Fishing Limits by Location A-C

SITE SPECIFIC SPORTFISHING REGULATIONS

Fishing regulations, including species of fish, amphibian (bullfrog), or reptile (common snapping turtle), fishing methods and daily harvest limits are listed for each water area. The numbers in parentheses refer to the corresponding numbered definitions. If a water area is not listed, or if a specific species is not listed, then statewide restrictions apply.

Check the bulletin boards at the specific site for any emergency changes to regulations.

The Department of Natural Resources prefers not to limit fishing opportunities unless it’s needed to sustain quality fishing or protect the fisheries resources found in a particular water body. Increasing numbers of people participating in fishing, coupled with more sophisticated electronids and angling methods, place enormous pressure on existing fisheries resources in Illinois.

In order to offset intense fishing pressure on Illinois waters, fisheries managers study both fish populations and angler harvest characteristics to identify potential over harvest issues. If determined necessary, a special regulation to restrict angler harvest may be implemented to improve the structure and abundance of the fish population, potential over harvest issues

Various special regulations are used by fisheries managers to restrict angler harvest. A MINIMUM LENGTH LIMIT means that fish below a designated length must be released immediately. A PROTECTED SLOT LENGTH LIMIT means that fish within a designated length range must be released immediately. A DAILY HARVEST LIMIT means that no more than a maximum number fish may be taken daily. If a daily harvest limit covers more than one fish species, the number of fish permitted to be taken includes all fish species covered by the regulation added together (in the aggregate).

A TWO POLE AND LINE FISHING ONLY regulation permits the angler to harvest fish with no more than two poles with no more than two hooks or lures per line. Also permitted (unless otherwise noted) are legal-sized cast nets, shad scoops and minnow seines to collect shad, minnows, and crayfish to use as bait. Bullfrogs may be taken by hand, gig, pitchfork, spear, landing net, and hook and line during bullfrog season.

ON WATERS WITHOUT THE TWO POLES AND LINES FISHING ONLY restriction, up to 50 hooks in total may be used legally on devices permitted under a sport fishing license. Legal devices include: bank poles and lines, dip nets, throw lines, trot lines, buoyed devices (jug fishing), gigs, spears, bow and arrow, and bow and arrow devices. No more than two untagged sport fishing devices (no more than 50 hooks total) under the angler’s immediate control are allowed. Each legal device more than two, up to 50 hooks total, must be tagged with the angler’s name and address. If attached to a tree, the device must be attached to the main trunk below the water line.

A CLOSED SEASON means that fish may not be taken between the specified dates. Waters receiving catchable rainbow trout have closed seasons (spring and/or fall). A closed season prohibiting harvest of rainbow trout is necessary in order for the State to have the trout stocked and permit all sport fishermen to have an equal opportunity to harvest fish on “opening day.”

SITE SPECIFIC REGULATIONS are listed by water area affected. The coverage of the regulation is dictated by the extent of the water area listed and not by the county. In some cases, regulations for a given water area or site may extend beyond the counties listed. The counties listed refer to the location of the dam or out fall for impoundments or mouths of small streams. Since large rivers or streams usually flow through many counties, the term “Multiple” is used rather than listing all counties where the large stream or river flows.

Statewide Sportfishing Regulations are enforced in addition to each area’s Site Specific Regulations