Des Plaines River

The Kankakee River within Illinois is listed on the Federal Clean Streams Register and is well known by northeastern Illinoisans for its rugged beauty. Glacial scouring has deposited rounded cobble and boulders over shale at many locations. Canoeists delight in the many rapids and lazy pools along this stretch of river. Although larger craft can be used on limited portions of the river near its mouth, above Kankakee Dam and above Memence, larger walleye and bass boats are out of place. Typically, anglers employ either canoes or jon boats with small motors. Many big smallmouth bass and walleye are taken by people who use nothing more than a good pair of chest waders. Much of the shoreline is privately owned and anglers are advised to observe areas posted “No Trespassing”. As always, be familiar with current state creel limits and regulations before beginning a fishing trip on the Kankakee River.

Various sucker species comprise the bulk of the forage fish. Other important species include gizzard shad, emerald shiner, common shiner, spotfin shine and young-of-the-year of all species. Crayfish, along with various insects and their larvae, comprise an important part of the river’s forage base. Hellgrammites are one of the most abundant and important insect forage in the river.

Throughout late March and April, walleye tend to collect below the Wilmington and Kankakee dams, a small run of hybrid striped bass to the Wilmington tail waters was first observed in 1992. These hybrids have migrated into the system from other lakes and river the drainage area.