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NORTHERN HARRIER LAKE
Lake Information
County: DUPAGE
Acreage: 20
Average Depth: 18.00 feet
Recreational Amenities
Boat Fishing? No
Boat Ramps? No
Boat Rental? No
Skiing? No
Swimming? No
Picnicking? No
Camping? No
There are no zebra mussels in this lake.
Fish Stocking | |||
Year |
Species |
Size |
Count |
2023 |
Smallmouth Bass |
Fingerling 1 - 3" |
4301 |
2024 |
Smallmouth Bass |
Fingerling 1 - 3" |
5913 |
Additional information for stocking on Northern Harrier Lake
Fishing Outlook ( Full PDF Report )
Click here for a list of all reports.
Species |
Rank |
Fish Status |
Excellent | Bluegill catch rates were the highest they have been in recent years with a catch rate of 245 fish per hour. This high catch rate is most likely due to the timing of the survey with the Bluegill spawning season. This is great to see high numbers of Bluegill as they are an important prey item for many species! Site Regulation: No minimum length limit; 25 fish daily creel limit | |
Good | Smallmouth have been stocked since 2008, with 100 large “retired” brood fish being stocked in 2020. This species has proven difficult to sample in this deep clear lake. Ten Smallmouth Bass were captured in our most recent survey. Site Regulation: Catch and Release fishing only. | |
Good | Walleye are stocked annually or biennially based on availability from private hatcheries. Some fish are growing quite large and one Walleye over 23 inches was captured during our 2020 spring electrofishing survey. Site Regulation: | |
Very Good | Initial stocking of Yellow Perch began in 2010. This species is reproducing in Harrier Lake and will hopefully serve as the primary forage base in years to come. Only five perch were caught in 2020 due to the late sample date. Site Regulation: 9-inch minimum length limit; 5 fish daily creel limit. | |
Location: Harrier Lake is in Bartlett at the Pratt’s-Wayne Woods Forest Preserve located on the south side of Stearns Road - 1.3 miles west of Route 59.
Description: Harrier Lake is a 20 acre gravel quarry lake with a maximum depth of 25 feet and an average depth of 18 feet. It is owned by the Forest Preserve District of Dupage County (FPDDC). The lake is managed under a cooperative management agreement with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. The lake and surrounding park are undeveloped and a few areas are cleared for shore fishing access. No watercraft are allowed.
History and Status of the Sport Fishery: Harrier Lake initially was to be a “northern waters” fishery, stocked with Smallmouth Bass, Yellow Perch, Walleye and Pumpkinseed. Largemouth Bass and Bluegill made their way into the lake. Active removals of Largemouth Bass target this species twice a year in an attempt to build a Smallmouth Bass, Yellow Perch and Walleye population. The lake was managed as “catch and release” until 2017 when limited harvest was allowed. The Spring survey took place on June 1st, 2020. This survey was five weeks later than usual due to restrictions related to COVID-19.
The three “focus” species (Smallmouth Bass, Yellow Perch and Walleye population) are still maturing with Walleye and Yellow Perch reaching their minimum size limits in the last few years (16 and 9 inches respectively). Despite removal efforts, Largemouth Bass are still present and fairly abundant in Harrier, showing the reliance of this species.
Additional Lake Information: Two pole and line fishing only.
Site Regulations:
Largemouth Bass: 14-18-inch protected slot limit; 4 fish daily creel limit with 3 fish that can be harvested under 14 inches and 1 fish 18 inches and larger.
Bluegill: No minimum length limit; 25 fish daily creel limit.
Channel Catfish: 12-inch minimum length limit; 3 fish daily creel limit.
White and black crappie: No minimum length limit; 15 fish daily creel limit.
Yellow Perch: 9-inch minimum length limit; 5 fish daily creel limit.
Smallmouth Bass: Catch and Release fishing only.
Contact Information: Forest Preserve District of DuPage CountyDan Grigas 630-933-7668IDNR Fisheries Biologist, Andy Plauck815-675-2386 ext. 214
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