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Bluff Lake

Fish Species:

  • Bass
  • Muskie
  • Northern
  • Walleye
  • Catfish
  • Crappie
  • Bluegill

Size:

86 acres

Depth:

14

Lake Description

  • Boat Launches:
    • Two launch areas on the southeast and southern shores of Bluff Lake
    • Chain O’Lakes State Park – FREE state-owned boat ramps accessible to Chain system
    • Private (fee-based) launches available throughout the connected system
    • Connection to Channel between Bluff and Petite Lake – Access via connecting waterway
  • Marinas:
    • Steitz’s Restaurant & Marina – 25400 W. Bluff Lane, Antioch, IL 60002 (847) 395-4050
    • Steitz’s Resort – Features dining and marina services, famous for Friday Fish Fry
    • Various private vendors providing boat rentals, bait/tackle, and guide services throughout the system
    • Marina services shared with nearby lakes due to connecting channels
  • Access Points:
  • Equipment Rentals:
    boats, pontoons, jet skis, etc.

Lake Details

Historical Information

  • Formation: Formed by Wisconsin glacier melting thousands of years ago (man-made lake, not one of the three natural lakes).
  • AL CAPONE CONNECTION: Famous for hosting Al Capone, who owned a summer house on Bluff Lake near Antioch during Prohibition era
  • ELIZABETH CASSIDY’S RESORT: Historic location where George “Bugs” Moran (Al Capone’s rival) was arrested during Prohibition era
  • Prohibition Era Significance: Part of the lucrative gambling and liquor business that made the Chain O’Lakes notorious in the 1920s-1930s
  • Native American Heritage: Originally inhabited by Miami, Mascouten, and Potawatomi tribes
  • European Exploration: Joliet and Marquette passed through the Chain O’Lakes region in 1673

Notable Features & Landmarks

  • AL CAPONE’S SUMMER HOUSE SITE – Historic location where the famous gangster owned property near Antioch
  • Steitz’s Restaurant & Marina – Popular destination featuring famous Friday Fish Fry, located at 25400 W. Bluff Lane
  • Elizabeth Cassidy’s Resort – Historic Prohibition-era establishment where Bugs Moran was arrested
  • Located South of Lake Marie – Strategic position connecting to larger Chain system
  • Channel to Petite Lake – North end connection providing access to larger lake system
  • Smallest Major Chain Lake – Unique intimate experience in 86-92 acre setting
  • Exceptional Shore Fishing – Rare opportunity for excellent bank fishing in Chain system
  • Two Launch Areas – Southeast and southern shore access points

Flathead Catfish

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Sauger

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Yellow Bass

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    • Fuel stations
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