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Pistakee Lake

Premier Fishing & Entertainment Destination

Pistakee Lake is one of the two largest lakes in the Fox Chain O’Lakes system at 1,715.7 acres, featuring dramatic depth variations with drop-offs reaching up to 34 feet. Home to Famous Freddie’s Roadhouse, multiple premier marinas, and some of the best fishing on the Chain.

Lake Size

1716 acres

Average Depth

6 ft

Maximum Depth

34 ft

Body Type

Natural Lake

Map & Quick Facts

  • County
    Lake & McHenry County
  • Connection Type
    Fox River Connected
  • Nearby Communities
    Fox Lake, Johnsburg, McHenry
  • Speed Limit
    Full power – no wake in designated zones near homes
  • Swimming Allowed
    Yes

Boating & Lake Access

Boat Launches

4

Marinas

4

Access Points

6
Ben Watts Marina features four-lane concrete ramp with docks and gravel parking, located mid-lake on the east side off US Highway 12.
Chain O’Lakes State Park ramps are FREE. Private marinas charge varying launch fees. Fox Waterway Agency sticker required. Pontoon rentals at Pistakee Marina: $600 for 8 hours (must be 25+).

Activities & Rentals

Activities Available

Boating, Fishing, Swimming, Kayaking / Canoeing, Jet Skiing, Water Skiing, Ice Fishing

Equipment Rentals Available

Pontoon Boats, Kayaks, Fishing Gear

Pistakee Lake

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

Fishing Information

Fishing Quality

Excellent – Premier Fishing Destination

Best Fishing Seasons

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

Fishing License

purchase a license

Fishing Tips

Focus on 8-12 foot depths for spring/fall crappie around brush, vegetation, and wood cover. In summer/winter, follow points out deep and find ledges near channels. Dawn and dusk are optimal.

Fishing Regulations

Bass: 6 fish daily, 14 inch minimum. Walleye: 4 fish daily, 14-18 inch slot limit. Muskie: 1 fish daily, 48 inch minimum. Northern Pike: 3 fish daily, 24 inch minimum.

History & Features

Historical Information

Pistakee Lake was formed by Wisconsin glacier melting thousands of years ago. In the late 19th and early 20th century, the area became popular with Chicago tourists seeking recreation.

The Dunnill family and Converse Marble were early European settlers who dug “the Cut” channel between Pistakee and Nippersink Lakes by hand, creating what is now a heavily traveled waterway.

The tourism boom began with the Milwaukee Road railroad introduction in 1901, with a station at Nippersink Point that became the center of the Fox Lake community.

Notable Features

Famous Freddie’s Roadhouse — Legendary 10,000 sq ft two-story establishment with seating for 300+, two 40-seat island bars, giant lakeside Beach Bar, outdoor patio, second-floor nightclub, and 100+ boat slips. Address: 510 Park Ave, Fox Lake, IL 60020.

The Cut — Historic hand-dug channel connecting to Nippersink Lake, now heavily traveled by boaters.

Pistakee Bay — Very desirable swimming and anchoring area with beautiful scenery and deep water up to 30+ feet.

Fox River Exit — The Fox River exits the Chain O’Lakes system at Pistakee’s southwest corner.

Premier Marinas — Pistakee Marina (86 slips), Five Star Boat Center (98 slips, gated with 16-camera security), Bald Knob Marina, and Ben Watts Marina.

Safety Information

Heavy boat traffic with designated no-wake sections in front of many homes. Fox Waterway Agency sticker required for all watercraft. Ice fishing popular in winter with easy access.

Lake Gallery

Connected Lakes

Nippersink Lake

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Grass Lake

Explore Lake

Redhead Lake

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