Above / Two dads and three sons enjoyed a morning of fishing successes near the footbridge over the pond in May Watts Park on Aug. 9, 2025. In Naperville, recreational fishing opportunities abound from Lake Osborne to fishing piers along the Riverwalk to Whalen Lake. Scroll down for lots of photos featured here since 2016. (PN Photo)
Fish during dog days of summer and then some!
Drop a line! The DuPage River welcomes anglers
Be patient and calm – for no one can catch fish in anger.”—Herbert Hoover (1874-1964) 31st U.S. President
Enjoy big and little fishing success every summer at May Watts
Update, July 24, 2023 / Fishing success in May Watts Park continues
Update, June 28, 2023 / Fishing success in May Watts Park
There are always new places to go fishing. For any fisherman, there’s always a new place, always a new horizon. —Jack Nicklaus
Original Post, July 12, 2020 / Often when folks are fishing, they say they enjoy spending time in the great outdoors to experience freedom while observing nature. Whether spending time along the shoreline casting for a big one or watching a bobber signal a bluegill is on the line, fishing frees anglers of all ages from stresses in everyday environment. And that’s a good thing.
Longtime readers of PN know that nothing brings on the sense of being alive more than unplugging from electronic devices and rebuilding personal reserves during time spent with nature. And one way to experience that feeling is with a fishing pole in hand, waiting for a tug on the line and reeling in the catch of the day.
When budgets permit or when donors are benevolent, the Naperville Park District stocks a few local fishing ponds on a rotating schedule, usually stocking one or two each year. A year ago, the pond at Springbrook Crossings (1211 Leverenz Road) as well as the pond at Ashbury Park (1740 Conan Doyle Road) were stocked.
May Watts Park / 804 S. Whispering Hills Drive
PN cameras often catch anglers of all ages displaying their patience and relaxation with a fishing pole and a little bait at May Watts Park. Named for naturalist May Theilgaard Watts (1893-1975) who is recognized for her dedication to the Illinois Prairie Path and honored with her name on May Watts Elementary School in District 204, the pond in May Watts Park also provides shoreline fishing opportunities to catch and release bluegills, catfish, largemouth bass and carp that likely would give the May Watts plenty of pleasure.
In early July, the lily pads and many varieties of colorful wildflowers are in bloom. May Watts Park is accessible from paths that begin on Whispering Hills and Oakton roads in the West Wind subdivision and Sequoia Road in Countryside.
The pond at May Watts Park offers opportunities all along the shoreline to while away time, watching wildlife and waterfowl, and listening to birds and bullfrogs.
Consider where fish are likely to be found near bridges, and be patient while trying different lures and bait. Strike up conversations for advice from experienced anglers, learn to read the water and listen to fish stories for enjoyment, too.
Also note fish that live in local retention ponds are never, ever suitable for eating. Enjoy catching, taking photos of success and releasing.
Fishing is available along the banks of the DuPage River, at Lake Osborne and at many ponds within the Naperville Park District. All state fishing regulations apply; individuals between ages 16-65 need a valid fishing license, (15 and under do not need a license) which can be purchased through Illinois Department of Natural Resources or at local retail outlets.
Naperville Park District’s rules for fishing can be found in Section 2.19 of Ordinance 641.
Many men go fishing all of their lives without knowing that it is not fish they are after. —Henry David Thoreau
RELATED PN POSTS / May Watts Fishing
Lake Osborne / 1320 Aurora Avenue
Lake Osborne, a reservoir near the Naperville Public Safety Center, offers a shoreline for fishing, too, where anglers seek their catch by day and just before dusk.
Posted signs say the limit is six bass. Other fish reports include catches of catfish, largemouth bass, panfish, bream/bluegill, sunfish, rock bass, bullhead and carp here.
Naperville Riverwalk / Eagle Street Entry
Ready for anglers of all ages to buddy up for the pleasures of fishing, the Naperville Riverwalk Fishing Pier at Eagle Street overlooks the old quarry and the Jaycees Marina.
Whalon Lake / 1480 Royce Road, east of S. Washington Street
Fishing is permitted throughout the Naperville Park District
Naperville residents who enjoy recreational fishing (catch and release) can find a spot right here in Naperville with 19 parks that offer fishing in ponds, streams or rivers.
When budgets permit, Naperville Park District staff stocks ponds to create opportunities to learn fishing. Sometimes donations of fish at Sportsman’s Park are supported by the Naperville Sportsman’s Club, and the pond at May Watts Park has benefited from programs through the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.
- Knoch Knolls Park
- Sportsman’s Park
- Hobson West Ponds
- May Watts Park***
- Commissioners Park
- Lincoln Greenway
- Riverwalk Park***
- Pioneer Park
- Weigand Park
- Rock Ridge Park
- Brighton Ridge Park
- Westglen Commons
- Winding Creek Park
- Baileywood Park
- Springbrook Crossings
- Summerfield Lake Park
- Ashbury Park
- Brook Prairie
- Tall Grass Lakes
***Pictured above
Reminder! Fishing Licenses & Regulations
All state fishing regulations apply to fishing at Naperville Park District locations and along the DuPage River. Anyone between the ages of 16 and 65 needs a fishing license to fish in Illinois waters. Fishing licenses may be purchased through the Illinois Department of Natural Resources online or at local retail outlets.
Naperville Park District’s rules for fishing can be found in Section 2.19 of Ordinance 641.
Remember to follow Phase 4 Protocols that apply to parks and recreation.
Listing of fishing ponds throughout Naperville parks originally submitted by the Naperville Park District in 2017. (PN File Photos)
Editor’s Note / After fielding inquiries regarding where to purchase bait and fishing poles, kindly note Walmart on 75th Street has bamboo poles ($8-$20) as well as bait, including night crawlers, and a supply of fishing rods and other fishing gear.
Many local gas stations with refrigerated convenience centers have bait. Just ask.
Note also that in addition to worms, anglers sometimes choose to use slices of hotdogs, kernels of corn, wadded up bread and cicadas. On this outing, we watched young fishermen successfully use pieces of shrimp soaked in garlic to catch five bass from one pound to two-and-a-half pounds within 30 minutes.
