The Forest Preserves of Cook County announced its procedures for opening trout season this fall, slightly delayed, at the usual lakes.

By Dale Bowman

File photo of rainbow trout. Credit: Illinois Department of Natural Resources — File photo of rainbow trout.

The Forest Preserves of Cook County announced its procedures and plans for opening, slightly delayed, for fall trout at the usual lakes.

I am glad to see FPCC went with an announced opening rather than a so-called soft opening. Soft openings this spring, after the delay at the start of the pandemic restrictions, led to anglers who were tipped off getting the jump on the spring-trout season.

Some may quibble with the mid-week opening, but I understand that should help with congregating and social distancing.

Other options that I thought might have worked would have be having opening weekend restricted to those 15 or younger; or having somebody restrict the number of anglers at each site at any given time, but both of those options would have issues of their own, too.

Here are the details for opening fall trout at FPCC sites in the fall of 2020, via Carl Vogel, director of communications for FPCC:

Hi Dale, The Forest Preserves of Cook County fall trout season will start at sunrise on Wednesday, October 21 at Axehead Lake, Belleau Lake, Busse Reservoir – North Pool, Sag Quarry East, Horsetail Lake and Green Lake. These lakes will be closed to all fishing from Monday, October 12, until sunrise on Wednesday, October 21. We ask that anglers follow public health guidelines when enjoying trout season: Physical distance at least six feet from other visitors who do not live in your household. Wear a mask to protect yourself and others. Wash your hands before and after visiting. And please help us out by carrying out any trash from your time in the forest preserves. Thanks, and have a good weekend,

Next Up In Outdoors

High hopes for Heidecke Lake fishing: Prospects look good for the season, despite a brutal opener

Chicago fishing, Midwest Fishing Report: Hoping on a warm-up, coho, smallmouth, browns, steelhead

A little help from friends on bagging first spring gobbler leads to Turkey of the Week

An old favorite of the Chicago River, the common carp, still have ‘Big Shoulders’ downtown

Chicago outdoors: Frog sounds question, inquisitive mink, early hummingbird, big Shabbona walleye

Rare wild turkey sightings along lakefront come to a tragic end

Trout fishing Forest Preserves of Cook County: Details on delayed fall start, but at usual FPCC lakes

The Forest Preserves of Cook County announced its procedures for opening trout season this fall, slightly delayed, at the usual lakes.