I & M Canal
Grundy County, Illinois
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Originally running from Lake Michigan in Chicago to LaSalle and the Illinois River, this once vital transportation artery is now dry in many areas while other sections contain water on an intermittent basis. The Canal travels through many towns including Lockport, Joliet, Morris, Ottawa, Utica and LaSalle.
With construction commencing in 1836 and taking 12 years to complete, the Illinois and Michigan (I&M) Canal stretched 96 miles linking the Great Lakes to the Illinois River. The canal was the impetus for the settlement and development of much of northeast Illinois and is rich in history. The I &M Canal was originally hand-dug to depths of 6 to 8 feet and time has degraded much of the Canal and portions have little or no water flow. Those that do are marginal in terms of supporting viable fish populations.
Boat access is limited and only electric trolling motors can be used.
Additional Site-Specific Fishing Regulations:
All Fish Species - Two Pole and Line Fishing Only.
Large or Smallmouth Bass – 15-inch Minimum Length Limit
Channel Catfish – 6 Fish Daily Creel Limit.
Rainbow Trout – Spring and Fall Closed Season (Lock 14)
Share your catch!
We want to see what you've caught on I & M Canal.Frequently Asked Questions About I & M Canal, IL
- How big is I & M Canal?
- What kind of fish can you catch in I & M Canal?
- What are the closest cities to I & M Canal?
- Are there places to stay in the I & M Canal area?
- Are there places to eat and drink near I & M Canal?
- What is the fishing outlook for I & M Canal?
- What is the average air temp for I & M Canal?
- Are there any state parks near I & M Canal?
How big is I & M Canal?
I & M Canal is approximately 164 sq acres (0.7 sq km) in size.
What kind of fish can you catch in I & M Canal?
Although thery may be others but anglers can expect to find a variety of fish including Bluegill, Channel Catfish, Flathead Catfish, Largemouth Bass and Smallmouth Bass in I & M Canal.
Other fish species in the lake include Crappie and Redear Sunfish.
What are the closest cities to I & M Canal?
Are there places to stay in the I & M Canal area?
Are you craving a weekend escape from the hustle and bustle of city life? Or maybe you're an avid angler in search of the perfect fishing spot? Look no further! I & M Canal and its surrounding area offer an abundance of options to suit your needs. If you're in need of accommodation, check out our area map which highlights some of the best places to stay. And if you're looking for even more options, head on over to our Travel section. But why settle for a traditional hotel or resort when you can take your adventure to the next level by renting a RV? The open road awaits you!
More Lodging Options
More Lodging Options
Are there places to eat and drink near I & M Canal?
Yes, you can find numerous options in the area. Click the button below to see what's nearby.
What is the fishing outlook for I & M Canal?
What does the future look like for I & M Canal? We have some insignt on what to expect for a number of fish species in I & M Canal.
Explore the I & M Canal area in a RV
Are you looking for an adventurous vacation option that won't break the bank? Look no further than renting an RV! Contrary to popular belief, the process is much simpler than you might imagine. With just a few easy steps, you'll soon be experiencing the ultimate freedom and convenience of exploring the open road in your very own recreational vehicle. And the best part? RV travel can save you up to 60% compared to other types of vacations! With the money you'll save, you'll be able to travel even more and create unforgettable memories along the way. So why wait? Start planning your next adventure today with an RV rental. Learn more about renting a RV.
History & Status of the Fishery
To monitor the fish population, a full fisheries survey of selected areas of the canal is conducted once every two years (most notably Lock 14 in LaSalle and the stretch along Calhoun Street in Morris). Aquatic vegetation is treated in Lock 14 every Spring to control Eurasian Milfoil, Curlyleaf Pondweed, and Filamentous Algae which would otherwise make angling extremely difficult.
The I&M Canal supports a variety of fish species with better angling opportunities available near Channahon, the Aux Sable lock, Calhoun Street, and Lock 14 in LaSalle. The Nettle Creek aqueduct was damaged in 2013 and caused dewatering of the Canal west of the aqueduct. This also impacted the feeder system for Gebhard Woods and those ponds have been dewatered.
Catchable-sized Rainbow Trout are released in the Spring and Fall in the Lock 14 pool in LaSalle and catchable-size Hybrid Sunfish and Channel Catfish are stocked at Lock 14 in conjunction with an annual children's fishing event in June.
No special mercury advisory or other contaminant-related consumption advisories pertain. However, the statewide methylmercury advisory for sensitive populations is in effect (one meal per week of predatory sportfish for the most sensitive populations).
The I&M Canal supports a variety of fish species with better angling opportunities available near Channahon, the Aux Sable lock, Calhoun Street, and Lock 14 in LaSalle. The Nettle Creek aqueduct was damaged in 2013 and caused dewatering of the Canal west of the aqueduct. This also impacted the feeder system for Gebhard Woods and those ponds have been dewatered.
Catchable-sized Rainbow Trout are released in the Spring and Fall in the Lock 14 pool in LaSalle and catchable-size Hybrid Sunfish and Channel Catfish are stocked at Lock 14 in conjunction with an annual children's fishing event in June.
No special mercury advisory or other contaminant-related consumption advisories pertain. However, the statewide methylmercury advisory for sensitive populations is in effect (one meal per week of predatory sportfish for the most sensitive populations).
Controling Authority
Illinois and Michigan Canal State Trail
815-942-6529
IDNR Fisheries Biologist, Seth Love
630-360-4772
815-942-6529
IDNR Fisheries Biologist, Seth Love
630-360-4772
What is the average air temp for I & M Canal?
Looking forward to your next adventure at I & M Canal? Don't forget to plan ahead! Weather can be unpredictable, but we've got you covered. On average, air temperatures during this time of year range from a high around 81°F (27°C) to a low around 62°F (17°C). Of course, these are just historical averages, so be prepared for anything Mother Nature throws your way. For the most up-to-date weather information, be sure to check out our Weather Bar located at the top of this page.
Are there any state parks near I & M Canal?
Enjoy more of the outdoors with a visit to an area state park. There are 1 state park in the vacinity of I & M Canal.
For more Illinois State Park information see our State Park Guide.
More Nearby Lakes To Explore
There's more lake's to explore around I & M Canal...| DISTANCE | ACRES | MAX DEPTH | |
| Minooka Widewater | 0.4 mi | 42 | |
| Des Plaines River | 2.5 mi | 2,160 | 15 ft |
| Heidecke Lake | 8.7 mi | 1,955 | |
| Lake Renwick | 10.3 mi | 168 | |
| Lake Plainfield | 11.5 mi | 124 | |
| Braidwood Lake | 15.8 mi | 2,241 | |
| Mazonia #10 - Clear Lake | 18.3 mi | 40 | 35 ft |
| Ponderosa Lake | 18.8 mi | 149 | |
| Monster Lake | 19.0 mi | 53 | |
| Whalon Lake | 19.4 mi | 81 | 100 ft |
DISCLAIMER: Lake-Link Inc assumes no responsibility or liability for any errors or omissions of the information for I & M Canal. Although we strive to provide the most accurate information as we can the information contained in this page is provided on an "as is" basis with no guarantees of completeness, accuracy, usefulness or timeliness.
