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BECK LAKE


Lake Information

County: Cook

Acreage: 37

Recreational Amenities

Boat Fishing? Electric motors only

Boat Ramps? Yes

Boat Rental? No

Skiing? No

Swimming? No

Picnicking? Yes




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There are no zebra mussels in this lake.


Lake Status Summary  ( Full PDF Report )

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Species

Rank

Fish Status

BLUEGILL

Good

During our survey, no bluegills exceeded 8 inches long, but several approached 8” long. Anglers probably influence the maximum size bluegill can grow in Beck Lake since they have access to nearly the entire shoreline. Fishing Regulation: 15 fish daily limit.

LARGEMOUTH BASS

Very Good

Bass were collected at a rate above the management goal. The maximum size fish collected was 18.7”. 52% were greater than 12”, 16% were greater than 14”, and 12.5% were greater than 15” and legal size. The population was balanced between mature and immature fish; anglers should be happy with their fishing results if they spend some time fishing Beck Lake. Fishing Regulation: 6 fish daily limit; 14" length limit.

NORTHERN PIKE

Good

Northern pike are occasionally stocked. During our survey, one 23” fish was collected. Northern pike add to the diversity of the predator base and help balance the lakes overall fishery. Fishing Regulation: 3 fish daily limit, 24" length limit.

Location: Beck Lake is located in Cook County, on Central Road between River Road and the Tri-State Tollway (US294) in Des Plaines, IL.

Description: Beck Lake is 37 acres and has a shoreline length of 6000 ft, a maximum depth 19 feet, and an average depth of approximately 12 feet. The lake was created in 1958 as a borrow pit for expressway construction. It has good depth and vegetation in summer, creating good fish habitat. Beck Lake has ample shorefishing access. There is a concrete boat ramp, however no gas motors can be attached to boats, electric motor only. Kayaks and canoes are common, but no concessions are available for rentals or bait. Parking, picnic, picnic tables and portable outhouses are provided amenities. No fish cleaning station is available.

History and Status of the Sport Fishery: Occasional fish surveys, by IDNR or FPDCC Fisheries Staff, are conducted to evaluate the fishery. Northern pike have been stocked to diversify the fishery; most other species are maintained through natural reproduction. FPDCC Staff treat nuisance levels of rooted aquatic vegetation with herbicides on an as-needed basis. Additional species found in Beck Lake include black crappie, yellow and black bullhead, pumpkinseed sunfish, common carp, warmouth, and white suckers.

Additional Lake Information: Electric motors only (no gas motors attached). Two pole and line fishing only for all species. No concessions are available for rentals or bait. Parking, picnic, picnic tables and portable outhouses are provided amenities. No fish cleaning station is available.

Contact Information:
Forest Preserve District of Cook County – Fisheries:
708-403-6951
IDNR Fisheries Biologist, Andy Plauck
815-675-2386 ext. 214