Fishing at Lake Wildwood
Cast a line and you might hook into northern pike, largemouth and smallmouth bass, crappie, bullheads, and more. These waters are full of the kind of fish Illinois anglers love to chase, whether you are out for a quiet morning or a full day on the lake.
Some days it is about the catch. Other days it is about the calm, the scenery, and the simple joy of being on the water. Either way, you never really know what is waiting on the end of your line. That is what keeps you coming back.
Morning Calm
Light mist on the water, coffee in hand, and the first cast of the day.
Two Lake Settings
Fish the larger Lake Wildwood or enjoy the quieter pace of Lake Tanglewood.
Always Something to Chase
Whether you are after bass, crappie, pike, or panfish, every trip feels a little different.
Relevant Documents
View fish habitat information, GPS crib coordinates, and fish survey reports.
Creel Limits
Latest Update: April 2026
| Species | Lake Wildwood | Lake Tanglewood |
|---|---|---|
| Largemouth Bass | Catch & Release | 1 (12" - 16") |
| Smallmouth Bass | Catch & Release | Not applicable |
| Hybrid Striped Bass | Catch & Release | Not applicable |
| White Bass | No Limit | Not applicable |
| Walleye | 3 (16" - 22") | Not applicable |
| Muskie | 1 (Min 48") | Not applicable |
| Northern Pike | 1 (Min 24") | Not applicable |
| Flathead Catfish | Catch & Release | Catch & Release |
| All Other Catfish | 6 (No Size Limit) | Not applicable |
| Channel Catfish | Not applicable | 6 (No Size Limit) |
| Bluegill & Sunfish | 10 (Min 7") | 10 (Min 7") |
| Redear Sunfish | Catch & Release | Catch & Release |
| Crappie | 10 (Min 10") | 10 (Min 10") |
| Yellow Perch | 5 (Min 7") | Not applicable |
| Grass Carp | Not applicable | Catch & Release |
Regulations
Please review these important fishing rules before heading out.
Minnows
Only use minnows purchased from a reputable bait shop. Never put unused minnows back into the lake, and never use minnows netted from an outside body of water.
Trot & Jug Lines
The use of trot lines and jug fishing is prohibited in both Lake Wildwood and Lake Tanglewood.
Posted Limits
If the creel limits above differ from posted limits around the Development, the posted limits take precedence.
State of Illinois DNR
The Association has adopted State of Illinois fishing regulations for fishing activities within the Development.
Before You Fish
Check the current creel limits, follow posted signage, and help protect the lakes by using responsible bait and fishing practices.