Fishing

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Rules and Regulations

• Terrace View Lake is open from dawn until 10 pm. Fishing (or any other activity) is not allowed at other times.
• Illinois fishing laws apply except as noted below. All persons 16 years and older must have in their possession a current Illinois fishing license with the following exceptions:
• - parents monitoring children but not fishing themselves
• - persons possessing valid Illinois or Veterans disability cards
• Bread, or other floating bait, is not recommended due to the risk to ducks and geese.
• No netting or snagging of fish is allowed.
• One pole per person.
• Ice fishing is not allowed.
• Please dispose of old lines and hooks properly as they can be harmful to wildlife.

Click HERE to download the current DNR Fishing Digest. (Statewide fishing information, laws, regulations, etc.)

Fishing Pole Loans

Lake View Nature Center has fishing poles available for use by our visitors during open hours between April 1st and October 31st. There is no charge to borrow the poles.

• Poles may only be checked out by an adult (18+). A waiver will need to be signed each time.
• Fishing poles are for use in Terrace View Lake and may not be removed from the park.
• Inquire with any Nature Center staff member to check out a pole(s).
• To ensure that poles are returned, we may ask you to leave an item of collateral (driver's license, bicycle, your little brother, etc.).
• Poles must be returned to the Nature Center by closing (4:00 pm). No poles may be checked out after 3:30 pm.
• We have kids' poles that do not have hooks for use by younger children.
• Please do not carry poles inside the Nature Center.

Bait

The Nature Center usually has bait available for purchase. A packet of "Powerbait" (25 pieces) is $1.00. Of course, you are always welcome to bring your own bait with you.

Catch and Release

In order to maximize fishing fun for everyone, the Oakbrook Terrace Park District encourages the use of catch-and-release fishing techniques. Following these procedures increases the chances that the fish you catch will survive to be caught another day.

• Use barbless hooks to reduce injury to the fish and make unhooking easier. (Also helpful if you snag your clothes or finger.)
• Keep the fish in the water as much as possible to protect its sensitive eyes and gills.
• Fish have a layer of "slime" on their skin that protects them from infections.
• - always wet your hands before touching a fish
• - handle fish with bare hands, not gloves
• - don't let the fish flop on the ground or rocks
• Holding a fish upside down (belly up) often keeps it calmer.
• Try not to squeeze the fish too hard or touch its eyes or gills.
• If the fish has swallowed the hook and it can't be removed easily, cut the line as close to the mouth as possible and release the fish. The hook should eventually work loose or rust away. Trying to dislodge a deep-set hook is often fatal for the fish.
• Return the fish to the water as quickly and gently as possible. If it looks weak or tired, it may help to support it in the water for a short time or even "swim" it around a bit to force water through its gills.

Fishing Education Programs

Fishing programs are also available for groups. Programs include a discussion on how to use the equipment and fish safely as well as bait and equipment.

For more information, call the Lake View Nature Center at (630) 941-8747.