout stocking is a biannual fall and spring event at the 3.2-acre Banana Lake. Daily creel limit is five. The deepest point in Banana Lake is 25 feet. Fishing in the Lake County Forest…
The highly anticipated reopening of Hastings Lake Forest Preserve in Lake Villa is complete, following extensive public access improvements and restoration of natural areas within the 270-acre preserve. The preserve was established in 2003 and named for Hastings Lake YMCA, a camp which previously had occupied the property from 1923–2002. Four miles of paved and gravel trails wind through open fields and meadows, woodlands of stately trees, and wetlands. Trails are open to bicycling,…
You may have seen them at the 2014 Chicago Boat Show, but if you didn’t you’ll want to get to know more about the Waukegan Port District and Harbor. The Harbor offers a picturesque lakefront atmosphere featuring a promenade, park, public beach, and boat slips. The unsurpassed customer service makes Waukegan Harbor a great place to come for a relaxing time on the water with friends and family. Located just a short hour drive…
Bluegill is one of the most abundant fish found in Lake County, and one of the most delicious! We found a delicious recipe for cooking up Bluegill at Taste of Home.
