Illinois · Fishing regulations

Fishing regulations in Illinois.

Illinois has Great Lakes salmon, big-river bass and walleye, and reservoir crappie fishing — a varied mix anchored by Lake Michigan and the Mississippi River.

Illinois Department of Natural Resources · License: Anglers age 16 and older generally need a valid fishing license to fish in Illinois. Resident and non-resident licenses are sold online through the IDNR and at most sporting goods retailers. Annual, multi-day, and lifetime licenses are typically available. Senior, military, and youth discounts apply in most cases. An inland trout stamp is required to harvest trout from inland waters; a Salmon Stamp is required for Lake Michigan salmon and trout. License costs and exact age thresholds change — verify with the IDNR before purchase.

Freshwater

Largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, channel catfish, walleye, sauger, and crappie drive most freshwater fishing across Illinois. The Mississippi, Illinois, and Rock rivers offer big-water bass and catfish. Reservoirs across the central and southern parts of the state hold bass and crappie.

Rivers

Smallmouth bass fishing on the Kankakee, Fox, and Vermilion rivers is excellent. Trout stocking happens on a few streams under inland trout stamp programs in spring and fall. The Mississippi River below the locks and dams provides walleye, sauger, and bass.

Special

Lake Michigan salmon and trout (chinook, coho, lake trout, brown trout, steelhead) require a Salmon Stamp in addition to the fishing license. Inland trout stamp required for stocked trout streams. Asian carp (silver, bighead) regulations and Wabash River bass-specific rules apply.

Popular species

Largemouth bass · Smallmouth bass · Walleye · Channel catfish · Crappie · Coho salmon (Lake Michigan) · Chinook salmon (Lake Michigan)

State agency

Illinois Department of Natural Resources

Agency site →

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