2024 paddling and fishing rules for hennepin & hopper lakes
May 1 to September 2, 2024
The Wetlands Initiative’s Dixon Waterfowl Refuge is private property. Paddling and fishing on the lakes are allowed by the Wetlands Initiative subject to the following rules. Failure to comply with these rules may result in the loss of fishing privileges for a period of no less than one year.
Paddling and fishing are open to the general public at no charge. A Wetlands Initiative permit is not required but all other state and site-specific rules and regulations apply.
All state fishing regulations apply. A valid State of Illinois Sport Fishing License is required for all anglers over the age of 16, unless legally declared blind or disabled. Catches may be checked by Illinois Department of Natural Resources personnel and appropriate state fines assessed if found in violation thereof.
All fishermen may be checked for bait, creel limits, and all state and site-specific regulations. Those who do not comply with an inspection will be deemed guilty by default.
All men, women, and children will paddle or fish at their own risk. Children under 12 years of age may not paddle or fish unless under the supervision of a parent or guardian. A personal floatation device is always recommended on the water.
NO animals of any kind other than game fish meeting the species size and creel limits are to be taken at any time (see below for species size and creel limits).
NO gas-powered motors are allowed on boats even if raised and out of the water. Only electric trolling motors are allowed.
Fishing will be allowed from boats only. NO shore fishing is allowed.
NO live bait is allowed except for red worms, wax worms, and night crawlers. NO minnows, crawfish, leeches, cut bait, etc., are allowed.
The 2024 paddling and fishing season extends from May 1st through September 2nd.
Paddling and fishing are allowed from sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset.
Paddling and fishing are allowed only within the designated boating zone. The zone encompasses all of the lakes south of the buoys extending west from the boat launch to the western shore of the lakes and ending at the buoys in the southern portion of the lakes. (A map of the lakes showing the paddling and fishing zone is posted at the kiosk by the boat launch.)
NO littering is allowed. No garbage cans are on the premises; whatever you bring in must be packed out.
The parking lot by the boat launch is limited to a maximum of 40 vehicle and boat trailer units on a first-come, first-served basis. When the boat launch parking lot is full no more boats will be allowed onto the lakes for paddling or fishing.
NO alcoholic beverages are allowed on the lakes at any time.
Paddling and fishing may be closed at the discretion of the Wetlands Initiative Dixon Refuge Site Manager.
The Wetlands Initiative Dixon Refuge Site Manager is the final authority on all decisions.
2024 Daily Sport Fishing Limits at the Dixon Waterfowl Refuge
Only fish of the following species may be kept. “Minimum size” is the smallest-length fish of that species which can be kept; “Maximum number” is the total number of fish of that species which can be kept and removed during a single day.
For any questions regarding paddling or fishing at Hennepin & Hopper Lakes, please call the Wetlands Initiative at 312-922-0777 or email at twi@wetlands-initiative.org.