Catch Fish, Reel In Rewards In Will County Big Fish Contest

MONEE, IL — If you're fishing for rewards this summer, the catch is simple: reel in the lengthiest bass, catfish and panfish between July 1 and Aug. 31 at Monee Reservoir, and win prizes in the Will County Forest Preserve's Big Fish Contest.

Whoever catches the lengthiest fish at 248-acre Monee Reservoir will win prizes, but it doesn't end there. Anyone who enters the contest — which doesn't require registration — will have a chance to win a prize. One overall winner will be chosen at random from all entries, according to forest preserve staff.

Winners of the contest, free for ages 16 and up, will be announced Sept. 1. To participate, fishers are asked to bring their catch to the Monee Reservoir Visitor Center, at 27341 S. Ridgeland Ave., to be measured, photographed and recorded. Photos from catches will be showcased at the visitor center's Big Fish Contest display.

The lake is stocked with a variety of fish, and the visitors can rent fishing poles and purchase fishing licenses at the visitor center, where bait tacke and snacks can also be purchased.