Braidwood Lake

Will County, Illinois

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Braidwood Lake is located in Will County approximately 1.25 miles south of the Village of Braidwood adjacent to U.S. Route 53.

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' are not recommended. County Line Road Access (south access) has a four-lane concrete boat ramp with 35 car/trailer parking. An additional 75+ car lot is located adjacent to the ramp area. Cemetery Road Access (north access) has a two-lane concrete boat ramp with parking for 35 car/trailers. A majority of the shoreline is open to bank fishing, and these areas are clearly marked. Access to the interior islands by anglers is prohibited. Steep drop-offs, rock piles, man-made habitat, current and thermal breaks and woody cover are all present. The nature of this lake requires extreme care in boating and a good topographic map is well worth the expense.

Swimming, wading, water skiing and sail boating are prohibited. Braidwood Lake is open to fishing daily from 6:00 a.m. till sunset from March 1 until 10 days prior to the opening of the waterfowl season (Central Zone). Portions of Braidwood Lake are restricted to unauthorized access (these areas are clearly marked), and bank fishing boundaries are posted. Fishing within the old Walleye Rearing Pond is permitted. Since windy conditions can produce treacherous waves, the lake closes to fishing when wind speeds are projected to be 30 mph or greater per the NOAA forecast.

Additional Site-Specific Fishing Regulations:
All Fish Species: 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only.
Large or Smallmouth Bass – 15-inch Minimum Length Limit (3 Fish Daily Harvest Limit)
Striped, White, or Hybrid Striped Bass – 10 Fish Daily Harvest Limit (only 3 Fish may be 17-
inches or larger)
Recreational Use Restriction: Closed for Waterfowl Season
Recreational Use Restriction: Closed to Tournaments During July and August

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Frequently Asked Questions About Braidwood Lake, IL

How big is Braidwood Lake?

Braidwood Lake is approximately 2,241 sq acres (9.1 sq km) in size with 15 miles (24.1 km) of shoreline.

What kind of fish can you catch in Braidwood Lake?

Although thery may be others but anglers can expect to find a variety of fish including Blue Catfish, Bluegill, Channel Catfish, Flathead Catfish, Hybrid Striped Bass and Largemouth Bass in Braidwood Lake.

Other fish species in the lake include Redear Sunfish.

What are the closest cities to Braidwood Lake?

Nearby cities and towns include Braceville, IL, Godley, IL and Braidwood, IL.

Are there places to stay in the Braidwood Lake 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! Braidwood Lake 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!
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Are there places to eat and drink near Braidwood Lake?

Yes, you can find numerous options in the area. Click the button below to see what's nearby.

What is the fishing outlook for Braidwood Lake?

What does the future look like for Braidwood Lake? We have some insignt on what to expect for a number of fish species in Braidwood Lake.

Explore the Braidwood Lake 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.

2021 Midwest - Ultimate Toys - Ultimate Limo

24 ftSleeps 10
Naperville, IL

$550/nightMORE

Newly Renovated! 2003 Jayco Qwest Pop-Up Camper

20 ftSleeps 6
WHEATON, IL

$80/nightMORE

2021 Jayco Jay Flight SLX 174bh

21 ftSleeps 5
Shorewood, IL

$99/nightMORE

2016 Jayco Alante 26x, A-Class Motorhome.

28 ftSleeps 6
Shorewood, IL

$195/nightMORE

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History & Status of the Fishery

Braidwood 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 Catfish, and Hybrid Striped Bass.

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.

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

Mazonia/Braidwood State Fish and Wildlife Area
815-237-0063
IDNR Fisheries Biologist, Seth Love
630-360-4772

What is the average air temp for Braidwood Lake?

Looking forward to your next adventure at Braidwood Lake? 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 Braidwood Lake?

Enjoy more of the outdoors with a visit to an area state park. There are 1 state park in the vacinity of Braidwood Lake.

Kankakee River State Park

For more Illinois State Park information see our State Park Guide.

Braidwood Lake Reviews

Below is the word on street about Braidwood Lake.
Have you been to Braidwood Lake? Why not share your personal reveiw with others?
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jaime d.

Cicero, IL

This lake is my stress relief. I always get plenty of cats. Im limited from the shoreline but i make the most of it. I love this place i get a bite literally a few minutes after the bait settles down. Im easy to spot, im bald with sun glases. I usually fish next boat ramp as to not impede the boats and also because i don't want the attention.

Reviewed May 18, 2018

michael h.

Plainfield, IL

I fish Braidwood a lot most the time for cats. I have a boat and looking for someone that wants to fish. If you know how to use the Hummingingbird Helix 7 di and can show me that is a big plus. I am retired so can go any time pm me

Reviewed Apr 9, 2018

michael s.

Braidwood lake is one of the top bass fisheries in northern illinois. Even though this lake is man made and a cooling lake for a nuke plant, the majority of the shoreline is natural. There are no lakefront homes or businesses and lots of hills, trees, and wildlife. Looking at the depth finder as I cruised around the lake is like watching a roller coaster ride on television, the contours of the lake are vast (down to 60 ft. in some areas) and plentiful. This is one lake that caters to a multitude of fishing technics from top water buzzbaits to deep diving crankbaits you are sure to catch fish. I get a great feeling of relaxation whenever I fish at Braidwood because of it's beauty and serenity, and maybe because I have never been skunked.

Reviewed Mar 16, 2003

More Nearby Lakes To Explore

There's more lake's to explore around Braidwood Lake...

	DISTANCE	ACRES	MAX DEPTH
Mazonia #10 - Clear Lake	2.7 mi	40	35 ft
Ponderosa Lake	3.1 mi	149
Monster Lake	3.2 mi	53
Heidecke Lake	11.1 mi	1,955
Des Plaines River	13.4 mi	2,160	15 ft
Minooka Widewater	15.5 mi	42
I & M Canal	15.8 mi	164

DISCLAIMER: Lake-Link Inc assumes no responsibility or liability for any errors or omissions of the information for Braidwood Lake. 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.

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Braidwood Lake