Manitou Creek

The Fox Chain O’ Lakes consists of nine major lake basins connected by a series of navigable channels. The chain is considered the largest inland water recreational area in northeastern Illinois. Recreational boat traffic is extremely heavy on weekends. Weekday fishing is suggested, if possible. In recent years the Chain has developed into a major fishery with outstanding walleye, channel catfish and muskie resources. The south part of the Fox Chain O’ Lakes does not have any public boat accesses, all of the accesses are private and charge fees. There are many full service marinas on the lake as well as restaurants.

Walleye and northern pike feed heavily on perch, juvenile panfish, and gizzard shad. Freshwater drum are important prey for muskie and northern pike. Gizzard shad, emerald shiner, bluntnose minnow, golden shiner, carp, sucker, small carp and juvenile panfish, including bluegill, are significant to the forage base. Rusty crayfish are present in the Chain.

The largest concentrations of spawning walleye occur in Lake Marie and Bluff Lake. After spawning, a downstream movement into Grass Lake and the Fox River have been reported. Northern pike make seasonal spawning movements into tributary creeks or into shallow weedy areas for spawning, often just after ice-out.