Deep Quarry Lake ( Dupage County)

[Kingfisher]

Just wondering if anyone has had any action out on this body of water?

Drove by it the other day and looked promising ...... was just wondering if there was any suggestions out there?

looking to target lmb n Northern Pike

any other info i would appreciate as well.

thanks

[ripsomelips]

I have fished this lake numerous times with moderate success. I used to pull big bass and small northern out all the time some 6-7 years ago. If it were me I would fish Bass Lake which is further back in the woods. You have to walk a ways to get to it but I think its a much better lake. Both lakes have extremely clear water with vegetation and are deep. I have always had luck with large roachs just under a slip float fishing the cribs. As for lures, i almost always use a watermelon seed colored lizard or trick worm/finesse worm. Use a small weight and fish it slowly. Otherwise white spinner baits seem to work alright also fishing them slowly and bumping them on the bottom or over the weed beds. For the northern I would probably stick to larger roaches. I know a few years back a 20lb+ muskie was caught from deep quarry on a roach by accident (the lake doesn't have muskie in it). My old man also caught a 34'' pike from Bass lake in the woods a few years ago as well. Not a big one, but decent for the forest preserves. And I have seen 5lb+ bass cruising the shallows before. Hope this helps, good luck.

[Maliboo]

If you're going to Bass Lake, make sure to bring insect repellent! You have to hike through the woods and the mosquitoes are lying in ambush.

I only been to Deep Quarry/Bass Lake once on a scouting mission during a very busy Sunday (last Sunday) and I saw a guy catch a 13" bass by the lily pads, and talked to someone who just caught an 18" bass in the muddy river on the other side of the trail between DQ and Bass Lake. Quite a few people have told me Bass Lake is much better than DQ, but the walk and mosquitoes make it an unpleasant experience for me and with all the other great lakes in the DuPage County Forest Preserve I doubt I'll ever go back... but then again, the chance for a Pike is always alluring...

[DuPageForestPreserves]

You can find downloadable depth maps and species lists for several Forest Preserve District lakes, including Deep Quarry Lake, on the District's web site at http://www.dupageforest.com/page.aspx?id=306.

[Legend075]

And don't forget ticks!

FYI there is another way into Bass Lake that is half the walk from DQ parking

[Maliboo]

Looking at Google Maps I think I see the other way in to Bass Lake...

So, using deet will keep the mosquitoes and ticks off of you?

[ch0ppinbr0cklee]

i go fishing here a lot. i live probably 5 minutes away. i dont have a ton of luck here, its hit or miss it seems with more misses than anything else. ive caught some decent size smallmouth and a couple northern pike. theres always a lot of pressure on this lake, especially a lot of foreign bucket people. i would try mallard lake or busse lake. the best luck ive had has been at busse just throwin a lipless CB by the main dam. theres tons of fishing lakes around the area. some of which are just word of mouth and are not listed on the dnr site..

[hookthis]

theres always a lot of pressure on this lake, especially a lot of foreign bucket people. i would try mallard lake or busse lake.

Mallard yes, but Busse? I've met people who swear there's fish in there that are worth the time, but have yet to see any. It's a great place to add to your collection of Modelo cans, crawler tubs, and other trash. If there was a ghetto for fishermen, Busse is it.

And DQ is where I nearly threw a thickly-accented bucketeer into the water for keeping an 11" or 12" walleye. The crappie action is almost decent on occasion, but that lake has been beaten to death the last 10 years. The Fox has outproduced it for me 10 to 1 or better. Pratt's Wayne is another choice, and there is a musky, maybe 2 in there.

Look hard for retention ponds, especially in industrial parks. Blackwell has spit out some good-sized wallys and Northern the past 2 years, but it also gets hammered and is a tough lake to fish.

[Noe]

I was hoping someone would be commenting on these local lakes. I live 5 mins from West Branch and like everyone else here said it's really hit or miss. I have had great luck out of here last year. This spring I plan to give it some more attempts and will keep everyone posted.

I do agree with everyone at times it is def hit a lot! To me once they stopped stocking with trout I don't see too many ppl out there. Over fished or not I do have success and will return based on some great fish i have pulled out of there. Don't rule out the DQ just yet.

As for Bass Lake, Your better off wearing a net around you. These mosquito's don't back down from spray (nor do ticks). Bass lake does have some great action, but some spots are a bit hard to access. Both have very nice fish. I might stop at BL today and see what's going on.

[Fishing Fool]

So, using deet will keep the mosquitoes and ticks off of you?

Deep Woods Off, the sissy stuff doesn't seem to work very well. I don't think it will keep them from getting on you, maybe from digging in & eating. Is Lyme really a worry around here? I think they can transmit multiple bad things.

[loganaxleberrt]

theres always a lot of pressure on this lake, especially a lot of foreign bucket people. i would try mallard lake or busse lake.

Look hard for retention ponds, especially in industrial parks.

I couldn't agree with this more.