Aerial view of Deer Creek Recreation Club members fishing and relaxing on a grassy peninsula between two lakes
On the Water

Fishing

Two private stocked lakes totaling 33 acres — an angler's paradise just 35 miles from Chicago

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On the Water

Fishing at Deer Creek

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With two private lakes totaling 33 acres and an aggressive stocking program, Deer Creek is a true angler's paradise. Our managed fishery is loaded with large bass, catfish, crappie, bluegill, perch, trout, and more — making every outing memorable whether you're an experienced angler or taking your kids out for the first time.

Fishing contests for adults and kids run throughout the season, and kayak and canoe access lets you explore every corner of both lakes. Lilly Cache Creek, which winds through the club's property, provides additional fishing opportunities beyond the two lakes.

  • Two private lakes totaling 33 acres
  • Aggressive managed stocking program
  • Kayak, canoe, and boat access
  • Seasonal fishing contests for all ages
  • Lilly Cache Creek running through the property
  • Bird watching and scenic lake sunsets
  • Boat docks available throughout the property
  • Ice fishing available once waterfowl hunting has concluded, weather and ice conditions permitting
View Fishing Rules
Young girl in life jacket proudly holding a largemouth bass caught on Deer Creek Lake
Young girl proudly holding her first bluegill catch while fishing at Deer Creek Recreation Club Young girl on a boat holding a large trophy bass caught on Deer Creek Lake in Illinois Deer Creek member holding a crappie caught from the dock at sunset on the lake Deer Creek Recreation Club member on a boat holding a catfish caught on the lake Club member holding a large trophy smallmouth bass caught on Deer Creek Lake in Plainfield Illinois Club member holding a trophy crappie catch on Deer Creek Lake in Plainfield Illinois Club member kayak fishing on Deer Creek Lake holding a bass catch Two Deer Creek members fishing from a bass boat on the lake in Plainfield Illinois Two Deer Creek Recreation Club members holding an enormous flathead catfish caught during night fishing Club member holding a yellow perch caught ice fishing on a frozen Deer Creek Lake in winter
Female Deer Creek member in camo bibs holding a bass caught ice fishing on a frozen lake in Illinois
Deer Creek Recreation Club member holding a large flathead catfish caught night fishing from the dock
Pink fishing rod extended over Deer Creek Lake at sunset in Plainfield Illinois Largemouth bass held up at sunset on the dock at Deer Creek Lake
Great egret standing on the shore of Deer Creek Lake with a fish in its beak Great egret in flight over Deer Creek Lake with wooded shoreline in background
Wooden boat dock with fishing boat moored on Deer Creek Lake with wooded island in background
Common Questions

Fishing at Deer Creek

What fish species are in Deer Creek lakes? +

Largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, channel catfish, flathead catfish, crappie, bluegill, yellow perch, and trout. The lakes total 33 acres and are stocked on an ongoing basis.

Is ice fishing available? +

Yes. Ice fishing is available on both lakes once waterfowl hunting season has concluded, weather and ice conditions permitting. Bass, perch, and crappie are commonly caught.

Can I use a kayak or boat? +

Yes. Members have kayak, canoe, and boat access on both lakes. Boat docks are available throughout the property.

What is Lilly Cache Creek? +

Lilly Cache Creek is a natural creek that winds through the Deer Creek Recreation Club property, providing additional fishing habitat and scenic access beyond the two main lakes.

Ready to Cast a Line?

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Access both lakes, all club amenities, and a full season of fishing contests.

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