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WOLF LAKE
Lake Information
County: Cook
Acreage: 380
Average Depth: 5.91 feet
Shoreline Length: 8.2 miles
Recreational Amenities
Boat Fishing? Unrestricted
Boat Ramps? Yes
Boat Rental? Yes
Skiing? No
Swimming? No
Picnicking? Yes
Camping? No
Trout stocked in fall
Trout stocked in spring
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There are zebra mussels in this lake.
Fish Stocking | |||
Year |
Species |
Size |
Count |
2023 |
Channel Catfish |
Advanced Fingerling 4 - 7" |
12000 |
2023 |
Largemouth Bass |
Advanced Fingerling 4 - 7" |
12036 |
2023 |
Largemouth Bass |
Fingerling 1 - 3" |
9585 |
2023 |
Northern Pike |
Non-vulnerable 8 - 10" |
964 |
2023 |
Rainbow Trout |
Adult |
1200 |
2024 |
Channel Catfish |
Fingerling 1 - 3" |
7200 |
2024 |
Largemouth Bass |
Advanced Fingerling 4 - 7" |
13141 |
2024 |
Largemouth Bass |
Fingerling 1 - 3" |
18360 |
2024 |
Northern Pike |
Non-vulnerable 8 - 10" |
960 |
2024 |
Walleye |
Fingerling 1 - 3" |
39713 |
Additional information for stocking on Wolf Lake
Fishing Outlook ( Full PDF Report )
Click here for a list of all reports.
Species |
Rank |
Fish Status |
Fair | No Crappie were collected during the Spring 2023 electrofishing survey and only seven Crappie were collected during the 2017 electrofishing survey. Electrofishing is not a standard gear for evaluating Crappie populations, so this is not surprising. Fall trap netting is a much better gear at evaluating these fisheries. | |
Improving | The Spring 2023 electrofishing survey resulted in a total of 83 Bluegill being collected ranging from 1.5 in to 6.5 in, with 46 of those fish > 3.0 in. Average length was 86 3.4 in. Catches rates did not substantially decline from the 2017 survey though the size structure severely truncated with only 4% of adult fish being at least 6 inches. It’s possible that larger fish were missed during the survey given the patchy fish distribution. | |
Average | Channel Catfish are requested from the State Hatchery System on an annual basis. These fish are typically 8 – 10 inches and immediately provide anglers the opportunity to bring home their catch. A baited-hoop netting survey needs to be conducted to formally evaluate this fishery. Site Regulation: 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit. | |
Average | The Spring 2023 electrofishing survey resulted in a total of 20 Largemouth Bass being collected ranging from 2.6 in to 17 in, with 16 of those fish > 8.0 in. Average length was 11.5 in. Catch rates and total catch drastically declined from the 2017 survey, most likely a result of patchy fish distribution and not an indication of broader fishery issues. Site Regulation: 14-inch Minimum Length Limit (6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit). | |
Average | The Spring 2023 electrofishing survey resulted in the one Northern Pike collected measuring 27.4 inches. Electrofishing is not a standard method to evaluate Northern Pike populations, so this is not an accurate representation of the fishery. Spring trap netting is a much better gear at evaluating these fisheries. Statewide Regulation: 24-inch Minimum Length Limit (3 Fish Daily Harvest Limit). | |
Average | The Spring 2023 electrofishing survey resulted in the one Walleye collected measuring 20.2 inches. Daytime, late Spring electrofishing is not a standard method to evaluate Walleye populations, so this is not an accurate representation of the fishery. Early Spring nighttime electrofishing is a much better gear at evaluating these fisheries. Statewide Regulation: 14-inch Minimum Length Limit (6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit). | |
Location: Wolf Lake is located southeast of Chicago, east of Avenue "O" at 130th Street in the Hegwisch neighborhood.
Description: Prior to 1947 Wolf Lake was a small, shallow glacial lake situated in a wetland area between the confluence of the Grand Calumet and Calumet Rivers. Since that time however, the construction of a low level dam and levees from extensive dredging operations have changed the lake's appearance. The lake and it's fishery have developed into a haven for anglers to enjoy some quiet time away from the highly urbanized vicinity and catch quality-sized fish. The lake is located on the Illinois and Indiana state line. The Illinois portion of Wolf Lake consists of 390 of the acres of water and is managed by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. Fishing ranks as one of the most popular recreational activities at William Powers. The maximum depth of Wolf Lake is 15 feet and the average depth is 5 feet. There are 3 developed boat ramps in the Park, but no concession or fish cleaning facilities available.
History and Status of the Sport Fishery: The fishery is evaluated via routine major and species-specific surveys and stocking consists of Largemouth Bass, Chanel Catfish, Walleye, and Northern Pike. The “Office Lagoon” receives catchable Rainbow Trout as part of the Inland Trout Program and Hybrid Sunfish as part of the Urban Fishing Program.
A special PCB advisory is in effect at both Wolf Lake and Indian Creek for all populations regarding both Common Carp (one meal per month) and Channel Catfish (one meal per week) of all sizes. There is also a statewide methylmercury advisory for sensitive populations in effect (one meal per week of predatory sportfish for the most sensitive populations).
Additional Lake Information: Fishing access is reduced during the waterfowl hunting season (contact site for more information). Boat fishing is allowed; boats with motors larger than 10 hp must remain at "no wake." Rental boats are available from the park concessionaire. Swimming and wading are prohibited. The park is open sunrise to sunset.
Additional Site-Specific Fishing Regulations:
All Fish Species: 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only
Channel Catfish: 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Large or Smallmouth Bass: 14-inch Minimum Length Limit (6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit)
Northern Pike: 24-inch Minimum Length Limit (3 Fish Daily Harvest Limit)
Walleye: 14-inch Minimum Length Limit (6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit)
Rainbow Trout: Spring and Fall Closed Season
Contact Information: William W. Powers Conservation Area 773-646-3270IDNR Fisheries Biologist, Seth Love630-360-4772
Multiple day tournaments are listed with * end date.
Interested in participating in one of these public tournaments? Contact us with tournament ID for more information.
| 2024–2025 Approved or Pending Tournaments | ||||||||
| Start Date | ID | Approval | Ramp Location | Bank/Boat Hook/Bow |
Max Boats | Species | Youth? | Open to Public? |
| May-15 | 28206 | Pending | William Powers SRA | boathook | 22 | Largemouth Bass Smallmouth Bass | Yes | No |
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