Bowen Lake Park

Located off of North Main Street, Bowen Lake is home to a six acre fishing lake, picnic area, fishing pier, wildlife areas, ornamental grasses with wildflowers and walking trail around the lake. Boat permit required. All individuals 16 & older must obtain a fishing license. Closes Nov 1 each year. One Shelter Available: Bowen Lake Shelter

Bowen Lake Free Rod & Reel Program

Presented by: Illinois Urban Fishing Program & Illinois Department of Natural Resources

If your looking to go fishing this summer and you don’t have a fishing pole, stop by the Washington Park District and check out our free rod & reel loan program. Participants may check out a rod & reel for up to three days free of charge (a $5 security deposit per rod will charged). Each participant will receive a small tackle packet (limited number available) complete with fishing information and some fishing tools to help you throughout your fishing day.

Rods & Reels may be checked out at the Washington Park District Administration Building located at 815 Lincoln St Monday – Friday 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

For more information please contact the Washington Park District at 444-9413.

Bowen Lake Park Regulations

1. Valid Illinois fishing license required for individuals over 16
2. Only fishing poles allowed – Maximum of 2 poles per person.
3. Catch and release is encouraged to share the fishing resource.
4. Fish limits and sizes:
   
   Black Bass – 3 fish daily 14” min
   Channel Catfish – 6 fish daily No Size Limit
   Walleyes – 1 fish daily 14’ min
   Blue Gill & Redear – Unlimited No Size Limit
5. No minnows to be used as bait.

Bowen Lake Boating Regulations

1. Valid Bowen Lake boat permit required.
2. Only boats 18 ft. or smaller permitted on lake.
3. Only electric trolling motors allowed.
4. No gas motor allowed on boat.
5. One personal floatation device per person.
6. Boating permitted from sunrise to sunset.
7. Boats may only be launched from boat ramp.
8. Boats over 16 ft. must have throw-able life preserver.

Fees: $5 Residents, $10 Non-Residents

BOWEN LAKE CLOSES NOV. 1, 2005