If spending the day by the water is music to your ears, you’re definitely a true Illinoisan. If you also love to go fishing, there’s a hidden trout farm in Cary, Illinois that belongs on your summer bucket list.
This stocked pond is the perfect spot for fishing lovers of all ages. Check it out:
Situated in northeast Illinois since 1937, Lake Julian Trout Farm is a little-known, family owned and operated attraction that offers the best fishing in the state. If you dream of bringing home your own catch of the day, this is the place to find it.
Facebook/Lake Julian Trout Farm
There are two ponds for catching fish at this hidden trout farm, and it allows locals two different ways to attain them. At the trout pond, guests only pay for what they catch, and there is no limit on the number of trout you can fish.
Facebook/Lake Julian Trout Farm
The only rules are that you must keep everything you catch and pay $7.99 per pound. For an additional fee, staff will even clean the trout for you.
Facebook/Lake Julian Trout Farm
The other option is to fish the Big Lake. This requires a membership, which costs $50 and covers your first five visits. After that, it is $10 for adults and $5 for children age 12 and under. The rules at this lake are catch and release as many as you like.
Facebook/Lake Julian Trout Farm If you wish to take home any fish, it is advised that you take no more than two of each kind. Members may also bring up to two guests each.
Also on-site is a bait shop for all your necessities. This rustic tackle store is as iconic as the lake itself, and it is where you’ll take your fish to purchase once you’ve caught them.
Facebook/Lake Julian Trout Farm
Inside, you’ll find a friendly, knowledgeable staff as well as a wealth of worms and minnows in addition to other gear.
Google/R L
It’s easy to make a whole day out of this experience. Guests are allowed to bring grills, making this the perfect place to have a picnic.
Facebook/Lake Julian Trout Farm Beginning in June, guests can rent the shelter at Lake Julian through the summer for special private events. It includes picnic tables, garbage cans, and nearby portable restrooms.
Spring hours for this hidden trout farm are 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday through Sunday. Memorial Day through Labor Day hours are 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday through Friday and 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.
Facebook/Lake Julian Trout Farm After Labor Day through the end of September, hours change back to the spring schedule listed above.
There’s nothing as timeless and quintessential to growing up in the Land of Lincoln as fishing. The Lake Julian Trout Farm has been around for more than 80 years providing simple family fun.
Facebook/Lake Julian Trout Farm
Lake Julian Trout Farm is located at 65 S Northwest Hwy., Cary, IL 60013, and you can learn more about it on its website or Facebook page.
Facebook/Lake Julian Trout Farm
If you wish to take home any fish, it is advised that you take no more than two of each kind. Members may also bring up to two guests each.
Google/R L
Beginning in June, guests can rent the shelter at Lake Julian through the summer for special private events. It includes picnic tables, garbage cans, and nearby portable restrooms.
After Labor Day through the end of September, hours change back to the spring schedule listed above.
For more like this, check out these 12 hidden lakes in Illinois you’ll find and never want to leave.
If you’ve ever been to this hidden trout farm, we’d love to hear from you. Please share your experiences and photos with us below in the comments.
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