Heidecke Lake SFWA

Camping

Overnight camping is not available at Heidecke Lake State Fish and Wildlife Area. Check the Visitor Center at adjacent Goose Lake Prairie State Natural Area for information on nearby public and private campgrounds.

Trails

Hikers have many options. The Tallgrass Nature Trail winds through the prairie and its marshes. Depending on the route, Prairie View Trail can be 1 or 3.5 miles long. Self-guiding trail maps are available.

Cross-country skiers enjoy Goose Lake Prairie in the winter. The Visitor Center, which serves as a warming area, offers trail maps.

Boating

Only boats for fishing or waterfowl hunting are allowed on the lake. Each must have a gasoline-powered motor as its main propulsion unit. There is no charge for launching. Water skiing, swimming, wading, sailboating, or personal watercraft is not allowed.

Heidecke Lake Closing Policy: If wind speeds are forecast to be 25 mph or above at any time during the day, Heidecke Lake access to boat fishing will be closed. Bank fishing will still be available at the Heidecke Lake Bank Fishing Area off E. Collins Rd. Wind speeds are checked daily by using the NOAA wind forecast at the Morris Muni-James R Washburn Field Airport.

Fishing

Fishing Fact Sheet

Because of a comprehensive fish-stocking program, Heidecke Lake has good fish populations producing trophy-size bass. Only pole-and-line fishing is permitted, with each angler limited to using two poles. There are no fishing fees, but each angler must have a valid Illinois fishing license unless exempted by law.

To avoid the possibility of overharvest and to assure a good fishery, DNR's Fisheries Division has established minimum length and daily catch limits at the lake. Strict adherence to size and catch limits will result in Heidecke Lake providing a quality fishing experience now and in the future.

Fish are measured while positioned flat on a ruler from the tip of the mouth when closed to the tip of the tail when compressed. All sub-legal-size fish must be immediately released to maximize their chance for survival.

​Accessibility at Heidecke Lake / Goose Lake Prairie:

•

Parking - The Goose Lake Prairie visitor center has a paved parking lot with accessible parking spaces and paved access to the building. Note: The push-button doors are non-operational at this time.

•

Restrooms - There are accessible flush restrooms located inside the visitor center.

•

Picnicking - Prairie Grove Picnic Area has two accessible parking spaces available with concrete sidewalks that lead to the shelter, vault toilets, and wheelchair-accessible water fountain. The shelter has wheelchair-accessible picnic tables and grills.

•

Fishing/Boating - The bank fishing area has accessible parking spaces and vault toilets but currently does not have access to bank fish. The boat ramp has accessible parking spaces and vault toilets with paved access to the docks. Bank fishing is not allowed at the boat ramp area.