Local fishing opportunities abound all around Lake Osborne, located just west of the Naperville Public Safety Center along Aurora Avenue and from the north along Oswego Road.
Ponds at May Watts Park and Commissioners Park as well as fishing piers along the Riverwalk and the DuPage River also provide shorelines, footbridges and many free opportunities to drop a line.
Whalon Lake in the Will County Forest Preserve is another good place to fish.
This post of photos was last updated June 23, 2024. Buddy up! Go fish!
“Be patient and calm—for no one can catch fish in anger.”
—Herbert Hoover (1874-1964) 31st U.S. President
PN “fish” photos date back to 2011 and the many times we simply happened upon folks, all ages, fishing at local fishing spots. Imagine all the photos of anglers with fish we missed! Pictures were originally reposted here on June 17, 2024. Watch for updates!
Fishing permitted throughout Naperville Park District
From sunrise to sunset, Naperville residents who enjoy recreational fishing (catch and release) can find a spot right here in Naperville with 19 parks that offer fishing in ponds, streams or rivers.
Bait that works ranges from night crawlers to slices of hotdogs to frozen corn. Sometimes wadded up bread has been tried with limited success. In early June 2024, folks along the path at May Watts Park suggested trying cicadas.
When budgets permit, Naperville Park District staff stocks ponds to create opportunities to learn fishing. Sometimes the pond at May Watts Park has benefited from grant programs through the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.
- Knoch Knolls Park
- Sportsman’s Park
- Hobson West Ponds
- May Watts Park***
- Commissioners Park
- Lincoln Greenway
- Riverwalk Park***
- Pioneer Park
- Weigand Park
- Rock Ridge Park
- Brighton Ridge Park
- Westglen Commons
- Winding Creek Park
- Baileywood Park
- Springbrook Crossings
- Summerfield Lake Park
- Ashbury Park
- Brook Prairie
- Tall Grass Lakes
***Pictured above
Fishing Licenses & Regulations at Naperville Parks
As a reminder, all state fishing regulations apply to fishing at Naperville Park District locations. Anyone between the ages of 16 and 65 needs a fishing license to fish in Illinois waters. Fishing licenses may be purchased through the Illinois Department of Natural Resources online or at local retail outlets.
Naperville Park District’s rules for fishing can be found in Section 2.19 of Ordinance 641.
Remember to follow Phase 4 Protocols that apply to parks and recreation.
Listing includes fishing ponds throughout Naperville parks. (PN File Photos)
