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Fishing Limits by Location L-O

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Site Specific Sportfishing Regulations

Site Specific Regulations are listed by water area affected. The coverage of the regulation is dictated by the extent of the water area(s) listed and not by the county. In some cases, regulations for a given water area or site may extend beyond the counties listed. The listed counties refer to the location of the dam or outfall 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. If a water area is not listed, or if a specific species is not listed, then statewide regulations apply. Check the bulletin boards at the specific site for any emergency changes to regulations.

Various special regulations are used by fisheries managers to protect the fishery. A Minimum Length Limit means that fish less than 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 the designated limit of fish may be taken daily.

The Daily Harvest Limit applies to all species listed for the regulation added together (i.e., in the aggregate). For example, Large or Smallmouth Bass - 3 Fish Daily Harvest Limit means that only 3 Largemouth Bass, or 3 Smallmouth Bass, or a 3 fish combination of the two species (e.g., 2 Largemouth Bass and 1 Smallmouth Bass) may be taken.

Site Specific Regulation Code Definitions provide clarification regarding additional restrictions or special provisions listed in numbered parentheses [e.g., (2)] within the Site-Specific Regulations water areas.

Sport fishermen must not use more than 2 poles and each pole must not have more than 2 hooks or lures attached (Alabama rigs not allowed) while fishing, except that legal size cast nets (in accordance with Section 810.50(a)(2)), shad scoops, and minnow seines may be used to obtain shad, minnows and crayfish to use as bait, provided that they are not sold, and except that bullfrogs may be taken by hand, gig, pitchfork, spear, landing net and hook and line during bullfrog season.
Sport fishermen may not use a minnow seine, minnow trap, cast net or shad scoop for bait collecting in the following water areas:Charleston Lower Channel Lake tailwaters from that portion of the Embarras River from the Charleston Lower Channel Lake Dam downstream to the Route 130 Bridge.Clinton Lake tailwaters from that portion of Salt Creek from the Clinton Dam downstream to the Route 10 BridgeCook County Forest Preserve District Waters (except in the Des Plaines River) Lake Decatur tailwaters from that portion of the Sangamon River from the Lake Decatur Dam downstream to the Route 48 Bridge.
All jugs set in a body of water shall be under the immediate supervision of the fisherman. Immediate supervision shall be defined as the fisherman being on the water where the jugs are set and readily available to identify jugs to law enforcement officers.
When using live bait, all live bait in excess of 8" in total length shall be rigged with a quick set rig. The hook shall be immediately set upon the strike. A quick set rig is defined as follows: a live bait rig with up to 2 treble hooks attached anywhere on the live bait; single hooks are prohibited. This subsection does not apply to trotlines, jug lines, etc., if allowed on the lake.
Sport fishermen may take carp, carpsuckers, buffalo, gar, bowfin and suckers by pitchfork, gigs, bow and arrow or bow and arrow devices.
The daily harvest limit for yellow perch shall not exceed 15 fish in the combined waters of Lake Michigan, Calumet River, and Chicago River including its North Branch, South Branch and the North Shore Channel.
It shall be illegal to possess trout during the period of October 1 to 5 a.m. on the third Saturday in October (both dates inclusive) that were caught during that period.
It shall be illegal to possess trout during the period of March 15 to 5 a.m. on the 1st Saturday in April (both dates inclusive) that were caught during that period.
Catch and Release Fishing Only means that fish (all or listed species) caught must be immediately released alive and in good condition back into the water from which they came.
The 48 inch total length limit on pure muskellunge applies to that body of water listed as well as any tailwaters as defined below: Evergreen Lake (McLean County) – including the portion of Six Mile Creek below the Evergreen Lake Dam downstream to its confluence with the Mackinaw River. Fox Chain O' Lakes (Lake/McHenry Counties) – including the Fox River south of the Wisconsin-Illinois boundary to the Algonquin Dam and the Nippersink Creek upstream to the Wilmot Road Bridge. Kinkaid Lake (Jackson County) – including the portion of Kinkaid Creek below the Kinkaid Lake Dam downstream to the Route 149 Bridge. Lake Shelbyville (Moultrie/Shelby Counties) – including the portion of the Kaskaskia River below the Lake Shelbyville Dam downstream to the State Route 128 Road Bridge near Cowden. Otter Lake (Macoupin County) – including the portion of Otter Creek below Otter Lake Dam downstream to its confluence with East Otter Creek. Pierce Lake (Winnebago County) – including the portion of Willow Creek below the Pierce Lake Dam downstream to Forest Hills Road.
It shall be unlawful to enter upon a designated duck hunting area between sunset of the Sunday immediately preceding opening day of regular duck season through the day before regular duck season and Canada goose season as posted at the site, or to fish on such areas during the regular duck season except in areas posted as open to fishing. It shall be unlawful to enter upon areas designated as waterfowl rest areas or refuges from two weeks prior to the start of the regular duck season through the end of duck and Canada goose season.
It shall be unlawful to trespass upon a designated waterfowl hunting area during the 7 days prior to the regular duck season, or to fish on such areas during the regular duck and Canada goose season except in areas posted as open to fishing. It shall be unlawful to trespass upon areas designated as waterfowl rest areas or refuges from 2 weeks prior to the start of the regular duck season through the end of duck and Canada goose season.
It shall be unlawful to enter upon areas designated as waterfowl hunting areas during the 10 days prior to the start of the regular duck season, or to fish on such areas during the regular duck season except in areas posted as open to fishing. It shall be unlawful to enter upon areas designated as waterfowl rest areas or refuges from 10 days prior to the start of the regular duck season through the end of duck and Canada goose season.

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

Lake Atwood McHenry County Conservation District • McHenry

All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1)
Channel Catfish 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Large or Smallmouth Bass 15 inch Minimum Length Limit; 1 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Trout Spring Closed Season (8)

Lake Bloomington City of Bloomington • McLean

All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1)
Bluegill or Redear Sunfish 25 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Large or Smallmouth Bass 15 inch Minimum Length Limit; 3 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Striped, White, or Hybrid Striped Bass 10 Fish Daily Harvest Limit with no more than 3 Fish greater than or equal to 17 inches
Walleye 18 inch Minimum Length Limit; 3 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
White, Black, or Hybrid Crappie 15 Fish Daily Harvest Limit with no more than 5 Fish greater than or equal to 10 inches

Lake Carlton Morrison-Rockwood State Park • Whiteside

All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1). All live bait greater than 8 inches must be rigged with a quick set rig (4)
Channel Catfish 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Large or Smallmouth Bass 14 inch Minimum Length Limit; 1 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
White, Black, or Hybrid Crappie 25 Fish Daily Harvest Limit

Lake Carlton Silt Basin State of Illinois • Whiteside

All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1)
Bluegill or Redear Sunfish 8 inch Minimum Length Limit; 10 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Large or Smallmouth Bass Catch and Release Fishing Only (9)

Lake Chaminwood Will County Forest Preserve District • Will

All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1)
Bluegill or Redear Sunfish 15 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Channel Catfish 3 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Large or Smallmouth Bass 18 inch Minimum Length Limit; 1 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
White, Black, or Hybrid Crappie 15 Fish Daily Harvest Limit

Lake Co. Forest Preserve District Lakes Lake County Forest Preserve District • Lake

(Excluding Independence Grove Lake; Except See Banana Lake and Sterling Lake)

All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1)
Channel Catfish 3 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Large or Smallmouth Bass 15 inch Minimum Length Limit; 1 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Walleye, Sauger, or Hybrid Walleye 16 inch Minimum Length Limit; 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit

Lake Decatur City of Decatur • Macon

Including All Boundaries Within The City Of Decatur From The Dam to The Sangamon River at Macon Co. Highway 25 (North Oakley Road) and The Area West of Baltimore Ave. Does Not Include The Tailwater

All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1) (2). Bullfrogs may not be taken by spear. Carp, buffalo, suckers and carpsuckers may be taken by means of pitchfork and gigs (no bow and arrow devices)
Large or Smallmouth Bass 14 inch Minimum Length Limit
White, Black, or Hybrid Crappie 10 inch Minimum Length Limit; 10 Fish Daily Harvest Limit

Lake Depue Fish And Wildlife Area State of Illinois • Bureau

Recreational Use Restrictions Waterfowl Refuge or Hunting Area (12)

Lake Eureka City of Eureka • Woodford

All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1)
Bluegill or Redear Sunfish 25 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Channel Catfish 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Large or Smallmouth Bass 18 inch Minimum Length Limit; 1 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
White, Black, or Hybrid Crappie 25 Fish Daily Harvest Limit

Lake George Loud Thunder Forest Preserve • Rock Island

All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1). All live bait greater than 8 inches must be rigged with a quick set rig (4)
Channel Catfish 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Large or Smallmouth Bass 14 inch Minimum Length Limit
Striped, White, or Hybrid Striped Bass 17 inch Minimum Length Limit; 1 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
White, Black, or Hybrid Crappie 25 Fish Daily Harvest Limit

Lake Jacksonville City of Jacksonville • Morgan

All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1). Carp, buffalo, suckers and carpsuckers may be taken by means of pitchfork and gigs (no bow and arrow devices)
Channel Catfish 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Large or Smallmouth Bass Protected Slot Length Limit with no possession of Fish greater than or equal to 14 inches and less than 18 inches; 3 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Striped, White, or Hybrid Striped Bass 17 inch Minimum Length Limit; 3 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
White, Black, or Hybrid Crappie 25 Fish Daily Harvest Limit with no more than 10 Fish greater than or equal to 10 inches

Lake Ka-Ho (LAKES 1, 2, AND 3) Village of Lake Ka-Ho • Macoupin

All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1)
Bluegill or Redear Sunfish 10 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Channel Catfish 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Large or Smallmouth Bass 15 inch Minimum Length Limit; 3 Fish Daily Harvest Limit

Lake Kakusha City of Mendota • LaSalle

All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1)
Channel Catfish 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Large or Smallmouth Bass 14 inch Minimum Length Limit; 3 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
White, Black, or Hybrid Crappie 25 Fish Daily Harvest Limit

Lake Le-Aqua-Na Lake Le-Aqua-Na State Recreation Area • Stephenson

All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1)
Channel Catfish 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Large or Smallmouth Bass 14 inch Minimum Length Limit; 1 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
White, Black, or Hybrid Crappie 10 Fish Daily Harvest Limit

Lake Le-Aqua-Na Kids Only Fishing Pond Lake Le-Aqua-Na State Recreation Area • Stephenson

Recreational Use Restrictions Only youth under 16 years of age permitted to fish

All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1)
Bluegill, Redear, or Hybrid Sunfish 5 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Channel Catfish 1 Fish Daily Harvest Limit

Lake Loami City of Loami • Sangamon

All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1)

Channel Catfish 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Large or Smallmouth Bass 15 inch Minimum Length Limit

Lake Lou Yaeger City of Litchfield • Montgomery

All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1)
Channel Catfish 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Large or Smallmouth Bass 15 inch Minimum Length Limit; 3 Fish Daily Harvest Limit

Lake Mattoon City of Mattoon • Coles/Cumberland/Shelby

All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1)
Channel Catfish 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Large or Smallmouth Bass 14 inch Minimum Length Limit
White, Black, or Hybrid Crappie 25 Fish Daily Harvest Limit with no more than 10 Fish greater than or equal to 10 inches

Lake Mendota City of Mendota • LaSalle

All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1)
Channel Catfish 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Large or Smallmouth Bass Protected Slot Length Limit with no possession of Fish greater than or equal to 12 inches and less than 15 inches; 3 Fish Daily Harvest Limit with no more than 1 Fish greater than or equal to 15 inches and 2 Fish less than 12 inches
Trout Spring Closed Season (8)

Lake Michigan (Illinois Portion) State of Illinois • Lake/Cook

All Fish All devices used for sport fishing on Lake Michigan must be attended at all times
Lake Trout 2 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Lake Whitefish or Round Whitefish 12 Fish Daily Harvest Limit, singly or in the aggregate
Large or Smallmouth Bass 21 inch Minimum Length Limit; 1 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Trout and Salmon 10 inch Minimum Length Limit; 5 Fish Daily Harvest Limit, singly or in the aggregate, except for Lake Trout
Yellow Perch 15 Fish Daily Harvest Limit (6); Closed May 1 through June 15

Lake Milliken Des Plaines State Fish and Wildlife Area • Will

All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1)
Channel Catfish 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Large or Smallmouth Bass 15 inch Minimum Length Limit
Trout Spring Closed Season (8)

Lake Mingo & Kennekuk Cove Park Ponds Vermilion County Conservation District • Vermilion

All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1). Sport fishermen may take carp from boat by bow and arrow and bow and arrow devices, but not within 150 feet of any developed recreation areas
Bluegill or Redear Sunfish 20 Fish Daily Harvest Limit with no more than 5 Fish greater than or equal to 8 inches
Channel Catfish 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Large or Smallmouth Bass 3 Fish Daily Harvest Limit with no more than 1 Fish greater than or equal to 15 inches and 2 Fish less than 15 inches
White, Black, or Hybrid Crappie 9 inch Minimum Length Limit; 15 Fish Daily Harvest Limit

Lake Murphysboro Lake Murphysboro State Park • Jackson

All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1)
Channel Catfish 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Large or Smallmouth Bass 3 Fish Daily Harvest Limit

Lake Nellie City of St. Elmo • Fayette

All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1) (5)
Channel Catfish 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Large or Smallmouth Bass 14 inch Minimum Length Limit; 3 Fish Daily Harvest Limit

Lake Of The Woods & Elk’s Pond Champaign County Forest Preserve District • Champaign

All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1). All live bait greater than 8 inches must be rigged with a quick set rig (4)
Bluegill or Redear Sunfish No Daily Harvest Limit with no more than 5 Fish greater than or equal to 7 inches
Channel Catfish 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Large or Smallmouth Bass 15 inch Minimum Length Limit; 1 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Trout Spring Closed Season (8)

Lake Owen Hazek Crest Park District • Cook

All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1)
Channel Catfish 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit

Lake Paradise City of Mattoon • Coles

All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1)
Bluegill or Redear Sunfish 20 Fish Daily Harvest Limit with no more than 3 Fish greater than or equal to 8 inches
Channel Catfish 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Large or Smallmouth Bass 14 inch Minimum Length Limit

Lake Sara City of Effingham • Effingham

All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1) (5)
Large or Smallmouth Bass Protected Slot Length Limit with no possession of Fish greater than or equal to 15 inches and less than 18 inches
White, Black, or Hybrid Crappie 25 Fish Daily Harvest Limit

Lake Shelbyville U.S. Army Corps of Engineers • Moultrie/Shelby

(Including its Tributary Streams and Those Portions of The West Okaw and Kaskaskia Rivers to The Extent of The Lake Shelbyville Project Boundaries – Including Parts of The Lake Shelbyville State Fish And Wildlife Area, Except See Project Ponds)

Recreational Use Restrictions During the regular waterfowl season, no bank or boat fishing shall be permitted on the Kaskaskia River from the Strickland Boat Access north to the Illinois Central Railroad Bridge from one half hour before sunrise to 1 p.m.

All Fish All live bait greater than 8 inches must be rigged with a quick set rig (4)
Large or Smallmouth Bass 14 inch Minimum Length Limit
Pure Muskellunge 48 inch Minimum Length Limit (10)
Striped Bass 32 inch Minimum Length Limit; 2 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
White, Black, or Hybrid Crappie 15 Fish Daily Harvest Limit with no more than 10 Fish greater than or equal to 10 inches and 5 Fish less than 10 inches

Lake Shelbyville Project Ponds U.S. Army Corps of Engineers • Moultrie/Shelby

(Except See Woods Lake), and Lake Shelbyville State Fish and Wildlife Area Ponds

Recreational Use Restrictions Waterfowl Refuge or Hunting Area (12)

All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1)
Channel Catfish 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Large or Smallmouth Bass 14 inch Minimum Length Limit
White, Black, or Hybrid Crappie 15 Fish Daily Harvest Limit with no more than 10 Fish greater than or equal to 10 inches and 5 Fish less than 10 inches

Lake Shermerville Northbrook Park District • Cook

All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1)
Bluegill or Redear Sunfish 15 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Channel Catfish 3 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Large or Smallmouth Bass 15 inch Minimum Length Limit; 1 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
White, Black, or Hybrid Crappie 15 Fish Daily Harvest Limit

Lake Sinnissippi State of Illinois • Whiteside

Recreational Use Restrictions Waterfowl Refuge or Hunting Area (12)

Lake Springfield City of Springfield • Sangamon

All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1) (5)
Large or Smallmouth Bass 15 inch Minimum Length Limit
White, Black, or Hybrid Crappie 10 inch Minimum Length Limit; 10 Fish Daily Harvest Limit

Lake Storey City of Galesburg • Knox

All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1) (5). All live bait greater than 8 inches must be rigged with a quick set rig (4)
Blue or Channel Catfish 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Bluegill or Redear Sunfish 25 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Large or Smallmouth Bass Protected Slot Length Limit with no possession of Fish greater than or equal to 12 inches and less than 18 inches; 3 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Pure Muskellunge 42 inch Minimum Length Limit
Walleye, Sauger, or Hybrid Walleye 3 Fish Daily Harvest Limit

Lake Strini Village of Romeoville • Will

All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1)
Channel Catfish 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Trout Fall Closed Season (7)

Lake Sule Flagg-Rochelle Park District • Ogle

All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1). All live bait greater than 8 inches must be rigged with a quick set rig (4)
Bluegill or Redear Sunfish 5 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Channel Catfish 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Large or Smallmouth Bass 14 inch Minimum Length Limit; 1 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Pure Muskellunge 36 inch Minimum Length Limit
White, Black, or Hybrid Crappie 10 Fish Daily Harvest Limit

Lake Taylorville City of Taylorville • Christian

Large or Smallmouth Bass 15 inch Minimum Length Limit
White, Black, or Hybrid Crappie 25 Fish Daily Harvest Limit with no more than 10 Fish greater than or equal to 10 inches

Lake Vermilion Vermilion County Conservation District • Vermilion

All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1). Sport fishermen may harvest carp, carpsuckers, buffalo, gar, bowfin, and suckers by pitchfork, gigs, bow and arrow or bow and arrow devices north of Boiling Springs Road, but not within 300 feet around wetland boardwalk. Trotline and jug fishing allowed north of Boiling Springs Road
Large or Smallmouth Bass 15 inch Minimum Length Limit
White, Black, or Hybrid Crappie 9 inch Minimum Length Limit; 15 Fish Daily Harvest Limit

Lake Victoria City of South Beloit • Winnebago

All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1)
Channel Catfish 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Large or Smallmouth Bass 14 inch Minimum Length Limit; 1 Fish Daily Harvest Limit

Lake Williamsville Village of Williamsville • Sangamon

All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1)
Channel Catfish 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit

Lakewood Park Morton Park District • Tazewell

All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1)
Bluegill or Redear Sunfish 25 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Channel Catfish 3 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Large or Smallmouth Bass 18 inch Minimum Length Limit; 1 Fish Daily Harvest Limit

Lasalle Cooling Lake LaSalle Lake State Fish and Wildlife Area • LaSalle

Recreational Use Restrictions Waterfowl refuge or hunting area; site regulations apply

All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1)
Large or Smallmouth Bass 18 inch Minimum Length Limit; 1 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Striped, White, or Hybrid Striped Bass 10 Fish Daily Harvest Limit with no more than 3 Fish greater than or equal to 17 inches

Leifheit Lake Kendall County Forest Preserve District • Kendall

All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1)
Bluegill or Redear Sunfish 10 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Channel Catfish 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Large or Smallmouth Bass 14 inch Minimum Length Limit; 3 Fish Daily Harvest Limit

Levings Lake Rockford Park District • Winnebago

All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1)
Channel Catfish 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Large or Smallmouth Bass 14 inch Minimum Length Limit; 1 Fish Daily Harvest Limit

Lincoln Log Cabin Pond Lincoln Log Cabin Historical Site • Coles

All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1)
Channel Catfish 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Large or Smallmouth Bass 15 inch Minimum Length Limit; 1 Fish Daily Harvest Limit

Lincoln Park North Lagoon Chicago Park District • Cook

Recreational Use Restrictions Closed to Fishing

Lincoln Park South Lagoon Chicago Park District • Cook

Recreational Use Restrictions Closed to Fishing

Lincoln Trail Lake Lincoln Trail State Park • Clark

All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1)
Bluegill or Redear Sunfish 25 Fish Daily Harvest Limit with no more than 5 Fish greater than or equal to 9 inches
Channel Catfish 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Large or Smallmouth Bass Protected Slot Length Limit with no possession of Fish greater than or equal to 14 inches and less than 18 inches; 4 Fish Daily Harvest Limit with no more than 1 Fish greater than or equal to 18 inches
White, Black, or Hybrid Crappie 25 Fish Daily Harvest Limit

Litchfield City Lake City of Litchfield • Montgomery

Large or Smallmouth Bass 3 Fish Daily Harvest Limit with no more than 1 Fish greater than or equal to 15 inches and 2 Fish less than 15 inches
White, Black, or Hybrid Crappie 15 Fish Daily Harvest Limit

Little Casters Pond Boone County Conservation District • Boone

All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1)
Channel Catfish 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Large or Smallmouth Bass 14 inch Minimum Length Limit; 1 Fish Daily Harvest Limit

Mackinaw Ponds 1 & 2 Mackinaw River State Fish and Wildlife Area • Tazewell

Bluegill or Redear Sunfish 5 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Large or Smallmouth Bass 15 inch Minimum Length Limit; 1 Fish Daily Harvest Limit

Macon County Conservation District Ponds Macon County Conservation District • Macon

(Except See Rock Springs Pond and Rock Springs Bike Trail Pond)

All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1)

Maple Lake Cook County Forest Preserve District • Cook

All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1) (2)
Bluegill, Redear, or Pumpkinseed Sunfish 15 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Channel Catfish 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Large or Smallmouth Bass 14 inch Minimum Length Limit; 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
White, Black, or Hybrid Crappie 15 Fish Daily Harvest Limit

Marine Heritage Lake Village of Marine • Madison

All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1)
Bluegill or Redear Sunfish 25 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Channel Catfish 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Large or Smallmouth Bass 15 inch Minimum Length Limit; 3 Fish Daily Harvest Limit

Marissa City Lake City of Marissa • St. Clair

All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1)
Channel Catfish 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit

Marquette Park Lagoon Chicago Park District • Cook

All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1)
Channel Catfish 4 Fish Daily Harvest Limit

Marshall County State Fish And Wildlife Area Marshall County State Fish and Wildlife Area • Marshall

(Fishing Ditch)

Recreational Use Restrictions Waterfowl Refuge or Hunting Area (12)

All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1)
Large or Smallmouth Bass 12 inch Minimum Length Limit

Marshall County State Fish And Wildlife Area – Sparland Unit Marshall County State Fish and Wildlife Area • Marshall

Recreational Use Restrictions Waterfowl Refuge or Hunting Area (12)

Mascoutah Reservoir City of Mascoutah • St. Clair

All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1)
Channel Catfish 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Large or Smallmouth Bass 15 inch Minimum Length Limit; 3 Fish Daily Harvest Limit

Matthiessen Lake Matthiessen State Park • LaSalle

All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1)
Bluegill or Redear Sunfish 10 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Channel Catfish 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Large or Smallmouth Bass 14 inch Minimum Length Limit

Mautino State Fish And Wildlife Area State of Illinois • Bureau

All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1). Sport fishermen may harvest carp, buffalo, suckers and gar by bow and arrow or bow and arrow devices, gigs or spears from May 1 through August 31
Bluegill or Redear Sunfish 10 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Channel Catfish 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Large or Smallmouth Bass 14 inch Minimum Length Limit; 1 Fish Daily Harvest Limit

Mauvaise Terre/Morgan Lake City of Jacksonville • Morgan

All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1) (5)
Large or Smallmouth Bass 15 inch Minimum Length Limit
Trout Fall Closed Season (7); Early season Catch and Release Fishing is Permitted (9), Spring Closed Season (8); Early season Catch and Release Fishing is Permitted (9)

Mazonia Lakes & Ponds Mazonia State Fish and Wildlife Area • Grundy/Kankakee/Will

(Except See Monster Lake and Ponderosa Lake)

Recreational Use Restrictions Waterfowl Refuge or Hunting Area (12)

All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1)
Channel Catfish 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Large or Smallmouth Bass 15 inch Minimum Length Limit; 3 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
White, Black, or Hybrid Crappie 10 Fish Daily Harvest Limit

Mccullom Lake City of McHenry • McHenry

All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1)
Bluegill or Redear Sunfish 25 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Channel Catfish 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Large or Smallmouth Bass 15 inch Minimum Length Limit; 1 Fish Daily Harvest Limit

Mckinley Park Lagoon Chicago Park District • Cook

All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1)
Channel Catfish 4 Fish Daily Harvest Limit

Mcleansboro City Lakes City of McLeansboro • Hamilton

All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1)
Channel Catfish 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Large or Smallmouth Bass 14 inch Minimum Length Limit

Mechanicsburg Park Pond City of Mechanicsburg • Sangamon

All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1)
Channel Catfish 3 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Large or Smallmouth Bass 15 inch Minimum Length Limit; 3 Fish Daily Harvest Limit

Meredosia Lake – Cass County Portion Only State of Illinois • Cass

(Meandered Waters Only)

Recreational Use Restrictions Waterfowl Refuge or Hunting Area (12). All boat traffic is prohibited from operating on meandered waters (except non motorized boats may be used to assist in the retrieval of waterfowl shot from private land) from the period from one week before waterfowl season opens until the season closes; hunting and/or any other activity is prohibited during the period from one week before waterfowl season opens until the season closes.

Mermet State Lake Mermet Lake State Fish and Wildlife Area • Massac

Recreational Use Restrictions Waterfowl Refuge or Hunting Area (12)

All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1) (5)
Channel Catfish 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Large or Smallmouth Bass 16 inch Minimum Length Limit; 3 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
White, Black, or Hybrid Crappie 25 Fish Daily Harvest Limit

Middle Fork Forest Preserve Ponds Champaign County Forest Preserve District • Champaign

(Emerald Pond, Cypress Pond, and Willow Pond)

All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1)
Bluegill or Redear Sunfish 10 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Channel Catfish 3 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Large or Smallmouth Bass 15 inch Minimum Length Limit; 1 Fish Daily Harvest Limit

Middle Fork Of The Vermilion River Kickapoo State Recreation Area & Middle Fork State Fish & Wildlife Area • Vermilion

All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1)

Mill Creek Lake Clark County Park District • Clark

All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1). All live bait greater than 8 inches must be rigged with a quick set rig (4)
Channel Catfish 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Large or Smallmouth Bass 5 Fish Daily Harvest Limit with no more than 1 Fish greater than or equal to 15 inches and 4 Fish less than 15 inches
Pure Muskellunge 42 inch Minimum Length Limit
White, Black, or Hybrid Crappie 25 Fish Daily Harvest Limit with no more than 2 Fish greater than or equal to 12 inches

Mill Race Ponds Belvidere Park District • Boone

All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1)
Channel Catfish 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Trout Spring Closed Season (8)

Miller Park Lake Bloomington Park District • McLean

All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1)
Channel Catfish 3 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Large or Smallmouth Bass 15 inch Minimum Length Limit; 3 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Trout Spring Closed Season (8)

Mineral Springs Park Lagoon City of Pekin • Tazewell

All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1)
Channel Catfish 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Trout Fall Closed Season (7)

Mississippi River (Between IL & IA) State of Illinois • Multiple

Recreational Use Restrictions Spring Lake in Carroll County is closed to fishing during the 7 days prior to the regular duck season and during the regular duck and Canada goose season except in areas posted as open to fishing.

All Fish While Trolling, sport fisherman must not use more than 2 poles and each pole must not have more than 2 hooks or lures
Bluegill or Pumpkinseed Sunfish 25 Fish Daily Harvest Limit, singly or in aggregate
Large or Smallmouth Bass 14 inch Minimum Length Limit; 5 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Northern Pike 5 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Paddlefish 33 inch (Eye to Fork) Maximum Length Limit (all Paddlefish greater than or equal to 33 inches must be immediately released back to the Mississippi River); 2 Fish Daily Harvest Limit. Snagging for Paddlefish is permitted from one half hour before sunrise to one half hour after sunset daily, March 1 through April 15 within a 500 yard downstream limit below locks and dams on the Mississippi River between Illinois and Iowa. No sorting allowed. Once the Daily Harvest Limit of Paddlefish has been reached, snagging must cease. Legal-size Paddlefish may be released at the angler’s discretion once they are included in the Daily Harvest Limit. Gaffs may not be used to land Paddlefish
Rock Bass 25 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Striped, White, Yellow, or Hybrid
Striped Bass 25 Fish Daily Harvest Limit; Statewide regulation limiting daily harvest to 3 Fish greater than or equal to 17 inches is not in effect on the Mississippi River between Illinois and Iowa
Walleye 15 inch Minimum Length Limit; Protected Slot Length Limit with no possession of Fish greater than or equal to 20 inches and less than 27 inches
Walleye or Sauger 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit with no more than 1 Fish greater than or equal to 27 inches
White, Black, or Hybrid Crappie 25 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Yellow Perch 25 Fish Daily Harvest Limit

Mississippi River (Between IL & MO) State of Illinois • Multiple

All Nongame Species Combined 100 Total Fish Daily Harvest Limit (Excludes endangered and threatened species and the following game species: Crappie, Channel/Blue/Flathead Catfish, Rock Bass, Warmouth, White/Yellow/Striped/Hybrid Striped Bass, Trout, Largemouth/Smallmouth/Spotted Bass, Muskellunge, Northern Pike, Chain/Grass Pickerel, Walleye, Sauger, Paddlefish)

Recreational Use Restrictions Boating prohibited on refuge area (Ellis Bay) immediately upstream of Melvin Price Lock and Dam 26 overflow dike from October 15-April 15

Blue or Channel Catfish 20 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Flathead Catfish 10 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Largemouth, Smallmouth, or Spotted Bass 12 inch Minimum Length Limit; 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Northern Pike 1 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Paddlefish 24 inch (Eye to Fork) Minimum Length Limit; 2 Fish Daily Harvest Limit. Snagging for Paddlefish is permitted from September 15 through December 15 and March 15 through May 15 within a 300 yard downstream limit below locks and dams on the Mississippi River between Illinois and Missouri except for the Chain of Rocks low water dam at Chouteau Island, also known as Dam 27 at the Chain of Rocks (Madison County) where no snagging is permitted. Sorting is permitted; every Paddlefish greater than or equal to 24 inches eye to fork length not immediately released must be included in the Daily Harvest Limit; Paddlefish less than 24 inches eye to fork length must be to returned immediately to the water. Once the Daily Harvest Limit of Paddlefish has been reached, snagging must cease. Gaffs may not be used to land Paddlefish
Striped, White, Yellow, or Hybrid
Striped Bass 30 Fish Daily Harvest Limit; Statewide regulation limiting daily harvest to 3 Fish greater than or equal to 17 inches is not in effect on the Mississippi River between Illinois and Iowa
Walleye or Sauger 14 inch Minimum Length Limit; 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
White, Black, or Hybrid Crappie 30 Fish Daily Harvest Limit

Mississippi River Pools 16, 17, 18, 21, 22, 24 State of Illinois • Multiple

Recreational Use Restrictions Waterfowl Refuge or Hunting Area (12)

Mississippi River Pools 25 And 26 State of Illinois • Multiple

Recreational Use Restrictions Waterfowl Refuge or Hunting Area (11)

Monee Reservoir Will County Forest Preserve District • Will

All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1)
Channel Catfish 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Large or Smallmouth Bass 15 inch Minimum Length Limit; 1 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
White, Black, or Hybrid Crappie 15 Fish Daily Harvest Limit

Monster Lake Mazonia State Fish and Wildlife Area • Kankakee

All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1)
Channel Catfish 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Large or Smallmouth Bass 15 inch Minimum Length Limit; 3 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Walleye, Sauger, or Hybrid Walleye 14 inch Minimum Length Limit; Protected Slot Length Limit with no possession of Fish greater than or equal to 18 inches and less than 24 inches; 4 Fish Daily Harvest Limit with no more than 1 Fish greater than or equal to 24 inches
White, Black, or Hybrid Crappie 10 Fish Daily Harvest Limit

Montrose Lake City of Montrose • Cumberland

All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1)
Bluegill or Redear Sunfish 20 Fish Daily Harvest Limit with no more than 3 Fish greater than or equal to 8 inches
Channel Catfish 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Large or Smallmouth Bass 14 inch Minimum Length Limit

Morgan Lake/Mauvaise Terre City of Jacksonville • Morgan

All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1) (5)
Large or Smallmouth Bass 15 inch Minimum Length Limit
Trout Fall Closed Season (7); Early season Catch and Release Fishing is permitted (9), Spring Closed Season (8); Early season Catch and Release Fishing is permitted (9)

Mt. Olive City Lakes (Old and New) City of Mt. Olive • Macoupin

All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1)
Channel Catfish 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Large or Smallmouth Bass 15 inch Minimum Length Limit; 3 Fish Daily Harvest Limit

Mt. Pulaski Park District Lake Mt. Pulaski Park District • Logan

All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1)
Channel Catfish 3 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Large or Smallmouth Bass 18 inch Minimum Length Limit; 1 Fish Daily Harvest Limit

Mt. Sterling Lake City of Mt. Sterling • Brown

All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1)
Channel Catfish 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Large or Smallmouth Bass Protected Slot Length Limit with no possession of Fish greater than or equal to 12 inches and less than 15 inches

Mt. Vernon City Park Lake City of Mt. Vernon • Jefferson

All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1) (5)
Channel Catfish 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Large or Smallmouth Bass 15 inch Minimum Length Limit; 3 Fish Daily Harvest Limit

Mt. Vernon Game Farm Pond Mt. Vernon Game Farm • Jefferson

All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1)
Trout Fall Closed Season (7), Spring Closed Season (8)

Mundelein Park District Ponds City of Mundelein • Lake

All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1)
Channel Catfish 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Large or Smallmouth Bass 15 inch Minimum Length Limit; 3 Fish Daily Harvest Limit

Nashville City Reservoir City of Nashville • Washington

All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1)
Channel Catfish 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Large or Smallmouth Bass 18 inch Minimum Length Limit; 1 Fish Daily Harvest Limit

Newton Lake Newton Lake State Fish and Wildlife Area • Jasper

Recreational Use Restrictions The cold water (East) arm of Newton Lake shall be closed daily from one half hour before sunrise until 1:00 p.m. to all fishing and boat traffic except for legal waterfowl hunters during waterfowl season commencing with regular duck season through the close of the Canada goose and regular duck season. Lake closed to fishing during First and Second Firearm Deer Seasons. Fishing tournaments prohibited from June 1 through August 31 (both dates inclusive)

All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1) (5)
Large or Smallmouth Bass 18 inch Minimum Length Limit; 3 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
White, Black, or Hybrid Crappie 10 inch Minimum Length Limit; 10 Fish Daily Harvest Limit

Norris City Reservoir City of Norris City • White

All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1)
Channel Catfish 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Large or Smallmouth Bass 15 inch Minimum Length Limit

Oakland City Lake City of Oakland • Coles

All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1)
Channel Catfish 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Large or Smallmouth Bass 14 inch Minimum Length Limit

Oblong Lake Village of Oblong • Crawford

All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1)
Channel Catfish 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Large or Smallmouth Bass 15 inch Minimum Length Limit; 3 Fish Daily Harvest Limit

Ohio River (Between IL & KY) State of Illinois • Multiple

Alligator Gar Catch and Release Fishing Only (9)
Blue or Flathead Catfish 13 inch Minimum Length Limit; No Daily Harvest Limit for Fish greater than or equal to 13 inches and less than 35 inches; 1 Fish Daily Harvest Limit for Fish greater than or equal to 35 inches
Channel Catfish 13 inch Minimum Length Limit; No Daily Harvest Limit for Fish greater than or equal to 13 inches and less than 28 inches; 1 Fish Daily Harvest Limit for Fish greater than or equal to 28 inches
Large or Smallmouth Bass 12 inch Minimum Length Limit
Northern Pike 24 inch Minimum Length Limit; 3 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Pure Muskellunge or Tiger Muskie 36 inch Minimum Length Limit; 1 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Redear Sunfish 20 Fish Daily Harvest Limit Rock Bass 15 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Striped, White, Yellow, or Hybrid Striped Bass 30 Fish Daily Harvest Limit, singly or in the aggregate, with no more than 4 Fish greater than or equal to 15 inches
Walleye, Sauger, or Hybrid Walleye 14 inch Minimum Length Limit; 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
White, Black, or Hybrid Crappie 20 Fish Daily Harvest Limit

Ohio River – Smithland Pool Tributary Streams State of Illinois • Multiple

(In Pope/Hardin/Gallatin Counties, Excluding Wabash River and Saline River Above Route 1 Bridge)

Large or Smallmouth Bass 12 inch Minimum Length Limit

OLSON LAKE Rock Cut State Park • Winnebago

All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1)
Channel Catfish 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Large or Smallmouth Bass 14 inch Minimum Length Limit; 1 Fish Daily Harvest Limit

Omaha City Reservoir Village of Omaha • Gallatin

All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1)
Channel Catfish 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Large or Smallmouth Bass 14 inch Minimum Length Limit

Omaha Township Reservoir Omaha Township • Gallatin

All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1)
Channel Catfish 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Large or Smallmouth Bass 14 inch Minimum Length Limit

Opeka Lake Des Plaines Park District • Cook

All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1)
Bluegill, Pumpkinseed, or Hybrid Sunfish 15 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Large or Smallmouth Bass 15 inch Minimum Length Limit; 1 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
White, Black, or Hybrid Crappie 15 Fish Daily Harvest Limit

Otter Lake Otter Lake Water Commission • Macoupin

All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1) (5). All live bait greater than 8 inches must be rigged with a quick set rig (4)
Channel Catfish 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Large or Smallmouth Bass 15 inch Minimum Length Limit; 3 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Pure Muskellunge 48 inch Minimum Length Limit (10)
Striped, White, or Hybrid Striped Bass 10 Fish Daily Harvest Limit with no more than 3 Fish greater than or equal to 17 inches