Braidwood Lake Fishing
Will County holds this IDNR lake.
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Braidwood Lake, the Prairie State snapshot
Braidwood Lake sits in Will County; its listed acres and the IDNR description differ, so the size stays blank. Godley is the nearest Census place, roughly 2 miles from the IDNR map point.
You can put in at 2 boat ramps on the IDNR map. The digest prints site-specific rules for it.
Acres as listed on the IDNR IFishIllinois page (printed only where the page text gives the same size); depth only where the IDNR text states a maximum depth. IDNR IFishIllinois waterbody page, ifishillinois.org, read November 4, 2026. Census 2023 places.
Amenities IDNR lists at Braidwood Lake
- Location (IDNR)Braidwood Lake is located in Will County approximately 1.25 miles south of the Village of Braidwood adjacent to U.S. Route 53.
- Description (IDNR)Braidwood Lake is a 2,640-acre, partially perched cooling lake. When impounded in 1981 several old strip-mine pits were flooded within the lake proper. No horsepower limitations; maximum speed limit is 40 mph except in designated "no wake" and "hazard" areas; working gasoline engine required as main propulsion unit; boats under 14 feet are not recommended. County Line Road Access (south access) has a four-lane …
The IDNR amenity list for Braidwood Lake
- Family FriendlyNo
- Handicap AccessNo
- Boat FishingYes – Unrestricted
- Boat RampsYes
- Boat RentalsNo
- CampingNo
- PicnickingNo
- SkiingNo
- SwimmingNo
- Trout StockingNo
This band carries the IFishIllinois text on Braidwood Lake word for word.
IDNR IFishIllinois waterbody page, ifishillinois.org, read November 4, 2026.
The IDNR outlook for Braidwood Lake
| Species | IDNR rating | IDNR survey note |
|---|---|---|
| Flathead Catfish | Fair | The Fall 2025 targeted electrofishing survey did not result in Flathead Catfish being collection. However, past surveys (both targeted and non-targeted) have collected multiple sizes of fish, indicating that natural… |
| Striped Bass x White Bass (Wiper) | Average | The Fall 2023 community electrofishing survey resulted in a total of 2 Hybrid Striped Bass collected measuring 447 mm (17.6 in) and 490 mm (19.3 in), with both of those fish > Stock size (200 mm [8.0]). Hybrid Striped… |
| Channel Catfish | Good | The Fall 2023 community electrofishing survey resulted in a total of 47 Channel Catfish collected ranging from 256 mm (10.1 in) to 692 mm (27.2 in), with 45 of those fish > Stock size (280 mm [11.0 in]). Average length… |
| Redear Sunfish | Fair | Excess production in the State Hatchery System has allowed for the stocking of Redear Sunfish on a few occasions, and while not as prevalent as bluegill, larger specimens are occasionally caught. |
| Largemouth Bass | Excellent | The Spring 2026 targeted sunfish electrofishing survey resulted in a total of 125 Largemouth Bass were collected ranging from 218 mm (8.6 in) to 603 mm (23.7 in), with all fish > Stock size (200 mm [8.0 in]). Average… |
| Blue Catfish | Very Good | The Fall 2025 targeted electrofishing survey resulted in a total of 160 Blue Catfish collected ranging from 124 mm (4.9 in) to 695 mm (27.4 in), with 156 of those fish > Stock size (300 mm [12.0 in]). Average length was… |
| Bluegill | Fair | The Spring 2026 targeted sunfish electrofishing survey resulted in a total of 461 Bluegill collected ranging from 30 mm (1.2 in) to 198 mm (7.8 in), with 439 of those fish > Stock size (80 mm [3.0 in]). Average length… |
For Braidwood Lake, IDNR gives largemouth bass a excellent outlook.
Names above trace to IDNR for Braidwood Lake, not to angler reports.
IDNR fishing outlook ratings and survey notes as printed on the IFishIllinois page, read November 4, 2026. IDNR fish stocking table on ifishillinois.org (year, water, species, size class and number as listed; no stocking dates published), read November 4, 2026; IDNR Illinois state record fish list (keeper: Illinois Department of Natural Resources; no angler names printed), read November 4, 2026.
For the flathead catfish herePiscifun Chaos XS round baitcaster36% OFFSale $57.99 Background on the Braidwood Lake fishery
- IDNRBraidwood Lake is maintained by periodically pumping water from the Kankakee River. As a result, the lake supports a variety of nongame fish species which include Common Carp, Quillback, Freshwater Drum. Braidwood Lake is supported by a thriving Gizzard and Threadfin Shad forage base as well as various other minnow species. In terms of stocking, the lake receives annual stockings of Largemouth Bass, Blue …
- The fishery is evaluated via biennial major surveys and species-specific ancillary surveys. Fish habitat enhancement has been conducted for several years and most recently involves the installation of commercially made units. Braidwood Lake supports a persistent phytoplankton bloom which suppresses rooted aquatic vegetation.
IDNR fishery history text, ifishillinois.org, read November 4, 2026.
IDNR-mapped launches at Braidwood Lake
More public launches that reach Braidwood Lake
- Mazonia – Eagle Lake Boat RampEagle Lake (Mazonia), 2 miles south
- Mazonia – Monster Lake Boat RampMonster Lake (Mazonia), 2 miles south
- Mazonia – Ponderosa Lake Boat RampPonderosa Lake (Mazonia), 3 miles south
- Kankakee River State Park Area 9 Boat RampKankakee River, 9 miles east
- Kankakee River Conservation Area Boat Ramp on Lake MillikenLake Milliken, 10 miles north
- Kankakee River State Park Warner Bridge Boat RampKankakee River, 11 miles east
IDNR IFishIllinois map, boat ramp and launch layer of October 2025 (KML; name, waterbody and notes as printed), read November 5, 2026.
Where to tie up and clean the catch at Braidwood Lake
- Mazonia-Braidwood Boat Dockboat dock, near Mazonia-Braidwood
From the 2019 IDNR inventory: the Braidwood Lake docks and cleaning houses above.
IDNR lands asset inventory, 2019 (boating and fishing assets layer), read November 4, 2026.
Depth maps and contours for Braidwood Lake
- Braidwood LakeIDNR depth map
IDNR publishes 1 depth map for Braidwood Lake; open them from its IFishIllinois page.
IDNR depth map list, ifishillinois.org, read November 4, 2026.
Fish IDNR stocked in Braidwood Lake
| Year | Species as listed | Number | Size class |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | Blue Catfish | 23,004 | Advanced Fingerling (4 – 7") |
| 2026 | Largemouth Bass | 39,182 | Fingerling (1 – 3") |
| 2026 | Largemouth Bass | 6,671 | Advanced Fingerling (4 – 7") |
| 2026 | Striped Bass x White Bass (Wiper) | 15,722 | Fingerling (1 – 3") |
| 2025 | Blue Catfish | 23,040 | Advanced Fingerling (4 – 7") |
| 2025 | Largemouth Bass | 70,904 | Fingerling (1 – 3") |
| 2025 | Largemouth Bass | 5,840 | Advanced Fingerling (4 – 7") |
| 2025 | Striped Bass x White Bass (Wiper) | 23,992 | Fingerling (1 – 3") |
| 2024 | Blue Catfish | 22,998 | Fingerling (1 – 3") |
| 2024 | Largemouth Bass | 49,085 | Fingerling (1 – 3") |
| 2024 | Largemouth Bass | 7,546 | Advanced Fingerling (4 – 7") |
| 2024 | Striped Bass x White Bass (Wiper) | 28,030 | Fingerling (1 – 3") |
Rows for Braidwood Lake come from the IDNR stocking table, which gives the year but not the day.
IDNR fish stocking table on ifishillinois.org (year, water, species, size class and number as listed; no stocking dates published), read November 4, 2026.
Illinois limits that apply on Braidwood Lake
| Species group | Daily limit | Statewide rule as printed |
|---|---|---|
| Alligator Gar | 1 per 24 hours | Harvest limit is 1 Alligator Gar per 24 hours. |
| Blue, Channel, and Flathead Catfish | no limit | There are no daily harvest or size limits, except as specified under Site Specific Regulations. |
| Bluegill, Redear Sunfish, Other Sunfish | no limit | There are no harvest or size limits, except as specified under Site Specific Regulations. |
| Crappie (White, Black or Hybrid Crappie) | no limit | There are no daily harvest or size limits, except as specified under Site Specific Regulations. |
| Lake Sturgeon | no possession | Protected; No possession. |
| Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Spotted Bass | 6 (combined) | Daily harvest limit is 6 Bass, either singly or in the aggregate, except as specified under Site Specific Regulations. In rivers and streams and their tributaries statewide, except for the Mississippi, Ohio (including Golconda Marina), and Wabash Rivers, the d |
| Muskellunge, Northern Pike, and their Hybrid | muskellunge 1, northern pike 3 | All Muskellunge and Muskellunge hybrids (Tiger Muskie) taken must be 36" in total length or longer, except as specified under Site Specific Regulations. No more than 1 Muskellunge or Muskellunge hybrid (Tiger Muskie) may be taken per day, except as specified u |
| Paddlefish | 2 | Daily harvest limit is 2 Paddlefish. Please refer to Site Specific Regulations for the Mississippi River between Illinois and Iowa and the Mississippi River between Illinois and Missouri. |
| Striped Bass (Ocean Rockfish), White Bass, Yellow Bass, and their Hybrids | no limit under 17 inches; 3 at 17 inches or longer | There are no daily harvest limits or minimum size limits for Striped Bass (Ocean Rockfish), White Bass, Yellow Bass, and their hybrids, which are less than 17" in total length, except as specified under Site Specific Regulations. For these fish 17" in total le |
| Trout and Salmon | 5 (combined) | Daily harvest limit is 5 trout or salmon, either singly or in the aggregate. |
| Walleye, Sauger, or their Hybrid | 6 (combined) | All Walleye, Sauger, or their hybrid (Saugeye) taken must be 14" in total length or longer, except in the Mississippi River, Wabash River, or except as specified under Site Specific Regulations. Daily harvest limit is 6 Walleye, Sauger, or their hybrid, either |
Those statewide digest rows apply on Braidwood Lake wherever no site-specific line overrides them.
Digest regulations printed for Braidwood Lake
| Water as printed | Species | Rule as printed (code) |
|---|---|---|
| Braidwood Lake | Recreational Use Restrictions Braidwood Lake is closed to all fishing and boat traffic, except for legal waterfowl hunters, from 10 days prior to duck season through the day before duck season and is closed to all fishing during waterfowl season commencing with regular duck season through the close | |
| Braidwood Lake | All Fish | 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1) |
| Braidwood Lake | Large or Smallmouth Bass | 15 inch Minimum Length Limit; 3 Fish Daily Harvest Limit |
| Braidwood Lake | Striped, White, or Hybrid Striped Bass | 10 Fish Daily Harvest Limit with no more than 3 Fish greater than or equal to 17 inches |
- Code 1Sport fishermen must not use more than 2 poles and each pole must not have more than 2 hooks or lures attached (Alabama rigs not allowed) while fishing, except that legal size cast nets (in accordance with Section 810.50(a)(2)), shad scoops, and minnow …
- Code 13It shall be unlawful to enter upon areas designated as waterfowl hunting areas during the 10 days prior to the start of the regular duck season, or to fish on such areas during the regular duck season except in areas posted as open to fishing. It shall …
Site-specific regulations as printed in the 2026 Illinois Fishing Information digest (IDNR) page 18, read November 4, 2026.
Anglers 16 and older carry an Illinois fishing license ($15 a year for residents, $31.50 for nonresidents in 2026).
IDNR 2026 Illinois Fishing Information digest (IDNR), read November 4, 2026. IDNR license fees (ifishillinois.org), read November 4, 2026.
Braidwood Lake among its neighbours
On size, Monster Lake (Mazonia) leads the nearby lakes at 53 acres.
| Lake | Distance | Acres (IDNR) | Max depth (ft) | Mapped ramps | First IDNR-rated fish |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Braidwood Lake | not printed | 2 | Flathead Catfish | ||
| Doc's Club Lake (Mazonia) | 1 mile south | 22 | 1 | ||
| Long (Wilderness) Lake (Mazonia) | 1 mile south | 27 | 0 | ||
| South Unit Lakes (Mazonia SFWA) | 2 miles south | not printed | 0 | ||
| Eagle Lake (Mazonia) | 2 miles south | 34 | 1 | Bluegill | |
| Monster Lake (Mazonia) | 3 miles south | 53 | 1 | Channel Catfish |
IDNR IFishIllinois pages (acres, depth text, outlook) and the IDNR boat ramp layer; read November 4, 2026.
An Illinois blacktop jaunt from Braidwood Lake
Lakes in the same corner of the state as Braidwood Lake
- Doc's Club Lake (Mazonia)1 mile south
- Long (Wilderness) Lake (Mazonia)1 mile south
- South Unit Lakes (Mazonia SFWA)2 miles south
- Eagle Lake (Mazonia)2 miles south
- Monster Lake (Mazonia)3 miles south
Filling the bait bucket near Braidwood Lake
- Jon's Bait & Tackle Shopbait and tackle shop, South Wilmington, 4 miles
- Angelos Outdoor Sports Centersporting goods store, Wilmington, 7 miles
- Harborside Marinamarina, Wilmington, 11 miles
- Three Rivers Marine Servicemarina, Wilmington, 12 miles
- Kankakee River Trading Postbait and tackle shop, Bourbonnais, 14 miles
- Big Basin Marina Incmarina, Channahon, 14 miles
Tackle loaner sites near Braidwood Lake
- I & M Canal State Trail Gebhard WoodsMorris, 15 miles
- Peotone Public Library DistrictPeotone, 24 miles
- Joliet Park DistrictJoliet, 24 miles
- New Lenox Community Park DistrictNew Lenox, 24 miles
Illinois towns close to Braidwood Lake
- Braidwood4 miles
- Diamond5 miles
- Gardner5 miles
County guides linked to Braidwood Lake
- Will Countyseat: Joliet
IDNR IFishIllinois map, tackle loaner site layer (KML), read November 5, 2026.
Piscifun gear a Prairie State angler could stow for Braidwood Lake
Piscifun and Amazon links are affiliate links; the site earns a commission on qualifying purchases.
Telling the Braidwood Lake fish apart by photo
Photo: ted_rocket, CC BY-SA 2.0
Photo: Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife, CC BY-SA 2.0
Photo: Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife, CC BY-SA 2.0
Photo: USFWS Mountain-Prairie, Public domain
Straight replies on Braidwood Lake
How do I find Braidwood Lake on an Illinois map?
Braidwood Lake is located in Will County approximately 1.25 miles south of the Village of Braidwood adjacent to U.S. Route 53. Its county listing is Will County, about 2 miles from Godley.
Is Braidwood Lake a large lake for Illinois?
Size not shown, since IDNR sources differ.
Can I tow a bass boat to Braidwood Lake and launch?
The IDNR map shows 2 boat ramps; Braidwood Lake North Boat Ramp is one.
Which fish does IDNR list for Braidwood Lake?
The IDNR outlook gives flathead catfish a fair; other fish listed include hybrid striped bass, channel catfish, redear sunfish, largemouth bass and blue catfish.
How many black bass does the digest allow at Braidwood Lake?
Statewide digest row for Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Spotted Bass: Daily harvest limit is 6 Bass, either singly or in the aggregate, except as specified under Site Specific Regulations. The same row adds a separate rule for rivers and streams, quoted in the limits band. The limits band adds this water's digest entry.
Is an Illinois license required at Braidwood Lake?
Anglers 16 and older carry an Illinois fishing license ($15 a year for residents, $31.50 for nonresidents in 2026).
Where can I bank fish at Braidwood Lake?
No pier on file; IDNR flags Family Friendly No; Handicap Access No.
Can I get bait on the way to Braidwood Lake?
Our list starts with Jon's Bait & Tackle Shop, about 4 miles away,.
Pack the rods for Braidwood Lake
Fees, stamps and site rules sit on the license page.