Living in Chicago area for some 30 years still provides surprises in terms of family fishing locations. The best fishing seems to come in the forest preserves and along the lakefront. There are several rivers but they tend to be better probed by experienced anglers. The competition with other recreational users along the lake front in summer makes family fishing less popular than the forest preserves.
Each of the forest preserve districts of Cook County, Lake County, DuPage County, Will County and the Chicago Park District have websites containing locations, maps, and facilities available.
Up to date fishing information is available at http://www.windycityfishing.com.
A prime example, but by no means the only good family location is the Busse Woods Lake in northwest suburban Elk Grove Village. It offers excellent facilities and a variety of game fishing prospects. An aggressive program of stocking has established a fishery containing populations of largemouth bass, northern pike, walleye, crappie, channel catfish, musky, bluegill, warmouth, sunfish, yellow bass, pumpkinseed, bullhead and carp. The lake is one of the best lakes in the region for finding a variety of game species in good size. Continue reading – https://dongasaway.wordpress.com/2015/05/17/family-fishing-location-in-chicago-area/