Axehead Lake
Fishing Information & Reports
Axehead Lake Facts
Size: 17 acres
Max Depth: 31 feet
Shoreline: 3400 feet (.64 miles)
Location: Southeast corner of Touhy and River Road in Park Ridge, IL
Fish: Largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, bluegill, perch, crappie, trout (spring and fall), carp
Hours: Sunrise to Sunset
Jay's General Comments
Axehead Lake is primarily known as one of the "inland trout" lakes for the State of Illinois' Inland Trout Program. Every April and October the lake is stocked with 1000-1500 rainbow trout that range in size from 1/2 lb. to sometimes 2lbs. The lake closes for 5 days during the stocking to allow the fish to acclimate. On the day of the day of the "trout opener", the lake can be very crowded, literally elbow to elbow with fishermen. The days following the opener can be crowded as well. The inland trout program is designed so that anglers can keep the fish with a daily creel limit of 5 fish. The trout usually last for about 2 weeks, with the majority taken in the first few days. It is important to note that fishing for these trout requires an inland trout stamp as part of your fishing license. You are guaranteed to be checked for this so make sure you have one. It can be purchased online here... https://www3.wildlifelicense.com/il/license.php?action=custlkup
Axehead Lake also has a decent largemouth bass population. I've had much success casting 3" Slug-go's just above the weeds (below the surface) in various colors for largemouth bass. Other soft plastics and stick-baits have also been effective with this method. Most of the bass however, are in the 8"-12" range. There are larger largemouth bass - i've seen 18"-20" fish swimming around, but they seem to be few and far between. Traditional methods would be the way to go for the larger bass, I wouldn't plan a trip to Axehead just for big bass.
Over the past several years smallmouth bass have been stocked at Axehead Lake. An average of about 1800 smallies (minnow size) have been stocked annually since 1999. During this time I have managed to catch 1 smallmouth bass, in August of 2007 with a Senko. The fish was about 7". With the steep drop-offs at Axehead, it's very possible that many have been out of reach for the fisherman. One would think Axehead Lake should indeed be a good habitat for smallmouth bass, but it doesn't seem to be happening.
Axehead Lake 2010 Fish Stocking Information:
Smallmouth Bass - 1750
No boats are allowed on Axehead Lake. The entire shoreline is accessible for fishing and in 2007 new fishing structures were constructed on the lake which are all nice places to fish. In 2010 shoreline restoration continues in certain areas so please respect the roped off locations and allow for work to be done right. There are no paved trails but joggers can often be found doing several laps around this aesthetically pleasing forest preserve lake. There is room in the surrounding preserve for picnics and bbq's.
Axehead Lake 2011 Spring Trout Opener
The Illinois Inland Trout Program kicks off this spring on Saturday, April 2, 2011. Axehead Lake will be stocked with rainbow trout which generally range in size from 1/2lb to 2lbs. The trout are meant to be kept and consumed and are generally considered very delicious. It's a great opportunity for kids to get out and catch some quality fish and enjoy a family fishing experience.
Some notes...
A valid Illinois fishing license is required WITH an inland trout stamp. This is essential and you WILL be checked - count on it. Here's a link to purchase a license and stamp. These can also be purchased at local sporting goods and bait stores.
https://www3.wildlifelicense.com/il/license.php?action=custlkup
The limit for fish kept is 5. FIVE! This does not mean you can take 5 into your cooler then go back for more. You can take 5 per day and this limit is strongly enforced too.
Gates at Axehead will be closed during this week as the fish are being stocked and given a chance to acclimate to the water.
Expect BIG crowds opening weekend. There are 2 lots at Axehead Lake, one off of Touhy Avenue and the other off of Des Plaines River Road. They will both likely be filled up shortly after the gates open (usually at sunrise). There is additional parking across from the Touhy entrance. Often cars will park along the side of the roads on Touhy or Des Plaines River Road but this will be an issue this year. There is major construction happening on both roads so things could get real interesting. Give yourself plenty of extra time and be prepared for the crowds and the construction delays.
Here's a podcast we did a few years ago with extensive information about the inland trout program.
http://www.windycityfishing.com/wcfpodcasts/episode3.mp3
Axehead Lake Accommodations
The restroom facilities consist of a lone porta-potty between the parking lots. No sinks. There are two parking lots with plenty of parking - one on River Road south of Touhy and one on Touhy east of River Road. Overflow parking during trout opener accross Touhy entrance on north side preserve. There are plenty of restaurants and gas stations along Touhy Ave and River Road. The gas station on Touhy and Dee Rd has a bait machine as does the gas station on Touhy and River Road. The next closest place to get live bait would be Fish-Tech (formally Ed Shirleys) on Dempster in Morton Grove. Dick's Sporting Goods on Touhy in Niles usually has crawlers and redworms but call ahead first for availability.
Jay's Bottom Line
Axehead Lake is a medium sized typical forest preserve lake located on the border of Park Ridge and Des Plaines. Not a place you'd travel great distances to get to, or even to plan an all day fishing outing. It is however, a nice little place where nearby residents can wet a line in hopes of catching a small/medium sized largemouth bass. Axehead Lake is also close to O'Hare Airport and the surrounding hotels and is a great place for someone to visit during lunchtime bearks from conferences or other business while in town. Parents will like taking kids fishing at Axehead Lake as there aren't huge weed matts to get tangled in, and a bobber and small worm almost gaurentees a fish of some kind. The trout season can be great fun for kids and adults as well.
Hopefully in the next few years the smallmouth bass will grow up and provide anglers the opportunity to catch these always feisty fish.
For current Axehead Lake conditions, fishing reports and news, and exact dates for the twice-yearly trout openers, visit the Axehead Lake Forum of our message boards.
Map and Directions
Axehead Lake is very easy to get to. One thing to note is that the Touhy Ave ramps of I-294 are closed for construction until 2009. The Lake is located within the Chippewa Woods forest preserve on the southeast corner of Touhy Ave and River Road in Park Ridge, IL.
