Power-plant cooling lake

Braidwood Lake

Will County, Illinois

Braidwood Lake is a 2,241-acre cooling lake in Will County about 1.25 miles south of Braidwood off U.S. Route 53, managed by IDNR as a state fish and wildlife area. It is known for largemouth bass and blue catfish fishing and has installed fish habitat structures and rock piles.

Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors.

Surface area2,308 acres

Max depth—

Shoreline—

Boat motorsUnlimited horsepower (40 mph speed limit)

Species

Fishery rating out of 5.

Largemouth Bass●●●●●

Weeds, docks and wood in the shallows.

Blue Catfish●●●●○

Deep channel edges. Fresh cut shad. Big fish in winter.

Channel Catfish●●●○○

Cut bait and nightcrawlers on flats and creek mouths in the evening.

Wiper●●●○○

Hybrid striped bass. Chase surface-feeding schools and points with wind.

Flathead Catfish●●○○○

Live bait around wood and rock at night.

Bluegill●●○○○

Weed beds and shallow flats in late spring.

Boat launches

3 launch sites. Fees and hours change, so confirm before you go.

County Line Road ramp (south)Ramp
Four-lane concrete ramp with parkingDirections ↗
Cemetery Road ramp (north)Ramp
Two-lane concrete ramp with 35 parking spacesDirections ↗
More public accessPublic
See the IDNR or lake website for all ramps and feesDirections ↗

Size & creel limits

Special rules for this lake, confirmed from official state regulations. Minimum size and daily limit.

Species	Min size	Daily limit
Largemouth Bass Also applies to smallmouth bass	15 in	3 / day
Striped/White/Hybrid Striped Bass Only 3 may be 17 in or larger		10 / day

Other species in this lake: look up the limits at Illinois Department of Natural Resources ↗

Verified October 2026. Rules change, so confirm current limits with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources before you fish.

Bait & tackle nearby

No shops listed yet for this lake. Use the search link below.

Search more bait shops near Braidwood Lake ↗

Local tips

Lake closes to fishing when winds are projected at 30 mph or higher
Two pole and line only, max 2 hooks or lures per pole; tournaments closed July-August
Fall fishing closure Oct 15 and closed during waterfowl season; a working gasoline engine is required

View on interactive map

Zoom and pan on a street, satellite or terrain map. Red pins are boat launches.

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Always wear a life jacket and check your state's current regulations before you fish.