What You'll Find at Herrick Lake
Herrick Lake is a 66-acre impoundment in the Salt Creek watershed, managed by the Forest Preserve District of Du Page County. The lake holds a solid population of walleye, largemouth bass, and panfish—bluegill, crappie, and sunfish—making it one of the more reliable panfish lakes in the county. The water is relatively shallow, averaging 8 to 12 feet, which means it warms quickly in spring and can stratify hard by mid-July, but it also means the fish are never far from structure.
The preserve itself sits on about 200 acres of woodland and open space. There's a parking area, a boat launch, and a fishing pier, but no concessions or facilities beyond that. The lake draws a steady crowd of local anglers, especially on weekends, but it's rarely so crowded that you can't find a quiet bank or launch without a wait.
Key Takeaways
- Herrick Lake holds walleye, largemouth bass, and panfish in shallow water that's easiest to fish in spring and fall.
- The boat launch is small and can get congested on weekends; bank fishing is a solid alternative along the north and east shorelines.
- Early morning and dusk are your best windows for walleye; panfish bite steadily throughout the day in spring and early summer.
- The lake is open year-round, but winter access depends on parking lot conditions and ice safety—call ahead if you're planning a winter trip.
- A Du Page County fishing permit is required; you can purchase one at the Forest Preserve District office or online.
Walleye Fishing: Spring and Fall Patterns
Walleye at Herrick Lake respond best in low-light conditions—early morning, late evening, and overcast days. In spring (April through May), work the shallow flats and the channel that runs through the middle of the lake with live shiners or small crankbaits. The walleye are feeding aggressively as they move out of deeper winter holes, and you can catch them in 4 to 8 feet of water along the drop-offs near the boat launch and the eastern bank.
By mid-summer, the lake stratifies and walleye move deeper or become less active during daylight. Fall (September through October) brings them back to the shallows as water temperature drops. This is when the lake fishes best—stable weather, active fish, and fewer recreational boaters. Jigs tipped with minnows or soft plastics work well in 6 to 10 feet of water along the north shoreline and around the submerged timber on the west side.
Night fishing is legal and can be productive, especially in summer when daytime walleye fishing slows. Bring a headlamp, stay aware of other anglers, and fish the deeper holes with live bait or slow-moving presentations.
Panfish: Bluegill, Crappie, and Sunfish
Panfish are the most consistent bite at Herrick Lake and the easiest entry point if you're new to the lake. Bluegill and sunfish are abundant in the shallows, especially around the pier and along the vegetated banks on the north and east sides. In spring, they spawn in 2 to 4 feet of water and will crush small jigs, live crickets, and waxworms. A simple ultralight rod and 2-pound test line will give you the best feel and the most fun.
Crappie are present but less predictable than bluegill. They tend to suspend in slightly deeper water (6 to 10 feet) and respond well to small minnows or crappie tubes fished slowly near the drop-offs. Early morning and late evening are best, but you can catch them throughout the day in spring and early summer.
By July, panfish fishing slows as the lake heats up and fish move deeper or become lethargic. Fall brings them back to the shallows, and September through October is nearly as good as spring for bluegill and sunfish.
Access, Parking, and Facilities
The boat launch at Herrick Lake is small—a single-lane concrete ramp that can handle jon boats, kayaks, and small bass boats, but it gets congested on weekend mornings. If you're launching a larger boat, arrive early or consider a weekday trip. There is no fuel, no bait shop, and no rental equipment on-site.
Bank fishing is a solid option and often overlooked. The north shoreline has a gravel path that runs most of the length of the lake, and the east bank near the parking area offers good access. The pier is open to the public and is a good spot for panfish, especially if you don't have a boat. Parking is free and usually available, though it fills on nice weekend days.
Restrooms are available near the parking area. There is no camping at Herrick Lake itself, but the Forest Preserve District manages other sites in Du Page County if you're looking for overnight options.
Seasons and Water Conditions
Spring (April through May) is the most productive season. Water temperature climbs from the 40s to the 60s, fish move shallow to spawn, and both walleye and panfish are aggressive. The lake is rarely crowded on weekdays.
Summer (June through August) is hit-or-miss. Early summer (June) can be good for panfish, but by mid-July the lake stratifies and fishing slows. Water temperature reaches the low 80s, and fish move to deeper holes or become inactive during the day. Night fishing and early morning trips are your best bet.
Fall (September through October) rivals spring. Water cools back into the 60s and 50s, fish return to the shallows, and both walleye and panfish bite steadily. This is an underrated time to fish Herrick Lake.
Winter (November through March) is possible but depends on ice conditions and parking lot access. The lake does freeze, and ice fishing for panfish can be productive, but call the Forest Preserve District office before you go to confirm the lot is open and ice is safe.
What You Need to Know Before You Go
A Du Page County fishing permit is required for anyone 16 and older. You can purchase a daily or annual permit through the Forest Preserve District website or at their office in Wheaton. The cost varies, but an annual permit is the better value if you plan more than a few trips.
Illinois state fishing regulations apply. Walleye have a 15-inch minimum length and a daily limit of 6 fish. Largemouth bass have a 12-inch minimum and a daily limit of 5 fish. Panfish have no minimum length and a daily limit of 50 fish (combined species). Check the current Illinois fishing digest before you go, as regulations can change.
The lake is open sunrise to sunset, though night fishing is allowed. No gas-powered motors are permitted on Herrick Lake—electric motors and paddle-powered boats only. This keeps the lake quiet and the water clean, and it's one reason the fishing can be good despite the lake's small size.
Nearby Water and Day-Trip Options
If you're in the area and want to explore other Du Page County water, Blackwell Forest Preserve (about 10 miles north) has three lakes with walleye and bass. Busse Reservoir in Cook County (about 15 miles northeast) is larger and holds bigger walleye, though it requires a separate permit. Salt Creek itself runs through the county and holds smallmouth bass and panfish, though it's more technical to fish than a lake.
The Forest Preserve District manages over 25,000 acres across Du Page County, so if Herrick Lake is crowded or not fishing well, you have options. Many of the other preserves have hiking and picnic areas, making them good for a half-day trip with non-fishing family members.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I fish Herrick Lake without a boat?
Yes. The pier is open to the public and is a good spot for panfish. The north and east banks also have access, and bank fishing can be productive, especially in spring and fall. You don't need a boat to catch fish here.
What's the best time of day to fish for walleye?
Early morning (sunrise to mid-morning) and late evening (two hours before sunset to dark) are best. Overcast days can be good throughout the day. Avoid midday in summer unless you're fishing deep water or night fishing.
Is Herrick Lake good for beginners?
Yes. Panfish are abundant and easy to catch, and the lake is small enough that you can explore it in a few trips. Bank fishing and the pier are low-pressure ways to learn. If you have a boat, the shallow water and lack of hazards make it forgiving to navigate.
Can I launch a kayak at Herrick Lake?
Yes. The boat launch accommodates kayaks, and they're a great way to fish the lake quietly and access areas the bank doesn't reach. Kayak fishing for panfish and walleye can be very productive here.
What should I bring for a day trip?
Bring sunscreen, water, and snacks—there are no concessions. If you're bank fishing, bring a small tackle box, a rod, and a net. If you're launching a boat, fuel up before you arrive. A headlamp is useful if you plan to fish early morning or evening.