Fishing

Bureau County offers a great variety of excellent locations for those who love to fish. Besides the obvious locations such as the Illinois River, Bureau Creek, and the Hennepin Canal, there are ponds, strip mines, and creeks that offer an angler a great deal of success. Rawson Lake (yearly fee–Contact Robert Jaskowiak 815-659-3047), Ponderosa Wilderness (yearly fee–Contact Duane Wirth 309-288-6561), Strunk's Pond (yearly fee–Contact Kevin Knudsen, 815-872-0329), and Horseshoe Lakes (yearly fee–Contact Dave Brokaw, 309-852-3019) are private and will require a fee. Lake DePue, Little Bureau Creek, Coal Creek, Brush Creek, and Pond Creek can produce some nice catches (locate these on a larger Bureau County map available from the Princeton Chamber or Bureau County Tourism. Many farm ponds are available with proper permission. IMPORTANT: Any creek or pond that borders private property requires permission of the landowner or tenant. A popular event for anglers is the Department of Natural Resources' Inland Trout Season. This is held at the Hennepin Canal Visitor's Center the first weekend of April and the first weekend of October. Proper fishing license and a trout stamp is all that is needed. The Center is open during this event. Fishing licenses and trout stamps can be purchased at Garfield Stier's in Sheffield, through the IDNR website at http://dnr.state.il.us, or by phoning 1-888-673-7648.

Biking & Hiking

Many pleasurable miles are available to bikers and hikers along the Hennepin Canal bike path. Bureau County, along with two others counties offer 91 miles of continuous biking enjoyment. Riders needing parts or other bike gear can pick up items at Bike Works in Peru, Illinois.

Camping

Public camping is available along the Hennepin Canal at Locks 6-11-17-21-22 and Bridge 14 for a fee. Stop at the Hennepin Canal Visitor Center for a map and fee payment (but note the Center is closed on weekends!). Download maps at http://dnr.state.il.us. Private camping plus a boat ramp into the Canal is available at Hickory Grove Campground near Mineral. Call 815-454-2600.

Dove Hunting

At the Mautino Recreation Area and the Hennepin Canal Visitor's Center–Starting September 1st–5th. Drawing is at 11 A.M. Hunting begins at noon. September 6th–30th (sunrise to sunset). Non-toxic shot must be used.

Deer Hunting

Archery hunting at the Mautino Recreation Area involves getting a windshield sticker, a deer permit, and proper license. At the Visitor's Center, the archers must be registered and a permit applied for before July 31st. Those hunters accepted will be given a territory to hunt. Call 815-454-2328.

Snowmobiling & Cross Country Skiing

Bureau County offers 91 miles of snowmobiling along the Hennepin Canal. Snowmobilers use the bike paths and, when safe, the canal itself. Cross country skiing is also done at the McCune Sand Prairie.

Bird Hunting

Pheasant, chuckar, and quail hunting is available at the Hickory Grove Hunting Club on a membership or special occasion basis. For more information contact Mike Wirth at 815-699-2603.

Horseback Riding

Permitted along the Grand Illinois Trail bike path. There is equestrian camping along the Hennepin Canal to the south side of Lock 21. Please clean up after your horses.

Boating & Canoeing

Concrete pad launching is available along the Hennepin Canal at Locks 21 and 22, the Visitor Center, and the Feeder Canal at bridges 56 and 64. Also along the Illinois River at Barto Landing (north of the river on Rt. 89) and the Spring Valley Boat Club in Spring Valley (south of the river). Canoe launching can be done almost anywhere along the Canal. Canoe and boat rentals are available in Princeton. Call Jim at 815-878-1438 or Jack at 815-202-2407.

Duck Hunting

Bureau County and the Illinois River Valley have renowned duck and goose hunting. The Lake DePue State Fish and Wildlife Area is available on a daily basis with hunters drawing for available blinds. Drawings are usually held in July for the Lake DePue State Fish and Wildlife Area, Bureau County: Registration from 10 A.M.–2 P.M. at Oak Grove Park, 3/4 miles west of DePue on Illinois Route 29. Try the Illinois Department of Resources website at http://dnr.state.il.us/admin/systems.