Nestled in the 2,640-acre Mazonia-Braidwood Lake State Fish & Wildlife Area in Will County, Braidwood Lake was constructed in the late 1970s as a partially perched, cooling lake impounded with water which had to be pumped in from the Kankakee River. Braidwood Lake provides 2,308 acres of alluring waters for wildlife management and seasonal opportunities for anglers and hunters as the lake's primary use is for sport fishing, waterfowl hunting and as a waterfowl refuge.

Braidwood Lake opens annually on March 1 and closes to all fishing and boat traffic in early October as dictated by waterfowl season. Year-round outdoor opportunities include picnicking, bird watching, fossil hunting (allowed by permit), upland game hunting, trapping and water dog training.

Fishing

This popular Will County lake allures as many crappie anglers as those looking for quality bass. The cooling lake can have water temperatures over 90 degrees F, to which the fish have adapted exceptionally well. Braidwood Lake is home to an ever-growing healthy population of bass. Largemouth bass range from 14 to 16 inches long weighing between four and seven pounds.

Largemouth bass range from 14 to 16 inches long weighing between four and seven pounds.The population of channel and blue catfish range from 12 to 18 inches long weighing more than ten pounds. The flathead catfish caught in Braidwood Lake have exceeded 25 pounds. Bass have to be at least 15 inches long, and there is a three-fish-per-day limit on this lake.

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources Division of Fisheries offers "Hook-and-Line" and "Spear/Bow and Arrow" Sport Fishing Awards to recognize anglers for fish caught in Illinois' waters. (Click here for details.)

  Search Braidwood Lake Resources
     Coordinates:
41.2084N -88.2167W
Map It:
Lake Type:
Perched Cooling Lake
Surface Area:
2,308 acres
Maximum Depth:
100 ft
Elevation:
627 ft
Normal Water Clarity:
1-3 ft
Major City:
Chicago
Airport:
Chicago

Braidwood Lake welcomes boats with a minimum length of 14 feet and only if their main source of propulsion is by a gasoline-powered motor. Although motor size is unlimited, a 40 MPH speed limit is strictly enforced. Two boat launching facilities are located at opposite ends of the lake as well as extensive bank fishing areas.

Braidwood Lake becomes rough and can be dangerous when the winds are high. The lake closes to all boat traffic when winds reach 25 MPH.

• Illinois Fishing Licenses
• Illinois 2012 Statewide Limits and Regulations
• Illinois Fish Consumption Advisories
• Mazonia-Braidwood State Fish & Wildlife Area
• Illinois Department of Natural Resources