Illinois Fish and Game Website
Trout Fishing in Illinois
“The first Saturday in April is always a big day for families to go fishing in
Illinois thanks to the opener of the spring trout season,” Miller said. “Getting
children outdoors to experience the fun of fishing is one of the many benefits
of our catchable trout program. Anglers of all ages can join in the fun as we
stock trout at 43 locations throughout the state.”
The IDNR stocks more than 60,000 rainbow trout each spring in bodies of water
where trout fishing is permitted during the spring season. The Illinois
catchable trout program is made possible through the sale of inland trout stamps
to those anglers who participate.
Inland trout stamps are available for $6.50 each at DNR Direct license and
permit vendors, IDNR offices in Springfield, Chicago, Sterling, Bartlett,
Clinton, Alton, and Benton. They may also be purchased with a credit card
through the IDNR web site at http://dnr.state.il.us or by phone at 1-888-6PERMIT
(1-888-673-7648).
To legally participate in the trout fishing program, anglers must have a valid
Illinois fishing license and an inland trout stamp. The annual fishing licenses
for the 2009 season is valid through March 31, 2010. Anglers may also purchase a
24-hour Illinois fishing license, which includes trout fishing privileges for
the 24-hour period the license is valid. A license is required for fishing in
Illinois unless the angler is otherwise exempt (under age 16, blind or disabled,
or is an Illinois resident on active military service who is home on leave).
Anglers may not take trout from any of the stocked sites from March 15 to the
opening of the season on April 4 at 5 a.m. Anyone attempting to take trout
before the legal opening will be issued citations. During the spring trout
season, the daily possession limit for trout is five fish.
Anglers are reminded to check in advance for any site-specific regulations and
the opening time of their favorite trout fishing location. While the statewide
spring trout season opens at 5 a.m. on April 4, some locations may have a later
opening time.
For more information about the trout stocking program check the web site at
www.ifishillinois.org.
