Kankakee State Fish & Wildlife Area
4320 W. Toto Road, North Judson

Kankakee Fish and Wildlife Area is dedicated to providing quality hunting and fishing opportunities while maintaining 4,095 acres, which includes open water, marshes, riparian timber, periodically flooded crop fields and 11 miles of river.

The entire area is situated in what was the Kankakee Grand Marsh, which once covered hundreds of thousands of acres. Most of the Marsh was drained in the late 1800s for agricultural use.

In 1927, the state purchased 2,312 acres of the remaining marsh for a Civilian Conservation Corp. camp, housing as many as 400 men. The area later became established as a game preserve, and during the 50s, waterfowl management was undertaken by the state. In 1982 another 1,016 acres were added and in 1992 an additional 767 acres.

Kankakee Fish and Wildlife Area provides over 45 miles of available water in rivers and ditches. Primary species include bass, bluegill, catfish, crappie, northern pike, redear and walleyed pike. Two boat ramps are provided; one on State Highway 8 at the Kankakee River bridge and the second at the town of English Lake at the confluence of the Kankakee and Yellow rivers. Bank fishing is allowed except where posted.

Hunting for deer, quail, rabbit, dove, woodcock, waterfowl and wild turkey are present at Kankakee Fish and Wildlife Area.

Other activities include hiking, picnicking, shooting range, camping, wildlife watching, nuts and berry gathering.

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