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Bluff Lake

Al Capone’s Lakeside Retreat

Bluff Lake is a charming 92.4-acre lake offering an intimate experience with exceptional panfish and shore fishing. Famous for Al Capone owning a summer house here during Prohibition, and home to the beloved Steitz’s Restaurant and Marina with its legendary Friday Fish Fry.

Lake Size

92 acres

Average Depth

8 ft

Maximum Depth

16 ft

Body Type

Man-Made Lake

Map & Quick Facts

  • County
    lake
  • Connection Type
    Channel Connected
  • Nearby Communities
    Antioch, Lake Marie
  • Speed Limit
    Limited water skiing due to smaller size. Family-friendly speeds.
  • Swimming Allowed
    Yes

Boating & Lake Access

Boat Launches

2

Marinas

1

Access Points

2
Two launch areas on southeast and southern shores. Steitz’s Restaurant and Marina at 25400 W. Bluff Lane, Antioch, IL 60002.
Steitz’s Marina provides launch and slip services. Fox Waterway Agency sticker required.

Activities & Rentals

Activities Available

Boating, Fishing, Kayaking / Canoeing, Ice Fishing

Equipment Rentals Available

Kayaks

Bluff Lake

Green Sunfish, White Sucker, Freshwater Drum, Carp, Warmouth, Pumpkinseed, Sauger, Flathead Catfish, Bullhead, Rock Bass, Hybrid Bass, White Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Yellow Perch, Channel Catfish, Black Crappie, Bluegill, Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass

Fishing Information

Fishing Quality

Good – Reliable Catches

Best Fishing Seasons

Spring (March-May), Summer (June-August), Fall (September-November)

Fishing License

purchase a license

Fishing Tips

Exceptional panfish fishing throughout the lake and excellent shore fishing. North shoreline is prime for early walleyes in shallow areas with emerging weeds. South shoreline channel is great for early crappies on sunny calm days.

Fishing Regulations

Bass: 6 daily/14in min. Walleye: 4 daily/14-18in slot. Muskie: 1 daily/48in min. Northern Pike: 3 daily/24in min.

History & Features

Historical Information

Al Capone Connection: Al Capone owned a summer house on Bluff Lake near Antioch during Prohibition. The lake was part of the lucrative gambling and liquor business that made the Chain O Lakes notorious in the 1920s-1930s.

Elizabeth Cassidy’s Resort: George “Bugs” Moran, Al Capone’s rival, was arrested at this historic Bluff Lake establishment during Prohibition.

Originally inhabited by Miami, Mascouten, and Potawatomi tribes. Joliet and Marquette passed through the Chain O Lakes region in 1673.

Notable Features

Al Capone’s Summer House Site – Historic location where the famous gangster owned property near Antioch during Prohibition.

Steitz’s Restaurant and Marina – Popular destination featuring the famous Friday Fish Fry. Address: 25400 W. Bluff Lane, Antioch, IL 60002.

Elizabeth Cassidy’s Resort – Historic Prohibition-era establishment where Bugs Moran was arrested.

Exceptional Shore Fishing – Rare opportunity for excellent bank fishing in the Chain system.

Channel to Petite Lake – North end connection providing access to the larger lake system.

Safety Information

Smaller lake with less boat traffic. Family-friendly environment. Fox Waterway Agency sticker required.

Lake Gallery

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Grass Lake

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