Fishing is a popular outdoor activity that many people enjoy. If you plan to go fishing in Illinois, it is essential to know about the fishing license requirements in the state. In this article, we will cover everything you need to know about the Illinois fishing license, including who needs one, how to get it, and how much it costs.
Who needs an Illinois fishing license?
Any person over the age of 16 is required to have an Illinois fishing license to fish in public waters in the state. Even if you don’t live in Illinois, you need a fishing license to fish in the state’s waters.
Types of Illinois Fishing Licenses
You can get different kinds of fishing licenses in Illinois depending on your age, where you live, and how long the license is good for. The following are the types of Illinois fishing licenses available:
- annual fishing license
- 24-hour fishing license
- 72-hour fishing license
- 5-day fishing license
- Senior fishing license
- Disabled fishing license
- Veteran fishing license
Illinois Fishing License Fees
The price of an Illinois fishing license depends on the type of license you want to buy, your age, and whether or not you live in Illinois. The following are the fees for the different types of fishing licenses in Illinois:
- Annual fishing license for residents: $15
- Annual fishing license for non-residents: $31.50
- 24-hour fishing license for residents: $5.50
- 24-hour fishing license for non-residents: $10.50
- 72-hour fishing license for residents: $15.50
- 72-hour fishing license for non-residents: $31.50
- 5-day fishing license for residents: $7.50
- 5-day fishing license for non-residents: $15.50
- Senior fishing license for residents: $7.75
- Disabled fishing license for residents: $1
- Veteran fishing license for residents: free
| License Type | Fee |
| Resident sport fishing, annual | $15 |
| Resident Sport Fish, 65 and older | $7.75 |
| Resident and non-resident sport fishing (24 hours) | $5.50 |
| Non-resident sport fishing (10 days) | $20 |
| Non-resident sport fishing (annual) | $31.50 |
| Sportsmans License (combined hunting and fishing licenses) | $26.25 |
| Senior Sportsman’s License (combined hunting and fishing licenses) | $13.50 |
| Lake Michigan Salmon Stamp (licensed anglers only) | $6.50 |
| Inland Trout Stamp (all waters except Lake Michigan; licensed anglers only) | $6.50 |
| Resident lifetime sport fishing | $435 |
| Resident lifetime combined (hunting and fishing) | $765 |
Illinois Fishing Regulations
It is important to know the fishing regulations in Illinois before you go fishing. Some of the regulations that you should be aware of include the following:
- You are allowed to fish in public waters in Illinois only if you have a valid fishing license.
- You can fish for most species of fish in Illinois, but there are limits on the number of fish you can keep.
- It is illegal to use certain types of bait, such as live silver carp, bighead carp, or black carp, in Illinois.
- You should be aware of the size limits for different species of fish in Illinois, which are designed to protect the fish populations.
Fishing locations in Illinois
Illinois has a wide range of fishing locations, including rivers, lakes, and ponds. Some of the most popular fishing locations in the state include the following:
- Fox River
- Lake Michigan
- Kankakee River
- Rock River
- Rend Lake
- Carlyle Lake
- Lake Shelbyville
The Best Time to Go Fishing in Illinois
The best time to go fishing in Illinois is during the spring and fall seasons, when the weather is mild and the fish are active. In the spring, you can catch a variety of fish species, such as bass, crappie, and bluegill. During the fall, you can catch trout and salmon, which are stocked in several locations in the state.
Where to Buy an Illinois Fishing License
If you’re planning to go fishing in Illinois, you’ll need to obtain a fishing license first. You can buy an Illinois fishing license online, in person, and at many retail locations across the state.
How to buy an Illinois fishing license
Here are some ways to purchase an Illinois fishing license:
Online through the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) website:
You can buy an Illinois fishing license online at https://www2.illinois.gov/dnr/LPR/Pages/LicensePermitVendors.aspx, which is the IDNR website. Follow the instructions and make sure that your personal information and payment information are correct.
In person at IDNR offices and authorized vendors:
A fishing license for Illinois can be bought in person at IDNR offices and other authorized places. To find an office or vendor near you, visit https://www2.illinois.gov/dnr/LPR/Pages/LicensePermitVendors.aspx. At these locations, you can also obtain information about fishing regulations and conservation efforts in Illinois.
At authorized retail locations:
A fishing license for the state of Illinois can be bought at places like sporting goods stores and bait shops. Some popular locations include:
- Bass Pro Shops: https://www.basspro.com/shop/en/illinois-fishing-license
- Walmart: https://www.walmart.com/cp/fishing-licenses/1093413
- Dick’s Sporting Goods: https://www.dickssportinggoods.com/s/fishing-licenses
Make sure to call ahead to make sure the store you want to go to has fishing licenses and to find out if you need to bring any special documents or meet any other requirements.
Fishing tips for beginners
If you are new to fishing, here are some tips that can help you get started:
- Choose the right equipment: Select the right fishing rod, reel, and line based on the type of fish you want to catch and the location you plan to fish in.
- Use the right bait. Use the right bait depending on the species of fish you want to catch. Research what type of bait works best for the fish you want to catch in the location you plan to fish.
- Observe the weather: Check the weather forecast before you go fishing. Fish tend to be more active during certain weather conditions, such as overcast skies and mild temperatures.
- Be patient. Fishing requires patience. Don’t get frustrated if you don’t catch anything right away. Take your time and enjoy the experience.
- Follow fishing regulations: Be aware of fishing regulations in the location you plan to fish. Follow catch limits and size restrictions to help protect fish populations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do children need a fishing license in Illinois?
Yes, anyone over the age of 16 is required to have an Illinois fishing license to fish in public waters in the state.
Can I buy an Illinois fishing license online?
Yes, you can buy an Illinois fishing license from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) website.
What is the cost of an Illinois fishing license?
The price of an Illinois fishing license depends on the type of license you want to buy, your age, and whether or not you live in Illinois. The fees range from $1 for disabled fishing licenses for residents to $31.50 for annual fishing licenses for non-residents.
What type of fish can I catch in Illinois?
You can catch a variety of fish species in Illinois, including bass, crappie, bluegill, trout, and salmon.
What are the fishing regulations in Illinois?
Some of the fishing regulations in Illinois include the requirement to have a valid fishing license to fish in public waters, limits on the number of fish you can keep, and size limits for different species of fish.
Conclusion
Fishing is a popular outdoor activity in Illinois. Anyone over the age of 16 who wants to fish in public waters in the state must have a fishing license. There are different kinds of fishing licenses, and the cost depends on your age, where you live, and how long the license is good for. To protect fish populations, it is important to follow fishing rules and know how many fish you can catch and what size they must be. With the right equipment, bait, and patience, fishing in Illinois can be a rewarding experience for both beginners and experienced anglers alike.