Exploring Fishing Spots Close to Home in Cary, IL
Dreaming of casting your line without straying too far from home? Cary, Illinois, has a plethora of fishing spots that promise tranquility and great catches. Before you pack your gear, let’s go over some essential fishing guidelines to ensure a smooth angling experience.
Fishing Guidelines: Fishing in Cary and in Illinois comes with a set of rules and regulations to preserve the natural beauty of the area and ensure everyone’s safety and enjoyment. Anglers must adhere to the following guidelines:
- Fishermen must obey all State of Illinois fishing regulations and any other posted site-specific regulations.
- Anglers aged 16 and above need to carry a valid IL fishing license and appropriate stamps, such as the Inland Trout Stamp, at all times while fishing.
- All anglers on District sites are limited to only two fishing devices, and the use of live bait (minnows) is prohibited.
- Wading and the use of individual flotation rings are also prohibited.
- The Hollows Conservation Area in Cary and Nippersink Creek in Richmond allow for the use of non-motorized boats, canoes, or kayaks
Hickory Grove Riverfront
Located at 500 Hickory Nut Grove Rd., Cary, this spot offers a diverse range of fish species, including largemouth bass, yellow perch, bluegill, channel catfish, Northern pike, pumpkinseed, warmouth, bowfin, green sunfish, and carp. Don’t forget to check out a depth map for optimal fishing locations.
Fox Bluff Conservation Area
Situated at the intersection of Algonquin Rd & Cold Springs Rd., Cary, Fox Bluff Conservation Area is another hotspot teeming with largemouth bass, yellow perch, bluegill, channel catfish, Northern pike, pumpkinseed, warmouth, bowfin, green sunfish, and carp.
The Hollows Conservation Area: Lake Atwood & Little Atwood
Located at 3804 Route 14, Cary, Lake Atwood spans 22 acres and is home to largemouth bass, rainbow trout, bluegill, and channel catfish. Note that the Lake Atwood trail and boat launch are scheduled for construction in August 2024, potentially affecting access to certain areas.
Little Atwood offers another fishing experience across its 2.5 acres. Here, anglers can expect to catch largemouth bass and bluegill.
Lyons Prairie Conservation Area & Marsh
Located at 7000 Hickory Nut Grove Road with 2 ponds; 2.5 acres. Fish here include largemouth bass, bluegill, crappie, green sunfish, warmouth, orange-spotted sunfish and bullheads.
Before embarking on your fishing adventure in Cary, IL, familiarize yourself with the local regulations and make sure you have the necessary permits. Whether you prefer the serenity of a riverfront or the tranquility of a conservation area, Cary’s fishing spots offer something for every angler.
