Dads, Grandads, Step-Dads, all the Dads bring your family for a weekend of fishing! Illinois Department of Natural Resources is allowing fishing on all public water without purchasing a fishing license from June 14-17, 2019, no experience or equipment necessary.

West Ridge Nature Preserve is run by the Chicago Park District and is one of the locations where you can take advantage of this free event.  

No fishing equipment, no problem! Illinois Department of Natural Resources also has an "Access to Fishing" fishing pole loan program. You can get the equipment you need at West Ridge Nature Preserve. Call ahead. Contact Gary Morrissey at (773) 401-1828.

For more information on the "Access to Fishing" program click this link https://www.ifishillinois.org/programs/loaner.html

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources website https://www.ifishillinois.org/ is also a great resource for more information about fishing and regulations. 

To find other public fishing spots in the Chicagoland area click one of the links below.

 The Chicago Park District https://www.chicagoparkdistrict.com/parks-facilities/fishing-areas?search_by=keyword&keyword=west%20ridge

Forest Preserves of Cook County http://fpdcc.com/recreation/fishing/