FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

 

Who can use the park?

The park is primarily scheduled for use by groups.  Groups of children, special needs citizens, and senior citizens come for fishing sessions lasting one to three hours. Volunteers are on hand to assist visitors and teach fishing skills.  On “open fishing” days, individual seniors and accompanied children and special needs citizens may use the park. In addition, if available, the park may be reserved by appointment for use on special occasions such as company picnics, birthday parties, family functions, community organization groups, etc. Hooked on Fishing also sponsors “Fishing Derby Days” for kids.

 

When is the park open?

Weather and conditions permitting, the park is open weekdays 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. from May through October. The park may be made available by special appointment at other times.

 

What kinds of fish are in the ponds?

The ponds contain a variety of fish species including largemouth bass, hybrid bluegill, sunfish, channel catfish, crappie, and some perch, bullhead catfish, and carp. The special trout pond (not open to fishing) contains rainbow trout.

 

How do we schedule a visit to the park?

Groups can schedule visits either by phone (309-219-3560) or by email hookedonfishingpark@gmail.com.  Our website www.hookedonfishingpark.org has a calendar you can check for available dates and times.

 

Can we keep the fish we catch?

All fishing is “catch and release”.  You are encouraged to bring your camera to record your trophy catch. We provide fishing equipment with barbless hooks to limit injury to the fish. Anglers using their own equipment are requested to crush the hook barbs with a pliers before fishing. Careful hook removal and quick release help to insure every visitor will catch plenty of fish.

 

What equipment do we need to bring?

You need to bring nothing but your enthusiasm.  Hooked on Fishing will provide all the fishing tackle and bait. You are welcome to bring your own fishing equipment if you wish.

 

How much does it cost to fish?

There is no fee to use our facilities or equipment. The park expenses are paid for entirely by donations. If your group can make a donation it is much appreciated. Hooked on Fishing is organized as a 501c3 non-profit organization, and contributions are tax deductible.

 

Are the ponds filled with river water?

The ponds are NOT filled with river water. Our ponds are fed by artesian wells and springs that provide a constant flow of fresh water from an underground aquifer. Water from our ponds flows into the river. River water does not fill our ponds.

 

Do the ponds ever flood?

The ponds are subject to flooding when the Illinois River is high, because the artesian wells that feed our ponds cannot discharge into the river. Also, during very extreme flooding on the river, river water may overflow the levee and flood the ponds.

 

How deep are the ponds?

The ponds are not very deep.  Maximum depth is five to six feet.