Fishing in McHenry County, IL

The Fox River, Chain O'Lakes, and Everything Between

Bass, walleye, catfish, panfish. McHenry County's waterways hold all of it, and the Fox River and the Chain O'Lakes rank among the better freshwater fisheries in northern Illinois. Public shoreline access is easy to find, marinas handle the boat launches, and conservation district ponds are quiet enough to teach a kid to fish without an audience. Ice fishing keeps the action going through winter, when most other outdoor sports go dormant. Access points and fishing spots are listed below.