A resident sport fishing license may be obtained by anyone who has been a resident of Illinois 30 days prior to purchase. Sport fishermen under 16 years of age, and persons declared legally disabled or blind, may fish without a license. Owners or tenants (if they reside on the land) may fish in waters on or flowing over their lands without a license. This exemption does not apply to club and organizational lakes or lake developments.
Persons on active duty in the Armed Forces are considered residents. A person on active duty in the Armed Forces, who entered the service from Illinois and is an Illinois resident, may fish without a license while on leave.
** Half-priced sport fishing and sportsman’s licenses will be available to resident veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces after returning from service abroad, or mobilization by the President of the United States. Veterans must contact the Springfield office to obtain a half-priced license. Please call 217-782-6302.
NON-RESIDENTS:
Non-residents of Illinois may purchase sport fishing licenses to fish waters of the state. Non-resident sport fishermen under 16 years of age may fish without a license. All other non-resident sport fishermen must purchase sport fishing licenses before fishing in Illinois (except in licensed fee fishing areas or on boundary rivers).
Resident or non-resident sport fishermen who fish at fee fishing areas licensed by the Department of Natural Resources are not required to have a license.
Non-residents holding licenses from states bordering Illinois are not required to have an Illinois license to fish on the Illinois side of rivers adjoining the licensing state.
Sport fishermen should have their license in possession at all times while fishing. Licenses expire on March 31 each year.
WATERCRAFT REGISTRATION AND SAFETY
WATERCRAFT REGISTRATION
All watercraft operated on the waters within the jurisdiction of this State shall be registered and titled except for unpowered vessels, including canoes, kayaks and paddleboards. Illinois BoatRegistration and Safety Act Information can be found at: https://www2.illinois.gov/dnr/boating/Documents/BoatDigest.pdf
HOW TO REGISTER OR RENEW YOUR BOAT IN ILLINOIS
To register your boat, you must submit a boat application; required documents; and the appropriate fee.
Applications are available from Department of Natural Resources offices, boat dealers, or on-line at https://www2.illinois.gov/dnr/boating/Pages/How-ToRegister.aspx. If you have any questions regarding registration and titling please call 217-557-0180 or 1-800-382-1696. To renew your registration by phone please call 1-866-867-3542.
BOATING SAFETY EDUCATION
Boat safety education is a positive move toward a safe and enjoyable boating future. Beginning on January 1, 2016, no person born on or after January 1, 1998 shall operate a motorboat with over 10horse power unless that person has a valid Boating Safety Certificate issued by the Department of Natural Resources or an entity or organization recognized and approved by the Department. Enroll in a Boat Safety Course now. For information on class locations call: 1-800-832-2599, or visit: http://www. dnr.illinois.gov/safety/Pages/BoatingSafety.aspx.
RIVER CLOSURES
Illinois Department of Natural Resources routinely monitors river conditions throughout the state to ensure that river conditions are safe for recreational and commercial boat traffic. For information on river closures in Illinois please visit the following websites:
The fisheries of Illinois are administered to assure conservation and enhancement of the fishery resource and the equity of the fishing public, while providing for maximum enjoyment. Statutes provide the framework by which fishing opportunities are administered. These opportunities, however, are sometimes subject to a variety of regulations, depending on local site conditions and situations unique to a particular fishery. These detailed regulations are set forth in administrative rules. Such administrative rules are enforced in the same manner as are provisions of the statutes, and are subject to the same penalties. See TITLE 17: CONSERVATION for more details:
Aquatic life is statutorily defined as all fish, reptiles, amphibians, mollusks, crustaceans, algae, aquatic plants, aquatic invertebrates, and any other aquatic animals or plants that the Department identifies in Administrative Rules.
AQUATIC LIFE APPROVED SPECIES LIST
The Aquatic Life Approved Species List is created and maintained by the Department and is comprised of specific species of aquatic life, within the categories of fish, crustaceans, gastropods, mollusks, and plants. The following aquatic life categories will be considered approved for aquaculture, transportation, stocking, importation and/or possession in the State of Illinois. A complete list of Aquatic Life Approved Species can be found at: https: /https://www.uscg.mil/home/
BAIT FISHING
The following fish species may be taken by anglers with a valid sportfishing license with a legal size cast net or shad scoop and used for live or dead bait on the body of water where they are collected: mooneye (Hiodon tergisus), goldeye (Hiodon alosoides), skipjack herring (Alosa chrysochloris), carp (other than bighead carp (Hypophthalmichthys nobilis), black carp (Mylopharyngodon piceus), grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon Idella), and silver carp (Hypophthalmichthys molotrix)). The following fish species may be taken by anglers with a valid sportfishing license with a cast net or shad scoop and used for dead bait on the body of water where they are collected: bighead carp (Hypoph-thalmichthys nobilis), black carp (Mylopharyngodon piceus), grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella), and silver carp (ahypophthalmichthys molotrix).
All cast nets shall be not larger than 24 feet in diameter or of a mesh size not larger than 1 inch bar measurement. All shad scoops shall be not larger than 30 inches in diameter or of a mesh size not larger than 1/2 inch bar measurement or longer than 4 feet in length.
Minnows (any fish in the family Cyprinidae except Asian carp (bighead carp (Hypophthalmichthys nobilis), black carp (Mylopharyngodon piceus), grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon Idella), and silver carp (Hypophthalmichthys molotrix) and crayfish may be taken by anglers with a valid sportfishing license and used as live or dead bait on the body of water where they are collected using traps of metal screen or hardware cloth, plastic, or nylon mesh or netting or minnow seines. Such traps may not be more than 24 inches in width or diameter or more than 36 inches in length nor use a mesh of more than 1/2 inch bar measurement. Each entrance aperture may not exceed 1.5 inches in diameter. If unattended, such devices must be tagged with the name, mailing address and phone number of the person operating the device. Minnow seines shall not be longer than 20 feet, deeper than 6 feet or contain mesh size larger than 1/2 inch bar measurement. Minnows and crayfish collected in such devices may only be taken for personal use and may not be sold or bartered.
Aquatic life protected under 17 Ill. Adm. Code 1010
- Illinois List of Endangered and Threatened Fauna may not be taken for any purpose including bait fishing.
Injurious Species: The use of live injurious species (as described in 17 Ill. Adm. Code 805) as bait is prohibited. Possession of live specimens, progeny thereof, viable eggs, or gametes is prohibited.
Collected LIVE bait fish may NOT be transported between water bodies
BOWFISHING (ARCHERY/SPEAR METHODS)
a) Legal Methods of Taking
Aquatic life as listed by species in part b below may be taken by means of a pitchfork, underwater spear gun, bow and arrow or bow and arrow device, spear or gig. A valid sport fishing license is required for taking aquatic life under this rule. Aquatic life taken by these means shall not be sold or bartered. No other aquatic life (e.g. fish, amphibian, or reptile species) may be taken in this State by these means. It is unlawful to discharge any gun or bow and arrow device along, upon, across or from any public right-of-way or highway in this State. [515 ILCS 5/10-110 (b)]
b) Species
Only fish, amphibian, and reptile species listed may be taken by bowfishing and other legal methods and in accordance with harvest limits identified for each. Fish, amphibian, and reptile species permitted to be taken by bowfishing and other archery/spear fishing legal methods in Illinois waters include:
1) Order Petromyzontiformes
Family Petromyzontidae:
Sea lamprey – Petromyzon marinus (Linnaeus)
2) Order Lepisosteiformes
Family Lepisosteidae:
Spotted gar – Lepisosteus oculatus (Winchell) native
Longnose gar – Lepisosteus osseus (Linnaeus) native
Shortnose gar – Lepisosteus platostomus (Rafinesque) native
Alligator Gar – Atractosteus spatula (Lacepède) native
American Bullfrog – Lithobates catesbeianus (Shaw) native
13) Order Testudines
Family Chelydridae:
Common Snapping Turtle – Chelydra serpentine (Linnaeus) native
c) Asian Carp (non-native). No live possession of Asian carp species is permitted.
d) Waters Open to Bowfishing and Other Legal Archery and Spear Fishing Methods
1) Illinois waters open to bowfishing and other legal methods include all public rivers and streams as noted in 17 Ill. Adm. Code 3704. Appendix A, as noted in subsections (d)(3) through (15).
2) All public site specific waters as noted in this digest.
3) Catfish species may only be taken in rivers and connected public (wholly accessible by boat) backwaters as listed in 810.15 as noted in subsections (d)(4) through (15).
4) Mississippi River and connected public (wholly accessible by boat) backwaters, including that portion of the Kaskaskia River below the navigation lock and dam, except:
A) Quincy Bay, including Quincy Bay Waterfowl Management Area
B) Spring Lake in the Upper Mississippi River Wildlife and Fish Refuge
C) Mark Twain U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service National Wildlife Refuge Waters (except by special permit).
5) Illinois River and connected public (wholly accessible by boat) backwaters except for:
A) U.S. Fish and Wildlife National Wildlife Refuge Waters
B) Meredosia Lake in Cass and Morgan Counties during the central zone duck season
C) Clear Lake in Mason County 7 days prior to and during the central zone duck season
6) Wabash River
7) Embarras River
8) Sangamon River, downstream of Belt Route 48 southwest of Decatur to mouth in Cass County
9) Kaskaskia River south of Route U.S. 50 Bridge to mouth in Randolph County
10) Little Wabash River
11) Big Muddy River
12) Skillet Fork
13) Cache River from Route 51 downstream to the Mississippi River via Cache Diversion Channel, but not including that portion of the Cache River between the Cache Diversion Channel Levee and the Ohio River
14) Saline River in Gallatin and Saline Counties
15) Ohio River, except for:
A) Olmsted Locks and Dam downstream to a line perpendicular with the end of the longest lock wall, including the circular cell portion
B) Smithland Dam downstream to a line perpendicular to the end of the outer lock wall
C) Within 50 yards of the mouth of any tributary or stream
CATCH AND RELEASE FISHING
Fishing with no harvest of target fish species permitted. Caught fish must be returned to the same water immediately.
CLEANING FISH ON WATERS
No fish entrails or carcass may be disposed of into the waters of Illinois after cleaning. No fish species may be dressed (filleted or head and tail removed) on any waters to which length limits are applicable.
COMMERCIAL FISH
The minimum size limit on channel catfish, flathead catfish, blue catfish and white catfish taken by commercial fishermen is 15 inches, except in the Wabash and Ohio Rivers. No channel catfish, blue catfish or flathead catfish less than 13 inches in total length may be taken from the Wabash and Ohio Rivers.
Only one channel catfish per day equal to or greater than 28 inches may be harvested from the Wabash and Ohio Rivers. Only one blue catfish and one flathead catfish per day equal to or greater than 35 inches may be harvested from the Wabash or Ohio Rivers. No paddlefish less than 28 inches in length may be taken by commercial fisherman from the Illinois or Mississippi Rivers. No paddlefish less than 32 inches may be taken by commercial fishermen from the Ohio River. No shovelnose sturgeon under 24 inches or over 32 inches in length may be taken by commercial fishermen from the Mississippi River or the Ohio River. No shovelnose sturgeon under 25 inches in length may be taken by commercial fishermen from the Wabash River. There is no size limit on carp, drum, bullhead, buffalo, sucker, shortnose gar, longnose gar, spotted gar, bowfin, yellow perch, chub, mooneye, goldeye, carpsucker and smelt. All other species may not be taken commercially, but if caught incidentally must be returned immediately to waters where taken. Additional information can be found at www.ifishillinois.org/programs/commercialfish.html" class="redactor-autoparser-object">https:// #####replacepars...
COMMERCIAL LICENSES
A commercial fishing license and sportfishing license is required for any person who uses a commercial device to harvest fish (including minnows) or crayfish. Any person assisting a licensed commercial fisherman in taking fish (including minnows) or crayfish must have a sportfishing license. A resident commercial fishing license can be issued only to persons who haveresided in Illinois for at least a year. The commercial fishing license expires March 31 annually. In addition, the holder of this license must obtain a license for each commercial device fished. All commercial fishermen shall procure a commercial roe harvest permit in addition to their commercial fishing and sportfishing license before taking roe-bearing species (bowfin, paddlefish, and shovelnose sturgeon).
A commercial musseling license is required for any person who commercially harvests mussels. Any person assisting a licensed commercial musselor in taking mussels must have a commercial musseling license. Commercial licenses and information are available at the Department of Natural Resources, Commercial Permits Office, One Natural Resources Way, Springfield, IL 62702.217-785-3423 and www.ifishillinois.org/programs/commercialfish.html" class="redactor-autoparser-object">https:// #####replacepars...
CRAYFISH
It is a violation of state law to import, possess, sell or use as bait LIVE Rusty Crayfish. The Rusty Crayfish may be distinguished by a dark rusty spot on both sides of the carapace (body) and a rustyred band followed by a dark stripe on the large pincers (claws). Rusty Crayfish destroy aquatic vegetation and eat the eggs of various fishes, which negatively affects fish reproduction. DEAD Rusty Crayfish may be used as bait.
Endangered or threatened species may NOT be taken for use as bait, LIVE or DEAD.
The following crayfish species are listed on the Illinois Aquatic Life Approved Species List and shall be allowed for use as LIVE bait in Illinois: White River Crayfish Procambarus acutus, Papershell Crayfish Orconectes immunis, Northern Crayfish Orconectes virilis, Devil Crayfish Cambarus diogenes. These approved crayfish may be captured using legal angling methods in Illinois including legal traps (see below) and cast nets, shad scoops, and minnow seines with a sportfishing license.
Those wild caught approved species (above) can be collected by any approved method may only be used as bait on the waters where collected. Crayfish taken with a sportfishing license may only be taken for personal use, and may not be sold or bartered. DEAD crayfish of any species, excluding endangered or threatened species, may be used as bait.
Crayfish traps: traps of metal screen or hardware cloth, plastic, or nylon mesh or netting may be used to capture approved crayfish. Such traps may not be more than 24 inches in width or diameter or more than 36 inches in length nor use a mesh of more than 1/2 inch bar measurement. Each entrance aperture may not exceed 1 1/2 inches in diameter. If unattended, such devices must be tagged with the name, mailing address and phone number of the person operating the device. Crayfish collected in such devices may only be used on the waters where collected, may only be taken for personal use, and may not be sold or bartered.
Only persons possessing a valid commercial fishing license may harvest and sell crayfish from designated waters. Additional information can be found at https://www.ifishillinois.org/programs/commercialfish.html
CULLING
It is illegal to replace a smaller fish held in possession with a larger fish unless: the smaller fish is counted toward the daily limit or released within the confines of a IDNR Permitted catch-and-release fishing tournament which requires the participants to have a boat live well with a pump constantly adding fresh or recirculating water.
DAILY HARVEST AND LENGTH LIMITS (STATEWIDE)
Length is measured from the tip of the snout to the end of the tail with the fish laid flat on a ruler, with the mouth of the fish closed and the tail lobes pressed together.
No fish species may be dressed (filleted or head and tail removed) on any waters to which length limits are applicable. Regardless of where taken, no fish less than the specified minimum length or more than the daily harvest shall be possessed while taking from, or on the waters to which length limits and/or daily harvest limits apply.
DAILY FEE FISHING AREA
A sport fishing license and “Inland Trout Stamp” are not required to fish in a Department of Natural Resources licensed daily fee fishing area. Daily Fee Fishing Areas by administrative rule are defined as any privately owned water area that is controlled, operated or managed for fishing and utilized by persons who pay a daily fee, either directly or indirectly; water bodies that are controlled, operated or managed as private club lakes, organizational lakes or lake developments are not eligible to receive a daily fee fishing area license.
DIP NETS
A sport fishing license allows the holder to harvest smelt in Lake Michigan with a dip net not exceeding 12 feet in diameter and having a mesh size not less than 1 inch diagonal stretch. In other waters carp, carpsucker, buffalo and gizzard shad may be taken with a dip net up to 15 feet in diameter and with a mesh size no less than 1 1/2 inches bar measure.
Such equipment may not be used within 100 feet of a dam or to harvest game fish.
DISABLED OUTDOOR OPPORTUNITIES
The Illinois Department of Natural Resources is committed to providing greater access and more programs for persons with disabilities. We want to make it easier for disabled individuals to hunt, fish, and pursue other outdoor activities. DNR’s intention is to expand these opportunities so more individuals may take part. For more information, contact IDNR at 618-435-8138 ext. 130.
ENDANGERED AND THREATENED SPECIES OF AQUATIC LIFE
There are more than 80 species of aquatic life in Illinois currently on the State Endangered and Threatened Species (E&T) List which may not be taken for any purpose. For more information or to obtain a listing of these species of aquatic life, please go to https:// ;www2.illinois.gov/dnr/ESPB/Pages/ReportOccurrence OfEndangeredOrThreatenedSpecies.aspx and click on the link List of EndangeredSpecies in Illinois.
Species on the E&T list most likely taken by sport fishing include the River Redhorse, Greater Redhorse, Lake Sturgeon, and Mudpuppy. Accidental catches of E&T Species should be released immediately.
FISHING
Fishing shall be defined as taking or attempting to harvest aquatic life in any waters of the State, by any method, and all other acts such as placing, setting, drawing or using any device commonly used for the taking of aquatic life, whether resulting in taking or not. This also applies to the removal of dead and decaying aquatic life. MAY 1, 2013 17 ILL. ADM. CODE CH. I, SEC.810.
FISH ATTRACTORS
Sport fishermen may wish to add habitat or ‘fish attractors’ to their favorite fishing location, however fish attractors can only be put in public lakes with permission from your IDNR County Fish Biologist. Fish attractors may be put in private ponds and lakes.
FISH DISPOSAL / WANTON WASTE – AQUATIC LIFE ABANDONMENT
Except as provided in this Section, it is unlawful for any person at any time to take or possess any fish, reptiles, amphibians, mollusks and crustaceans authorized by this Part in Illinois waters by sportfishing methods and then intentionally leave or abandon such aquatic life or portions thereof resulting in wanton or needless waste.
“Wanton or needless waste” means to place, leave, dump or abandon any aquatic life or aquatic life parts protected by this Part along or upon any public right-of-way or highway, waterway or stream, or on any public or private property without the permission of the owner or tenant. No disposal of aquatic life or aquatic life portions shall be allowed on State owned or leased properties except at designated fish cleaning stations, where available.
This section shall not apply to fish or fish parts used for the purposes of bait or other lawful purposes or to injurious species of fish that accidentally jump into a watercraft and are immediately returned to the water.
FISH PRESERVES
All waters under state jurisdiction are statutorily fish preserves, open only to sport fishing. However, certain waters are open to commercial fishing by administrative rule. Contact the Department of Natural Resources for more information.
FISHING GUIDES
Fishing guides are required to possess a passenger for hire license. More information can be found by visiting the IDNR website at: https://www.dnr. illinois.gov/boating/Pages/PassengerRentalBoat License.aspx
FREE FISHING DAYS
During the period of June 17, 18, 19 and 20, 2022, it shall be legal for any person to fish in waters wholly or in part within the jurisdiction of the State, including the Illinois portion of LakeMichigan, without possessing a sport fishing license, salmon stamp or inland trout stamp.
FREE GROUP FISHING PERMITS
The Illinois Department of Natural Resources may issue at no cost group fishing permits for hospital patients, nursing home residents, or handicapped people in connection with supervised fishing for therapy. The IDNR reserves the right to determine if the group falls within the definitions listed above.
For more information or an application form, write the Illinois Department of Natural Resources: One Natural Resource Way, Springfield, IL 62702.
FROGS (Bullfrogs Only)
Methods of Taking and Capture
A sport fishing license is required to harvest bullfrogs. Bullfrogs may be taken by hook and line, gig, pitchfork, spear, bow and arrow, hand, or landing net.
No person shall harvest bullfrogs or any other reptile or amphibian by commercial fishing devices, including, hoop nets, traps or seines or by the use of firearms, air guns or gas guns or during bowfishing tournaments.
All other species of unprotected reptiles and amphibians (excluding common snapping turtles and bullfrogs) may only be taken by hand. This shall not restrict the use of legally taken reptiles or amphibians as bait by sport fishermen.
Any captured reptiles or amphibians which are not to be retained in the possession of the captor shall be immediately released at the site of capture, unless taken with a lethal method(such as bow and arrow, gig, spear, pitchfork) which does not permit “release with no harm”. All such taken common snapping turtles and bullfrogs must be kept and counted in the daily harvest. No culling of such taken species is permitted. No person shall harvest or possess any species of reptile or amphibian listed as endangered or threatened in Illinois (17 Ill. Adm. Code 1010 except as provided by 17 Ill. Adm.Code 1070).
Season
Bullfrogs may be taken only between June 15 and October 15, both dates inclusive.
Daily Harvest and Possession Limits
The daily Harvest limit for bullfrogs is 8 with a possession limit of 16.
For indigenous amphibian and reptile taxon, which may only be taken by hand, (excluding common snapping turtles and bullfrogs) the possession limit is 8 collectively with no more than 4 per taxa.
HARVEST
Any aquatic life taken into possession from any waters of the State by any method. Harvested fish from more than one angler may be kept on the same stringer or in the same basket or livewell, assuming all harvest and length limits are followed.
HARVESTING FISH ON PRIVATE PROPERTY
State wide daily creel and length limits do not apply to a person fishing in waters wholly within his or her private property.
ICE FISHING
A sport fishing license is required for ice fishing. The ice angler may use a maximum of three poles or tip-ups with no more than two hooks on each line. Sites with a two pole and line fishing only restriction may use a maximum of two poles or tipups. Holes cut in the ice are limited to 12-inch diameter or less. Shelter structures are limited to portable construction of metal or wood framework, covered with canvas, paper, plastic material or similar fabric. Each shelter shall have the name and address of the owner attached, and after March 1 the shelter must be removed when not in use, and not left unattended at any time. All poles and tipups shall be constantly attended and kept under observation by the angler.
ILLEGAL DEVICES
Use of the following devices in the taking of aquatic life is prohibited: electricity or electrical devices, except lights; lime; acid; medical, chemical or mechanical compounds; dope; drugs; fishberry; dynamite; nitroglycerine or other explosive; snare; treated grain; firearms; air gun; gas gun; wire basket; wire seine; wire net; wire trotline or limb lines of any kind.
INJURIOUS SPECIES
To prevent the introduction and spread of aquatic nuisance species, Illinois has implemented an Injurious Species regulation (Administrative Code 805). Of special note to sport fishermen, this rule prohibits the possession of LIVE species deemed to be harmful to our lakes and rivers, and to the fish and wildlife that inhabit them. These harmful species include, but are not limited to:
The injurious aquatic life species listed above may be immediately returned unharmed from where they were taken. In example, a Round Goby caught on pole and line can be immediately returned to the waters where taken. An Asian carp that jumps into a boat can be immediately returned to the waters where taken.
To view the complete list of regulated species and full text of Administrative Code 805, please visit http://www.ilga.gov/commission/jcar/admin- code/017/01700805sections.html.
For more information on aquatic nuisance species, log on to https://www.ilga.gov/commission/ jcar/admincode/017/01700805sections.html or contact the IDNR Aquatic Nuisance Species Program by phone at 217-785-8772 or by email at [email protected]
INLAND TROUT STAMP - ALL WATERS
(except Lake Michigan)
Sport fishermen are required to purchase an “Inland Trout Stamp” prior to taking of trout from all waters except Lake Michigan. Fees are (including agent’s fees): Resident and Non-resident; annual $6.50
Resident; 65 years old and over.................... $6.50
Resident; 75 years old and over.................... $0.50
Resident and non-resident under 16 years of age................................... NONE
The 24-hour license does not include trout fishing privileges.
MINNOWS
A minnow is statutorily defined as any fish in the minnow family (Cyprinidae) except carp and goldfish.
Persons possessing a valid sport fishing license may harvest minnows with cast nets (not larger than 24 feet in diameter and having a mesh size not larger than 1 inch bar measurement), shad scoops (not larger than 30 inches in diameter or longer than 4 feet in length and having a bar mesh size not larger than 1/2 inch), or a minnow seine (no longer than 20 feet in length, deeper than6 feet or having a mesh size larger than 1/2 inch bar measurement), or a trap not more than 36 inches in length, 24 inches in width, and with mesh no larger than 1/2 inch bar measurement.
Collected minnows may NOT be transported between water bodies LIVE or DEAD.
MUSSELS
Only persons possessing a valid commercial musselor license may harvest and sell mussels from designated waters. Persons possessing a sportfishing license may possess up to 50 relic mussel shells for personal collection. Additional information can be found at https://www.ifishillinois.org/ programs/commercialfish.html
POLLUTION
The Department of Natural Resources cooperates with the Environmental Protection Agency in conducting pollution investigations. Sport fishermen are often the first to observe water pollution, and their assistance is invited in reporting these instances to District and Regional Fisheries Biologists, to a Conservation Police Officer or to the Division of Fisheries in Springfield.
It is unlawful for waste or sewage to be discharged into waters so as to kill aquatic life. It is also unlawful to abandon or deposit wire, cans, bottles, glass, paper, trash, rubbish, cardboard, wood cartons, boxes, trees, brush or other insoluble materials into the water or on the ice, or at any place on the bank where such debris is liable to
be washed into the water. Strict penalties are provided for violation of this section of the statute.
PROPERTY
Consideration for others is a philosophy of the sportsman. Consent of the landowner or occupant of the premises shall be obtained before fishing or attempting to harvest aquatic life on another’s property or within waters other than public waters of the state. Care should be taken not to cause damage to the property.
PURPLE PAINT LAW
The State of Illinois has implemented the Purple Paint Law providing landowners or lessees the option to use purple paint in conjunction with no trespassing signs to mark property boundaries.
RELIC MUSSEL SHELL
A relic (dead) mussel shell is defined as one which apparently died of natural causes within the water and contains no meat or soft parts; it readily exhibits noticeable sediment, vegetation, algal or mineral stains, discolorations, soiling, weathering or other visual evidence on its interior surface which clearly and unambiguously shows the mussel shell has not been cooked-out or freshly treblehookcleaned.
SALE OF AQUATIC LIFE
No fish, amphibians, reptiles, crayfish, or parts thereof (including eggs or resulting offspring) taken by sport fishing license methods (including snagging) may be bought, sold or bartered.
SALMON STAMP - LAKE MICHIGAN
Sport fishermen are required to purchase a “Lake Michigan Salmon Stamp” prior to taking of salmon and trout from Lake Michigan. Fees are (including agent’s fee):
Resident and non-resident; annual................. $6.50
Resident; 65 years old and over..................... $6.50
Resident; 75 years old and over..................... $0.50
Resident and non-resident under 16 years of age.................................... NONE
The 24-hour license does not include salmonid fishing privileges in Lake Michigan.
SEASONS
Sport fishing is open year-round (except as noted in the Site Specific Regulations section and for turtle and frog season).
SMELT
The sport fishing season for smelt is from March 1 through April 30 (check local seasonal regulations for smelt fishing from Chicago Park District properties). A sport fishing license entitles the angler to harvest smelt. Waters of Lake Michigan comprise Illinois’ smelt fishery. Smelt may be taken with a seine or gill net not more than 12 feet long, 6 feet deep and with mesh size not more than 1 inch diagonal stretch, or by dip net not more than 12 feet in diameter with mesh size not less than 1 inch diagonal stretch. Trolley or power lines may also be used by sport fishermen in taking smelt (see Trot and Trolley Line section). No person shall operate more than one smelt net device at any one time. All fish taken other than smelt must be released immediately.
SNAGGING
a) Sport fishermen are permitted only one pole and line device to which can be attached no more than two hooks. On the Mississippi River between Illinois and Iowa, the maximum treblehook size is 5/0; gaffs may not be used to land paddlefish.
b) Species of Fish and Snagging Harvest Limit.
1) Only the following species of fish and harvest limit may be taken by snagging:
Asian Carp (no live possession) – no harvest limit
Common Carp – no harvest limit
Buffalo – no harvest limit
Freshwater Drum – no harvest limit
Salmon (coho and chinook only) – five fish, in the aggregate, daily harvest limit
Paddlefish – two per day; the maximum length limit for paddlefish taken from the Mississippi River between Illinois and Iowa is 33-inch eye-fork length (EFL) (all paddlefish greater than or equal to 33-inch EFL must be immediately released back to the Mississippi River); the minimum length limit for paddlefish taken from the Mississippi River between Illinois and Missouri is 24-inch EFL(all paddlefish less than or equal to 24-inch EFL must be immediately released back to the Mississippi River).
Bowfin – no harvest limit
Gizzard shad – no harvest limit
Carpsuckers – no harvest limit
Longnose gar – no harvest limit
Shortnose gar – no harvest limit
Suckers – no harvest limit
2) No sorting (i.e., catching more fish than is allowed and putting back some in order to keep larger ones) of snagged salmon and paddlefish is permitted, except for paddlefish taken from the Mississippi River between Illinois and Missouri where sorting is permitted. Every paddlefish snagged must be included in the daily harvest limit. Every salmon 10 inches in total length or longer snagged must be taken into immediate possession and included in the daily harvest limit. Once the daily limit of salmon or paddlefish has been reached, snagging must cease.
c) Waters Open to Snagging and Snagging Season.
1) Snagging for fish is permitted from September 15 through December 15 and from March 15 through May 15 within a 300 yard downstream limit below all locks and dams of the Illinois River, except for the area below the Peoria Lock and Dam where snagging is permitted year round.
2) Snagging for fish is permitted from September 15 through December 15 and from March 15 through May 15 within a 300 yard downstream limit below all locks and dams of the Mississippi River between Illinois and Missouri, except for the Chain of Rocks low water dam at Chouteau Island Madison County, also known as Dam 27 at the Chain of Rocks – Madison County where no snagging is permitted. Snagging is permitted from 1/2 hour before sunrise to 1/2 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.
3) Snagging for fish is permitted year-round within a 100 yard limit upstream or downstream of the dam at Horseshoe Lake in Alexander County.
4) Snagging for chinook and coho salmon only is permitted from the following Lake Michigan shoreline areas from October 1 through December 31; however, no snagging is allowed at any time within 200 feet of a moored watercraft or as posted:
A) Lincoln Park Lagoon from the Fullerton Avenue Bridge to the southern end of the Lagoon.
B) Waukegan Harbor (in North Harbor basin only).
C) Winnetka Power Plant discharge area.
D) Jackson Harbor (Inner and Outer Harbors).
d) Disposition of Snagged Salmon and Paddlefish. All snagged salmon and paddlefish must be removed from the area from which they are taken and disposed of properly, in accordance with Article 5, Section 5-5 of the Fish and Aquatic Life Code. (Source: Amended at 35 Ill. Reg. 4011, effective February 22, 2011)
SPORTFISH
Principal sport fish are the muskellunge, tiger muskie, northern pike, walleye, sauger, saugeye, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, spotted bass, striped bass, hybrid striped bass, white bass, yellow bass, bluegill, redear sunfish, rock bass, white crappie, black crappie, trout and salmon. These may be taken only with sport fishing devices by sport fishermen having sport fishinglicenses. Other species such as paddlefish, catfish, yellow perch, freshwater drum and carp are considered both sport and commercial fish, and the means of taking and purposes for which they are taken prescribe the type of license required. Still other species are considered commercial fish, though when taken on sport fishing devices an angler must have a sport fishing license. A fourth category is endangered and threatened aquatic life. (See Endangered and Threatened Aquatic Life).
SPORTFISHING (HOOK AND LINE METHODS UNDER A SPORTFISHING LICENSE)
Length is measured from the tip of the snout to the end of the tail with the fish laid flat on a ruler, with the mouth of the fish closed and the tail lobes pressed together.
No fish species may be dressed (filleted or head and tail removed) on any waters to which length or bag limits are applicable. Regardless of where taken, no fish less than the specified minimum length or more than the daily harvest shall be possessed while taking from, or on, any waters to which length or bag limits and/or daily harvest limits apply. While taking from areas designated as “Catch and Release Only”, all catch and release species must be immediately released back into the waters from which taken.
SPORTFISHING LICENSE
A sport fishing license entitles an angler to harvest fish, crayfish, turtles or bullfrogs within limits denoted in the Statewide Harvest and Size Limits Table, except for endangered and threatened aquatic life. It is unlawful to sell any aquatic life, or parts thereof, taken by a sport fishing license. Aquatic life may be taken by hand or other legal devices permitted by the sport fishing license which includes: pole and line, bank pole and line, dip net throw line, trot line, buoyed device (jug fishing), or other legal devices not exceeding 50 hooks in total (except as noted under “Ice Fishing” section). Also permitted are legal-sized cast nets, shad scoops and minnow seines (see Baitfishing section). Smelt may be taken in Lake Michigan with legal size dip nets, gill nets andseines. Two untagged sport fishing devices are allowed; each device in excess of two must be tagged with the angler’s name and address. If attached to a tree, the device must be attached only to the main trunk below the water line. All unattended devices must be marked with the angler’s name, address and phone number.
Special fishing regulations at certain water areas prohibit the use of some devices or numbers of devices; please check the Site Specific Regulations which are contained in this document and are posted at various locations at the sites (boat ramps and site offices) where applicable.
STOCKING
Fish may be released into the waters from which they were taken, but permission from the Department of Natural Resources must be secured before releasing fish in other waters, except for private water owners. An owner of a body of water may release aquatic life found on the Aquatic Life Approved Species List into waters wholly upon his or her property so long as the aquatic life is purchased from a licensed Aquatic Life Dealer or Illinois Aquaculturist. Transporting aquatic life or natural water from a public water to private waters is prohibited. It is illegal to import, stock, or possess live diploid grass carp, silver carp, bighead carp or hybrid grass carp or any species not found on the Aquatic Life Approved Species List. A Restricted Species Transportation Permit must be secured from the Department of Natural Resources before importing or stocking triploid grass carp.
SUNFISH AS BAIT
There is nothing in the Illinois Fish Code which prohibits the use of legally taken sunfish as bait for another species of fish, but sunfish can only be used in the body of water from which they were taken. The sunfish must have been taken by a properly licensed sport fisherman using legal sportfishing devices. You must also observe all length limits and daily harvest limits both where the sunfish were taken and where they are being used as bait. Also, it is illegal to cut up or dress or be in possession of cut up or dressed fish on any body of water where there is a size limit for that particular species of fish. Examples of sunfish species legal for use as bait include bluegill, redear sunfish, green sunfish, longear sunfish, pumpkinseed sunfish, warmouth and their hybrids.
TAGGED FISH
Fisheries biologists attach tags to many fish for research purposes. Please report all tags found. If the fish is kept, return the tag to the address printed on the tag or the local fisheries office in your area. If a tagged fish is released, the tag should be reported but left in the fish in good condition. Information regarding the species of fish caught, the length and the weight of the fish, location captured, and the tag number, if present, should also be reported.
Sport fishermen are strongly advised to not tag or fin clip fish caught on state and/or public waters.
In addition to tags, many trout and salmon stocked into Lake Michigan are marked by clipping off one or two fins. Sport fishermen harvesting any trout or salmon with only the adipose fin removed are asked to save the head which contains important information. The adipose fin is the small, fleshy fin found on the backs of trout and salmon between the dorsal fin and the tail. Please record the length and weight of the fish as well as the date and location where caught.
TAKE
To lure, kill, destroy, capture, gig or spear, trap or ensnare, or attempt to do so.
TRANSPORTING WATER, FISH, OR OTHER AQUATIC LIFE
It shall be unlawful to:
1) import or move live aquatic life without securing permission from the Department (bait purchased from a licensed bait shop may be transported);
2) remove natural water from waters of the State via bait bucket, livewell, baitwell, bilge, etc.;
3) remove any watercraft, boat, boat trailer or other equipment from waters of the State without emptying and draining any bait bucket, livewell, baitwell, bilge, etc., or any other compartment capable of holding natural waters; and
4) use wild-trapped fishes as bait within the State of Illinois, other than in the waters where they were legally taken.
Private pond and lake owners may stock any aquatic life found on the Aquatic Life Approved Species List, so long as the aquatic life is purchased from a licensed Aquatic Life Dealer orIllinois Aquaculturist.
TROLLING
Trolling is permissible, provided the angler has not more than three poles and lines with not more than two hooks or lures on each, except in waters where there is a 2 pole and line only designation.
TROT AND TROLLEY LINES
Hooks on trot lines, throw lines and similar devices shall be spaced not less than 24 inches apart, except on trolley or power lines used in Lake Michigan. Trot, throw lines and similar devices are unlawful on “two pole and line fishing only” areas unless specifically authorized in the Site Specific Regulations section of this booklet. Fish taken by these methods must not exceed the statewide regulations (harvest limits and length limits). Trotlines and other legal hook and line devices shall not have more than 50 hooks and must be checked at least every 24 hours. Trotlines and other sportfishing devices left unattended must be tagged with the name, mailing address, and phone number of the operator. All required tags shall be in a position to be at all times exposed to public view.
TURTLES (Common Snapping Turtle only) and AMPHIBIANS (Bullfrogs only)
Methods of Taking and Capture
Common snapping turtles (Chelydra serpentina) may be taken only by hand, hook and line, or bow and arrow except in the following Illinois counties where bowfishing for common snapping turtles is not permitted: Randolph, Perry, Franklin, Hamilton, White, Gallatin, Saline, Williamson, Jackson, Union, Johnson, Pope, Hardin, Massac, Pulaski, and Alexander.
The alligator snapping turtle (Macrochelys temminckii) is protected and may not be taken by any sport fishing method.
No person shall harvest common snapping turtles or any other reptile or amphibian by commercial fishing devices, including, hoop nets, traps or seines or by the use of firearms, air guns or gas guns.
All other species of unprotected reptiles and amphibians (excluding common snapping turtles and bullfrogs) may only be taken by hand. This shall not restrict the use of legally taken reptiles or amphibians as bait by sport fishermen.
Any captured reptiles or amphibians which are not to be retained in the possession of the captor shall be immediately released at the site of capture, unless taken with a lethal method (such as bow and arrow, gig, spear, pitchfork) which does not permit “release with no harm”. All such taken common snapping turtles and bullfrogs must be kept and counted in the daily harvest limit. No culling of such taken species is permitted.
No person shall harvest or possess any species of reptile or amphibian listed as endangered or threatened in Illinois (17 Ill. Adm. Code 1010 except as provided by 17 Ill. Adm. Code 1070).
Season
Common snapping turtles may be taken only between June 15 and October 15, both dates inclusive. Common snapping turtles and bullfrogs may not be taken by bowfishing tournament participants.
Daily Harvest and Possession Limits
The daily harvest limit for common snapping turtles is 2 with a possession limit of 4. The daily harvest limit for bullfrogs is 8 with a possession limit of 16.
For indigenous amphibian and reptile taxon, which may only be taken by hand, (excluding common snapping turtles and bullfrogs) the possession limit is 8 collectively with no more than 4 per taxa.
TWO POLE AND LINE FISHING ONLY
Refers to fishing with hook and line methods only excluding multiple hooks gear such as trot lines, bankpoles, or jugs. Commercial and bowfishing methods are permitted on public waters except as described in this digest and in Commercial Fishing Administrative Rule 830.
STATEWIDE SPORTFISHING REGULATIONS
AQUATIC LIFE
STATEWIDE CREEL AND SIZE LIMITS*
LARGEMOUTH BASS, SMALLMOUTH BASS, SPOTTED BASS
Daily harvest limit is 6 bass, either singly or in the aggregate, except as specified under Site Specific Regulations. In streams and rivers (excluding the main-stem of the Mississippi, Ohio, including the Golconda Marina and Wabash Rivers) the daily harvest can contain no more than 3 smallmouth bass. In rivers and streams and their tributaries statewide, except for the Mississippi, Ohio (including the Golconda Marina), Wabash and Illinois Rivers, Calumet River, Lake Calumet Connecting Channel, Calumet Sag Channel and navigable portions of the Grand Calumet River and Little Calumet River, all smallmouth bass must be immediately released between April 1 and June 15. There is no statewide size limit.
MUSKELLUNGE, NORTHERN PIKE AND THEIR HYBRIDS
All muskellunge and muskellunge hybrids (tiger muskie) taken must be 36˝ in total length
or longer, except as specified under Site Specific Regulations. No more than 1 muskellunge or muskellunge hybrid (tiger muskie) may be taken per day, except as specified under
Site Specific Regulations. All northern pike taken must be 24˝ in total length or longer, except in the Mississippi River and Ohio River where there is no size limit. No more than
3 northern pike may be taken per day, except as specified under Site Specific Regulations.
CRAPPIE (WHITE, BLACK OR HYBRID CRAPPIE)
There are no harvest or size limits except in those waters listed under Site Specific Regulations.
BLUEGILL, REDEAR SUNFISH, OTHER SUNFISH
There are no harvest or size limits except in those waters listed under Site Specific Regulations.
PADDLEFISH
Daily harvest limit is 2 paddlefish. Please refer to Site Specific Regulations for the Mississippi River between Illinois and Iowa and the Mississippi River between Illinois and Missouri.
ALLIGATOR GAR
Harvest limit is 1 alligator gar per 24 hours.
STRIPED BASS (OCEAN ROCKFISH), WHITE BASS, YELLOW BASS AND HYBRIDS
There are no daily harvest limits or minimum size limits for striped bass (ocean rockfish),
white bass, yellow bass and their hybrids, which are less than 17˝ in total length, except in those waters listed under Site Specific Regulations. For these fish 17˝ in total length or longer, the daily limit is 3 fish, either singly or in the aggregate, except in the Mississippi River between Illinois and Missouri where there is a 30 fish daily harvest limit for all striped, white, yellow or hybrid striped bass. In the Mississippi River between Illinois and Iowa, there is a 25 fish daily harvest on striped bass, white bass, yellow bass and their hybrids, either singly or in the aggregate.
TROUT AND SALMON
Daily harvest limit is 5 trout or salmon, either singly or in the aggregate.
WALLEYE, SAUGER OR THEIR HYBRID
All walleye, sauger, or their hybrid (saugeye) taken must be 14˝ in total length or longer, except in theMississippi River, Wabash River, or as specified under Site Specific Regulations. Daily harvest limit is 6 walleye, sauger or their hybrid, either singly or in the aggregate, except in those waters listed under Site Specific Regulations.
LAKE STURGEON
Protected; No possession.
INJURIOUS SPECIES
For injurious species, as described in 17 Ill. Adm. Code 805, there are no harvest or size limits. Possession of live specimens, progeny thereof, viable eggs, or gametes is prohibited.
COMMON SNAPPING TURTLES AND BULLFROGS
Season: June 15 to October 15, both dates inclusive. The daily harvest limit for common snapping turtles is 2 with a possession limit of 4. The daily harvest limit for bullfrogs is 8 with
a possession limit of 16. Indigenous Amphibian and Reptile taxa (excluding common snapping turtles and bullfrogs) possession limit is 8 collectively with no more than 4 per taxa
*The above are statewide sportfish regulations. Specific water areas may have sportfish regulations which differ and are more restrictive. Please check the Site Specific Sportfish Regulations which follow and are posted (at boat launches and at site offices) at each water area where applicable. State Endangered and Threatened Species may not be taken for any purpose.
SITE SPECIFIC SPORTFISHING REGULATIONS
Fishing regulations, including species of fish, amphibian (bullfrog), or reptile(common snapping turtle), fishing methods and daily harvest limits are listedfor each water area. The numbers in parentheses refer to the correspondingnumbered definitions. If a water area is notlisted, or if a specific species is not listed, then statewide restrictions apply.
Check the bulletin boards at the specific site for any emergency changesto 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.
SITE SPECIFIC SPORTFISHING REGULATIONS DEFINITIONS
SITE SPECIFIC REGULATION CODES IN PARENTHESES - The subsections listed below are referred to by number in the Site Specific Regulations listed. Water areas listed in that section may have numbers in parenthesis which refer to definitions listed below.
SECTION 810.37 DEFINITIONS FOR SITE SPECIFIC SPORTFISHING REGULATIONS
a) 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 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.
b) The following subsections are referred to by number in Section 810.45. Each water area listed in Section810.45 has numbers in parentheses that explain all of the restrictions or special provisions in this Section that apply to that water area.
1) Sport fishermen must not use more than two poles and each pole must not have more than two hooks or lures attached while fishing, except that legal size cast nets, (in accordance with subsection 810.50(a)(1)) 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. Bowfishing is prohibited unless otherwise noted in this digest.
2) 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.
3) All largemouth and smallmouth bass taken must be less than 12 inches in total length or greater than or equal to 15 inches in total length.
4) Sport fishermen shall be allowed to use trotlines, jugs, and by hand, except that sport fishermen may not submerge any pole or similar object to take or locate any fish and the use and aid of underwater breathing devices is prohibited. West of Wolf Creek Road, fishing from boats is permitted all year. Trotlines/jugs must be removed from sunrise until sunset from Memorial Day through Labor Day. East of Wolf Creek Road, fishing from boats is permitted from March 15 through September 30. Fishing from the bank is permitted all year only at the Wolf Creek and Route 148 causeways. On the entire lake, jugs and trotlines must be checked daily and must be removed on the last day they are used. It is illegal to use stakes to anchor any trotlines; they must be anchored only with portable weights and must be removed on the last day they are used. The taking of carp, carpsuckers, shad, drum, buffalo, gar, bowfin and suckers with spear, gig, bow and arrow or archery device is permissible.
5) Sport fishermen may harvest carp, carpsuckers, buffalo, gar, bowfin and suckers by pitchfork, gigs, bow and arrow or bow and arrow devices.
6) Sport fishing is allowed in the Fox River south of the Illinois-Wisconsin line to the Algonquin Dam and the Nippersink Creek upstream to the Wilmot Road Bridge.
7) Sport fishermen may harvest carp, buffalo, suckers and gar by bow and arrow or bow and arrow devices, gigs or spears during May and June.
8) Daily harvest limit includes striped bass, white bass, yellow bass and hybrid striped bass either singly or in the aggregate.
9) Catch and Release Fishing Only means that fish (all or identified species) caught must be immediately released alive and in good condition back into the water from which they came.
10) 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.
11) It shall be illegal to possess trout during the period of March 15 to 5 a.m. on the first Saturday in April (both dates inclusive) that were caught during that period.
12) Daily harvest limit for largemouth and smallmouth bass, either singly or in the aggregate, shall not exceed six fish, no more than one of which may be greater than or equal to 15 inches in total length and five may be less than 12 inches.
13) Jug fishing is permitted from the hours of sunset to sunrise and carp and buffalo may be taken by bow and arrow devices from May 1 through September 30. All jugs must have owner’s/user’s name and complete address affixed.
14) Daily harvest limit includes all fish species (either singly or in the aggregate) caught within each of the following fish groupings.
A) Largemouth or smallmouth bass
B) Walleye, sauger, or their hybrid
C) Bluegill, redear sunfish, or pumpkinseed, or hybrid sunfish
D) Channel or blue catfish
15) Daily harvest limit includes white, black or hybrid crappie either singly or in the aggregate.
16) Daily harvest limit includes striped bass, white bass and hybrid striped bass either singly or in the aggregate.
17) Daily harvest limit shall not exceed 10 fish, no more than three of which may be greater than or equal to 17 inches in total length.
18) Clinton Lake − Sport fishermen shall be allowed to use trotlines, jugs and bank poles in the portions of the lake that lie north of the Route 54 Railroad Bridge and northeast of the Route 48 Bridge. Sport fishermen may harvest carp, carpsuckers and buffalo by bow and arrow, bow and arrow devices, gigs and spears on the entire lake, but not within 150 feet of any boat ramp, dock, beach or other developed recreation areas. All jugs and trotlines set in a body of water shall be under the immediate supervision of the angler.
19) 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.
20) Carlyle Lake (including its tributary streams and those portions of the Kaskaskia River and Hurricane Creek up to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Carlyle Lake Project boundaries), U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Bond, Clinton and Fayette Counties. Does not include the tail waters. Sport fishermen may not use a minnow seine, cast net or shad scoop for bait collecting between U.S. Route 50 and the Carlyle Lake dam and spillway.
21) Lake Shelbyville (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 ponds), U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Shelby and Moultrie Counties. Does not include the tailwater, except for the 48 inches total length and live bait rig requirement for muskellunge (see subsections (b)(40) and (43)).
22) Rend Lake (including its tributary streams and those portions of the Big Muddy and Casey Fork Rivers up to the Rend Lake Project boundaries), Rend LakeProject Ponds, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Franklin and Jefferson Counties. Does not include tail waters. Sport fishermen may not use a minnow seine, cast net, or shad scoop for bait collecting within 1,000 yards downstream of the Rend Lake Dam and Spillway.
23) Daily harvest limit for black, white or hybrid crappies, singly or in the aggregate, shall not exceed 20 fish, no more than 10 of which may be less than 10 inches in total length and no more than 10 of which may be greater than or equal to10 inches in total length.
24) 15 inch minimum length limit for walleye with no possession of walleye greater than or equal to 20 inches and less than 27 inches in total length − protected slot length limit.
25) Daily harvest limit for largemouth or smallmouth bass, singly or in the aggregate, shall not exceed three fish per day, no more than one of which may greater than or equal to 15 inches in total length and no more than two of which may be less than 15 inches in total length.
26) Lake Vermilion – Trotline and jug fishing allowed north of Boiling Springs Road.
27) Bank fishing is prohibited. Boat fishing is permitted May 1 through August 31 during the hours of 2:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. See site for additional regulations and exact opening and closing dates.
28) Trotlines may be set within 300 feet from shore.
29) Carp, buffalo, suckers and carpsuckers may be taken by means of pitchfork and gigs (no bow and arrow devices).
30) Fishing is permitted from March 15 through September 30, both dates inclusive, from sunrise to sunset. Fishing during all other times of the year is illegal and not permitted.
31) Daily harvest limit for largemouth or smallmouth bass, singly or in the aggregate, shall not exceed three fish daily, no more than one of which may be greater than or equal to 15 inches in total length and no more than two of which may be less than 12 inches in total length.
32) Daily harvest limit of striped bass, white bass, yellow bass and hybrid striped bass, singly or in the aggregate, shall not exceed four fish per day, which must be greater than or equal to 15 inches in total length.
33) It shall be unlawful to trespass upon a designated waterfowl hunting area during the seven 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 two weeks prior to the start of the regular duck season through the end of duck and Canada goose season.
34) 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.
35) 14 inch minimum length limit for walleye, sauger or hybrid walleye, either singly or in the aggregate, with no possession of fish greater than or equal to 18 inches and less than 24 inches in total length. There is a four fish daily harvest limit of which only one can be greater than or equal to 24 inches in total length.
36) 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 tail waters from that portion of the Embarras River from the Charleston Lower Channel Lake Dam downstream to the Route 130 Bridge.
Clinton Lake tail waters from that portion of Salt Creek from the Clinton Dam downstream to the Route 10 Bridge.
Cook County Forest Preserve District Waters (except in the Des Plaines River).
Lake Decatur tail waters from that portion of the Sangamon River from the Lake Decatur Dam downstream to the Route 48 Bridge.
37) Daily harvest limit for smallmouth bass shall not exceed three fish, no more than one of which may be greater than or equal to 18 inches in total length and two may be less than 12 inches in total length.
38) Daily harvest limit for largemouth and smallmouth bass, either singly or in the aggregate, shall not exceed six fish, no more than one of which may be greater than or equal to 18 inches in total length and five may be less than 14 inches.
39) Powerton Lake shall be closed to boat traffic, except for legal waterfowl hunters, from one week prior to regular waterfowl season to February 15, and closed to all unauthorized entry during the regular goose and duck season.
40) The 48 inch total length limit on pure muskellunge applies to that body of water listed as well as any tail waters 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 McHenry 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.
41) 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.
42) During duck season, walk-in only access for fishing from the bank is permitted after 1:00 p.m.
43) When using live bait, all live bait in excess of 8 inches 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 two treble hooks attached anywhere on the live bait; single hooks are prohibited. This subsection (b)(43) does not apply to trotlines, jug lines, etc., if allowed on the lake.
44) Sport fishermen may harvest carp from boat by bow and arrow and bow and arrow devices, but not within 150 feet of any developed recreation areas.
45) Sport fishermen may harvest carp, buffalo, suckers and gar by bow and arrow devices, gigs or spears (except during waterfowl season) but not within 200 yards of any developed recreational areas.
46) Daily harvest limit for largemouth and smallmouth bass, either singly or in the aggregate, shall not exceed three fish, no more than one of which may be greater than or equal to 18 inches in total length and two may be less than 12 inches.
47) 14 inch minimum length limit for walleye, sauger or hybrid walleye, either singly or in the aggregate with no possession of fish greater than or equal to18 inches or less than 26 inches in total length. There is a three fish daily harvest limit of which only one fish can be greater than or equal to 26 inches in total length.
48) Sport fishermen may harvest carp, buffalo, suckers and gar by bow and arrow or bow and arrow devices, gigs or spears, except when closed under site regulations(17 Ill. Adm. Code 110) and posted on site.
49) Length limit regulation exemptions for fishing tournaments may be allowed for any fish species found in water body.
50) Daily harvest limit for largemouth or smallmouth bass, singly or in the aggregate, shall not exceed 3 fish daily, no more than one of which may be greater than or equal to 18 inches in total length and no more than 2 of which may be less than 14 inches in total length.
51) Lake Decatur, (including all boundaries within the City of Decatur) from the dam to the Sangamon River at Macon County Highway 25 (North Oakley Road) and the area west of Baltimore Ave. Does not include the tailwater.
52) Daily harvest for muskellunge shall not exceed 1 fish greater than or equal to 36 inches, but less than 42 inches, or 1 fish greater than or equal to 48 inches in total length.
53) 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 NorthBranch, South Branch and the North Shore Channel.
COUNTY LISTING OF ILLINOIS WATERS: Locations by County
Adams
Arrowhead Heights Lake
Siloam Springs Lake
Alexander
Horseshoe Lake – Alexander Co.
Bond
Governor Bond Lake
Patriot's Park Lake
Pocahontas Park Ponds
Boone
Belvidere Ponds
Blue Pond
Little Casters Pond
Island Pond
Mill Race Ponds
Brown
Mt. Sterling Lake
Siloam Springs State Park Buckhorn Unit Waters
Bureau
Donnelley State Wildlife Area
Hormel Pond
Mautino Fish and Wildlife Area
Calhoun
Batchtown Wildlife Management Area
Calhoun Point Wildlife Management Area
Fuller Lake
Godar-Diamond/Hurricane Island Wildlife Management Area
Helmbold Slough
Red’s Landing Wildlife Management Area
Riprap Landing
Cass
Jim Edgar/Panther Creek Fish and Wildlife Area – Drake Lake
Jim Edgar/Panther Creek Fish and Wildlife Area, Prairie Lake and all Ponds
Jim Edgar/Panther Creek Fish and Wildlife Area, Gridley Road Lake
Meredosia Lake – Cass County Portion
Meredosia Lake – Cass County Portion Only (meandered waters only)
Champaign
Champaign Park District Lakes (Kaufman Lake, Heritage Lake, and Mattis Lake)
Crystal Lake
Homer Lake
Lake of the Woods & Elk’s Pond
Middle Fork Forest Preserve Pond
River Bend Forest Preserve Lakes (Sunset Lake and Shadow Lake)
Christian
Kincaid City Reservoir
Lake Taylorville
Taylorville Park District Pond
Christian/Sangamon
Sangchris Lake
Clark
Casey Park Pond
Lincoln Trail Lake
Mill Creek Lake
Clay
Charlie Brown Lake & Pond
Clinton
Breese JC’s Park Pond
Eldon Hazlet State Park (See Also Carlyle Lake)
Germantown Lake
Homer Guthrie Pond – Eldon Hazlet State Park
Clinton/Bond/Fayette
Carlyle Lake
Coles
Campus Pond – Eastern Illinois University
Charleston Lower Channel Lake
Charleston Side Channel Lake
Coles County Airport Lake
Fox Ridge State Park (see also Hurricane Pond, Wilderness Pond and Ridge Lake)
Hurricane Pond
Lake Mattoon
Lake Paradise
Lincoln Log Cabin Pond
Oakland City Lake
Ridge Lake
Wilderness Pond
Cook
Auburn Park Lagoon
Axehead Lake
Beck Lake
Belleau Lake
Bullfrog Lake
Busse Lake
Calumet River
Cermack Quarry
Chicago River (including its North Branch, South Branch, and the North Shore Channel)
Columbus Park Lagoon
Commissioners Park Pond
Cook Co. Forest Preserve District Lakes
Des Plaines River Basin (Hoffman Dam to 47 Street Bridge, including tributaries)
Douglas Park Lagoon
Flatfoot Lake
Garfield Park Lagoon
Gompers Park Lagoon
Heritage Quarries
Horsetail Lake
Humbolt Park Lagoon
Jackson Park (Columbia Basin) Lagoon Lake Opeka
Lake Owen
Lake Shermerville
Lincoln Park North Lagoon
Lincoln Park South Lagoon
Maple Lake
Marquette Park Lagoon
McKinley Park Lagoon
Palmissano Pond (Stern’s Park Quarry)
Riis Park Lagoon
Sag Quarry East
Schiller Pond
Sherman Park Lagoon
Skokie Lagoons
Tampier Lake
Wampum Lake
Washington Park Lagoon
William W. Powers Conservation Area
Wolf Lake, William W. Powers Conservation Area
Crawford
Crawford Co. State Fish and Wildlife Area – Picnic Pond
Crawford Co. State Fish and Wildlife Area Ponds
Oblong Lake
Cumberland
Lake Mattoon
Montrose Lake
Toledo Reservoir
DeKalb
Shabbona Lake
Storm Lake
DeWitt
Clinton Lake
Weldon Springs Lake
Douglas
Tuscola City Lake
Villa Grove East Lake
Villa Grove West Lake
Walnut Point Lake
DuPage
DuPage River – West Branch (between the dams located in the McDowell Grove Forest Preserve and the Warrenville Grove Forest Preserve)
Elliott Lake
Forest Preserve District of Dupage County Lakes and Ponds
Fox Valley Park District Lakes and Ponds
Mallard Lake
Silver Lake
Edgar
Paris East & West Lakes
Edwards
West Salem Reservoir
Effingham
Altamont Reservoir
Dieterich Park Pond
Lake Sara
Fayette
Lake Nellie
Ramsey Lake
Ramsey Lake State Park Ponds
Tower Lake (St. Elmo South Lake )
Vandalia Lake
Franklin and Jefferson
Rend Lake
Rend Lake Project Ponds – Jackie Branch Pond, Ina N. Borrow Pit, Green Heron Pond, North Marcum Campground Pond
Franklin
Buckner City Reservoir
Christopher Old City Lake
Sesser City Lake
West Frankfort New City Lake
West Frankfort Old City Lake
Fulton
Anderson Lake Fish and Wildlife Area
Canton Lake
Double “T” State Fish and Wildlife Area
Emiquon Preserve – Thompson Lake
Fulton County Camping and Recreation Area Waters Rice Lake Fish and Wildlife Area
Gallatin
Omaha City Reservoir
Omaha Township Reservoir
Shawnee National Forest – Pounds Hollow Lake
Greene
Roodhouse Park Lake
Greenfield City Lake
White Hall City Lake
Grundy
Heidecke Lake (41)
Grundy/Kankakee/Will
Mazonia Lakes & Ponds (excluding Ponderosa Lake)
Grundy/LaSalle/Will
Illinois & Michigan Canal
Hamilton
Dolan Lake
McLeansboro City Lakes
Hamilton/Jefferson
Ten Mile Creek Lakes
Hancock
Carthage Lake
Horton Lake
Hardin
Shawnee National Forest – Tecumseh Lake
Shawnee National Forest – Whoopie Cat Lake
Henderson
Gladstone Lake
Henderson Creek State Fish and Wildlife Area
Henry
Andover Lake
Johnson Sauk Trail Lake & Pond
Iroquois
Watseka City Ponds (Clements Pond, Kapers Pond and Municipal Center Pond)
Jackson and Union
Giant City Park Ponds
Jackson
Burning Star State Fish and Wildlife Area
Campbell Pond Wildlife Management Area
Campus Lake – Southern Illinois University
Carbondale City Reservoir
Cedar Lake and Little Cedar Lake
Kinkaid Lake
Lake Murphysboro
Shawnee National Forest – Little Cedar Lake
Shawnee National Forest – Turkey Bayou
Jasper
Newton Lake
Sam Parr Lake
Jefferson
Mt. Vernon City Park Lake
Mt. Vernon Game Farm Pond
Jersey
Crull Impoundment Wildlife Management Area
Glades − 12 Mile Island Wildlife Management Area
Stump Lake Wildlife Management Area
Jo Daviess
Apple River (within Apple River Canyon State Park and Satellite Boundaries)
Apple River and tributaries
Hanover Lake – Apple River Canyon State Park
Johnson
Ferne Clyffe Lake
Shawnee National Forest – Dutchman Lake
Shawnee National Forest – Little Cache #1
Johnson/Pulaski
Cypress Creek National Wildlife Refuge − Cache River from Rt. 37 to Rt. 51 in Ullin
Johnson/Pulaski/Union
Cypress Creek National Wildlife Refuge − All Ponds
Kane
Forest Preserve District of Kane County lakes and Ponds
Fox Valley Park District Lakes and Ponds
Kankakee
Bird Park Quarry
Eagle Lake
Heiland Lakes
Monster Lake
Perry Farm Pond
Rock Creek
Ponderosa Lake
Wilderness Area
Kendall
Foli Park Pond
Kendall Co. Lake #1
Silver Springs S.P. (Big Lake) & Ponds
Knox
Buffalo Prairie Pheasant Habitat Area Lakes and Ponds (Buffalo Lake South, Buffalo Lake North, Buffalo Pond Northwest, Buffalo Wetland)
Lake Storey
Snakeden Hollow State Fish and Wildlife Area – McMaster Lake & Other Site Waters
Lake and McHenry
Fox Chain O’Lakes (including the Fox River south of the Wisconsin-Illinois boundary to the Algonquin Dam and the Nippersink Creek upstream to the Wilmot Road Bridge) (6) (Applies to Grass Lake and Nippersink Lake State Managed Blind Areas Only)
Lake
Banana Lake
Bevier Lagoon
Diamond Lake
Fox River Marina
Gages Lake
Grayslake Park District (Grayslake and Park Ponds)
Illinois Beach State Park Ponds
Lake Co. Forest Preserve District Lakes (except Independence Grove Lake)
Mundelein Park District Ponds
Sand Lake
Sterling Lake
Turner Lake
Valley Lake
Lake/Cook
Lake Michigan (Illinois Portion)
LaSalle
Bakers Lake Coal Miner’s Park Pond
Illinois River − Starved Rock Pool
Lake Kakusha
Lake Mendota
LaSalle Lake
Matthiessen Lake
Starved Rock State Park
Lawrence
Embarras River Bottoms State Habitat Area
Red Hills Lake
Lee
Franklin Creek (within the boundaries of Franklin Creek State Natural Area)
Franklin Creek Mill Pond − Franklin Creek State Park
Logan
Ed Madigan State Park Pond
Mt. Pulaski Park District Lake
Macon
Decatur Park Dist. Ponds
Fairview Park – Dreamland Pond
Fletcher Park Pond
Lake Decatur
Macon County Conservation District Ponds (see also Rock Springs Pond and Rock Springs Bike Trail Pond)
Rock Springs Bike Trail Pond
Rock Springs Pond
Sportsman’s Club Pond
Macoupin
Beaver Dam Lake
Bunker Hill Lake
Carlinville Lake #1
Carlinville Lake #2
Gillespie New City Lake
Gillespie Old City Lake
Mt. Olive City Lakes (Old and New)
Otter Lake
Palmyra – Modesto Water Commission Lake
Staunton City Lake
Madison
Belk Park Pond
Gordon F. More Park Lake
Highland Old City Lake
Horseshoe Lake − Madison County
Marine Heritage Lake
Silver Lake
Tri-Township Park Pond
Madison/Jersey
Piasa
Marion
Boston Pond
Centralia Foundation Park Catfish Pond
Centralia Lake
Forbes State Lake (including Forbes State Lake tailwaters and that portion of Lost Fork Creek within Stephen A. Forbes State Park)
Forbes State Park Ponds
Kinmundy Reservoir
Old Kinmundy Reservoir
Raccoon Lake
Salem Reservoir
Marshall
Marshall County Conservation Area – Sparland Unit
Marshall County Conservation Area (Fishing Ditch)
Mason
Chautauqua Lake North and South Pools
Mason/Cass/Schuyler/Menard
Sanganois Conservation Area (33) (42)
Massac
Fairgrounds Pond – Fort Massac State Park
Mermet State Lake
McDonough
Argyle Lake
Spring Lake
McHenry
Defiance Lake
Fox River (at Moraine Hills State Park and Dam and on Bolger Lock and Dam Properties)
Lake Atwood
McCullom Lake
McHenry County Conservation District Lakes and Ponds
Piscasaw Creek
Three Oaks South Lake
McLean
Bloomington Park District Lakes (Anglers Lake, Holiday Lake, Miller Park Lake, Tipton Lake and White Oaks Lake)
Boyd-Wesley Park Pond
Chenoa City Lake
Dawson Lake & Park Ponds
Evergreen Lake
Heyworth Centennial Lake
Lake Bloomington
Miller Park Lake
Monroe
Valmeyer Lake
Montgomery
Coffeen Lake
Coffeen Upland Management Pond
Glen Shoals Lake
Hillsboro Old City Lake
Litchfield City Lake
Lou Yeager Lake
Walton Park Lake
Morgan
Ashland City Old Reservoir
Ashland City Reservoir
Lake Jacksonville
Mauvaise Terre/Morgan Lake
Waverly Lake
Moultrie
Woods Lake
Wyman Lake
Moultrie/Shelby
Lake Shelbyville (21)
Lake Shelbyville – U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Project Ponds and Lake Shelbyville State Fish and Wildlife Management Area Ponds
Multiple
Fox River, Algonquin Dam to confluence with the Illinois River, including tributaries
Hennepin Canal – Mainline & Feeder
Illinois River
Iroquois & Kankakee Rivers and their Tributaries
Kankakee River (from the Kankakee Dam to the mouth of the Kankakee River, including tributaries)
Kankakee-Iroquois Rivers and their Tributaries
Kishwaukee River and South Branch of Kishwaukee River and Tributaries
Mississippi River (between IL & IA)
Mississippi River (between IL & MO)
Mississippi River Pools 16, 17, 18, 21, 22, 24
Mississippi River Pools 25 and 26
Ohio River – Smithland Pool Tributary Streams (in Pope/ Hardin/Gallatin Counties, excluding Wabash River and Saline River Above Route 1 Bridge)
Ohio River (between Illinois & Kentucky)
Rock River, Wisconsin State Line downstream to confluence of the Mississippi River, including tributaries
Shawnee National Forest Lakes and Ponds less than 10 acres
Ogle
Lake Sule
Pine Creek
Pine Creek (within the boundaries of White Pines Forest State Park)
Spring Pond
Peoria
Charter Oak North – Peoria Park District Lake
Charter Oak South – Peoria Park District Pond
Glen Oak Park Lagoon
Jubilee College State Park Pond
Peoria/Fulton
Banner Marsh Lake & Ponds
Perry
DuQuoin City Lake
DuQuoin State Fair Grounds – All Lakes and Ponds
Pinckneyville Lake
Pyramid State Park – Blue Wing Lake, Green Wing Lake, Goldeneye Lake and Mallard Lake
Pyramid State Park – Captain, Denmark, Galum and East Conant Areas – All Lakes and Ponds except Blue Wing Lake, Green Wing Lake, Goldeneye Lake and Mallard Lake
Pyramid State Park Lakes & Ponds (excluding Captain, Denmark, Galum and East Conant Areas)
Pike
Pittsfield City Lake
King Park Lagoon
Pope
Shawnee National Forest – Bay Creek Lake #5 and #8 (Sugar Creek Lake)
Shawnee National Forest – Lake Glendale
Shawnee National Forest – One Horse Gap Lake
Pulaski/Johnson
Cache River State Natural Area
Putnam
Hennepin-Hopper Lakes
Randolph
Baldwin Lake
Coulterville City Lake
Randolph County Lake
Route 154 Day Use Pond
Sparta “T” Lake Sparta City Lakes
Sparta City Reservoir (South)
Sparta World Shooting and Recreational Complex − Derby Lake
Sparta World Shooting and Recreational Complex Lakes
Turkey Bluff Ponds
Richland
Borah Lake
East Fork Lake
Vernor Lake
Rock Island
Lake George
Prospect Pond
Riverside Park Lagoon
Rock River, from the Sears and Steel Dam downstream to confluence of the Mississippi River
Saline
Harrisburg New City Reservoir
Jones Lake Trout Pond
Jones State Lake
Sahara Woods Fish and Wildlife Area
Sangamon
Conservation World Ponds
Illinois Department of Transportation Lake
Lake Springfield
Lake Williamsville
Loami Reservoir
Mechanicsburg Park Pond
Rochester Park Pond
Southwind Park Pond
Washington Park Pond
Schuyler
Schuy-Rush Lake
Weinberg-King Pond
Shelby and Christian
Pana Lake
Shelby
Forest Park Lagoon
Hidden Springs State Forest Pond
Lake Mattoon
St. Clair
Peabody River King, Pit #3 Lakes and Ponds (see also Willow Lake for additional regulations)
Frank Holten Lakes
Jones Park Lake
Marissa City Lake
Mascoutah Reservoir
Willow Lake
Kaskaskia River Fish and Wildlife Area – Doza Creek Wildlife Management Area
Stephenson
Lake Le-Aqua-Na
Lake Le-Aqua-Na Kids Only Fishing Pond
Waddams Creek
Yellow Creek
Tazewell
Bowen Lake
Brock Lake
Mackinaw SFWA Ponds 1 and 2
Mineral Springs Park Lagoon
Powerton Lake
Spring Lakes (North & South)
Union
Anna City Lake
Dongola City Lake
Union County Fish and Wildlife Area – All lakes and ponds
Vermilion
Clear Lake
Kickapoo State Park Lakes & Pond
Lake Mingo & Kennekuk Cove Park Ponds
Lake Vermilion
Middle Fork of the Vermilion River
Tilton City Lake
Wabash
Beall Woods Lake
Warren
Citizen’s Lake
Washington
Nashville City Lake
Washington County Lake
Wayne
Sam Dale Lake
Sam Dale Trout Pond
White
Burrells Wood Park Pond
Norris City Reservoir
Whiteside
Carlton Silt Basin
Centennial Park Pond
Lake Carlton
Lake Sinnissippi
Will
Braidwood Lake, Braidwood State Fish and Wildlife Area (41)
Indian Boundary South Pond
Lake Chaminwood
Lake Milliken
Lake Strini
Monee Reservoir
Route 6 Quarries (East and West)
Turtle Lake (East Lake Renwick)
Vanhorn Woods Pond
Whalon Lake
Woodlawn Pond
Williamson
Arrowhead Lake
Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge – Crab Orchard Lake
Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge – Devil’s Kitchen Lake
Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge – Little Grassy Lake
Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge – Visitors Pond
Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge Restricted Use Area Ponds (30), except Visitor Pond, and Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge − All Other Ponds
Herrin Lake #1
Herrin Lake #2
Winnebago
Baumann Park Lake
Four Lakes
Kent Creek
Lake Victoria
Levings Lake
Olson Lake
Pierce Lake
Winnebago/ Stephenson
Pecatonica River and Tributaries
Woodford
Lake Eureka
Woodford County Conservation Area (Fishing Ditch)
SITE SPECIFIC SPORTFISHING REGULATIONS
Statewide Sportfishing Regulations are enforced in addition to each area’s Site Specific Regulations
Crab Orchard Visitor Pond, Williamson Co. (walk-in only, no boats)
40
X
X
X
X
X
X
DA
Dawson Lake, McLean Co.
150
X
X
X
NW
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
DA
Deep Quarry Lake, DuPage Co.
40
X
E
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Defiance Lake, McHenry Co.
47
X
X
E
P
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
ZM
Des Plaines River
X
X
X
X
X
X
Devil’s Kitchen Lake, Williamson Co.
810
X
X
10
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Dolan Lake, Hamilton Co.
71
X
X
10
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
DuPage River
X
X
X
X
Dutchman Lake, Johnson Co.
118
X
X
10
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
DA
East Fork Lake, Richland Co.
935
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Emiquon Preserve, Fulton Co.
4,000
X
X
E
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
DA
Evergreen Lake, McLean Co.
925
X
X
X
10
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
DA
Ferne Clyffe Lake, Johnson Co.
16
0
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
ZM
Fox Chain O’Lakes, Lake/McHenry
7,110
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
DA
Forbes Lake, Marion Co.
525
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Four Lakes, Winnebago Co.
19
P
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
ZM
Fox River
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Frank Holten Lakes, St.Clair Co.
180
X
X
X
10
P
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Gladstone Lake, Henderson Co.
27
X
X
E
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Glenn Shoals Lake, Montgomery Co.
1,200
X
X
X
X
P
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Governor Bond Lake, Bond Co.
775
X
X
120
P
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
DA ZM
Heidecke Lake, Grundy Co.
1,955
X
X
X
P
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
DA
Hennepin Canal, Bureau Co.
-
X
X
A
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Hennepin-Hopper Lake
1,500
X
X
0
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Herrick Lake, DuPage Co.
19
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Homer Lake, Champaign Co.
80
X
X
E
X
P
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
DA
Horseshoe Lake, Madison Co.
2,430
X
X
50
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
I&M Canal, Will/Grundy/LaSalle Co
-
X
E
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
DA
Jim Edgar/Panther Creek State F& W Area, Gridley Lake, Cass Co.
25
X
X
NW
P
X
X
X
X
X
Prairie Lake, Cass Co.
210
X
X
X
NW
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Drake Lake, Cass Co.
35
X
X
E
P
X
X
X
X
X
Johnson Sauk Lake, Henry Co.
58
X
X
X
0
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Glen O Jones Lake, Saline Co.
105
X
X
10
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
ZM
Kankakee River
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Kaskaskia River
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
DA
Kickapoo Lakes, Vermilion Co.
184
X
X
X
E
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Kinkaid City Reservoir, Christian Co.
31
X
X
P
X
X
X
X
X
DA
Kinkaid Lake, Jackson Co.
2,750
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Kishwaukee River
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
DA
Lake Bloomington, McLean Co.
635
X
X
X
40
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
DA
Lake Carlton, Whiteside Co.
77
X
X
X
10
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
ZM
Lake Chaminwood, Will Co.
48
X
E
P
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
DA
Lake Charleston, Upper Side Channel, Coles Co.
346
X
X
NW
P
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Lake Chatauqua, Mason Co.
1,200
X
X
NW
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
DA
Lake Decatur, Macon Co.
3,093
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Lake Eureka, Woodford Co.
30
X
X
E
P
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Lake George, Rock Island Co.
167
X
X
X
0
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
DA
Lake Le-Aqua-Na, Stephenson Co.
43
X
X
X
0
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Lake Mattoon, Shelby/Cumberland
1,050
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
ZM
Lake Michigan, Cook/Lake Cos.
976,640
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Lake Milliken, Will Co.
26
P
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Lake Mingo, Vermillion Co.
170
X
X
10
P
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Lake of Eqypt, Johnson Co.
2,400
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Lake of the Woods, Champaign Co.
25
X
X
X
P
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Lake Pittsfield, Pike Co.
220
X
X
X
P
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Lake Shelbyville, Shelby/Moultrie
11,100
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
DA
Lake Springfield, Sangamon Co
4,234
X
X
X
X
P
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
DA
Lake Storey, Knox Co.
133
X
X
X
E
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Lake Sule (seasonal) Ogle Co.
77
X
X
X
P
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Lake Taylorville, Christian Co.
1286
X
X
X
X
X
P
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Lake Vermillion, Vermillion Co.
666
X
X
X
X
P
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Lake Victoria, Winnebago Co.
16.5
X
X
P
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
DA
LaSalle Lake, LaSalle Co.
2,050
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Levings Lake, Winnebago Co.
25.5
X
0
X
P
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
DA
Lincoln Trail Lake, Clark Co.
146
X
X
X
10
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Little Grassy Lake, Williamson Co.
1,000
X
X
X
10
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Lou Yaeger Lake, Montgomery Co.
1268
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
DA
Mallard Lake, DuPage Co.
89
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Maple Lake, Cook Co.
55
X
X
E
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Maple Lake, DuPage Co.
32
X
X
X
X
ZM
Marshall County Lake, Marshall Co.
2,557
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
DA
Mautino State Fish & Wildlife Area,Bureau Co.
74.2
X
X
E
P
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Mazonia Lakes, Grundy/Kankakee Cos.
576
X
X
B
P
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
DA
McCullom Lake, McHenry Co.
245
X
X
10
X
P
X
X
X
X
X
McMaster Lake, Knox Co.
142
X
X
10
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Mechanicsburg Park Pond, Sangamon Co.
7
X
X
X
X
DA
Mermet Lake, Massac Co.
452
X
X
NW
P
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Mill Creek Lake, Clark Co.
811
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Monee Reservoir, Will Co.
43
X
E
P
X
X
X
X
X
X
Mt. Pulaski Park District Pond, Logan Co.
20
X
X
X
X
DA
Lake Murphysboro, Jackson Co.
144
X
X
10
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
DA
Newton Lake, Jasper Co.
1,750
X
X
25
P
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
ZM
North Branch Chicago River - Cook Co.
X
X
X
X
Olson Lake, Winnebago Co.
45
X
0
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Otter Lake, Macoupin Co.
765
X
X
X
115
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Paris Twin Lakes, Edgar Co.
220
X
X
X
X
P
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Peabody River King Pit #3 Lakes and Ponds, St.Clair Co.
526
X
X
10
P
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Pecatonica River
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Pierce Lake, Winnebago Co.
162
X
X
X
NW
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Powerton Lake, Tazewell Co.
1,426
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Pyramid State Park Lakes, Perry Co.
1,500
X
X
NW
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
DA
Ramsey Lake, Fayette Co.
47
X
X
X
0
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
DA
Randolph County Lake, Randolph Co.
65
X
X
X
10
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Red Hills Lake, Lawrence Co.
40
X
X
E
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
DA
Rend Lake, Franklin/Jefferson Cos.
18,900
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Rice Lake, DuPage Co.
36
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Rice Lake, Fulton Co.
1,383
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Rock River
X
X
X
X
NW
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Rock Run (Route 6 Quarries), Will Co.
82
X
X
E
P
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Saganashkee Slough, Cook Co.
325
X
X
E
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Sahara Woods FWA, Saline Co.
275
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Sam Dale Lake, Wayne Co.
194
X
X
X
10
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
DA
Sam Parr Lake, Jasper Co.
180
X
X
10
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Sand Lake, Lake Co.
18
X
X
X
X
X
Sangamon River
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Sanganois Lakes, Cass Co.
1,550
X
X
10
P
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Sangchris Lake, Christion Co.
2,165
X
X
25
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Schuy-Rush Lake, Schuyler Co.
220
X
X
X
P
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
DA
Shabbona Lake, DeKalb Co.
319
X
X
X
10
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Siloam Springs Lake, Adams Co.
58
X
X
X
0
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
DA
Silver Lake, DuPage Co.
62
X
X
X
E
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
DA
Silver Springs Lakes, Kendall Co.
21
X
X
X
0
P
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
ZM
Skokie Lagoons, Cook Co.
190
X
X
E
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Spring Creek Reservoir, DuPage Co.
49
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Spring Lake, McDonough Co.
277
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Spring Lake (North), Tazewell Co.
578
X
X
X
25
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Spring Lake (South), Tazewell Co.
610
X
X
X
25
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Tampier Lake, Cook Co.
160
X
X
X
E
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Ten Mile Creek Lake, Jefferson/Hamilton Cos.
200
X
X
10
X
X
X
X
X
X
Turner Lake, Lake Co.
35
X
0
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
DA
Walnut Point Lake, Douglas Co.
59
X
X
X
E
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Wampum Lake, Cook Co.
35
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
DA
Washington County Lake, Washington Co.
247
X
X
X
10
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
DA
Weldon Springs Lake, Dewitt Co.
29
X
X
X
E
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Whalon Lake, Will Co.
81
X
X
E
P
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
ZM
Wolf Lake, Cook Co.
391
X
X
X
NW
P
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
ZM
Woodford County Conservation Area Lakes, Woodford Co.
2,790
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
SPECIAL REGULATIONS: Those lakes marked with an (X) in the Special Regulations column above have regulations which differ from the statewide regulations. Please check the Site Specific Regulations section of this publication or as posted at each lake where applicable. All regulations and activities are subject to change. *10 = 10 h.p. limit; X = no h.p. limit; 0 = no outboard motors allowed; E = electric trolling motors only. A = 10 h.p. limit except from Lock 24 west to Rt. 82 bridg
ZM - Zebra mussels have been found in these waters.
DA - Some disabled accessible fishing facilities present.
DON’T TAKE AN ALLIGATOR SNAPPING TURTLE!
ALLIGATOR SNAPPING TURTLES ARE A STATE ENDANGERED SPECIES AND FULLY PROTECTED BY LAW
The State of Illinois is reintroducing the native alligator snapping turtle to strategic watersheds in Illinois.
You can help recover this unique reptile by:
Learning the difference between common snapping turtles and alligator snappers.
Protecting river corridors and associated wetland habitat.
Reporting any illegal capture, harvest or possession of alligatorsnapping turtles. 1-877-2DNRLAW(236-7529)
Alligator: 3 rows of prominent, pyramid-shaped projections on shell; large head; pronounced beak; worm-like lure on tongue. May NOT be taken in Illinois.
Common: Smooth shell with moderate projections; long neck and tail with sawtooth projections. These turtles may legally be taken with an Illinois fishing license. The daily harvest limit is 2 turtles and possession limit is 4.
TOURNAMENT FISHING PERMIT
a) Fishing Tournament Permit issued by the Department of Natural Resources is required for any fishing tournament event. This includes Hook andLine Fishing Tournaments and Bowfishing Tournaments, that are held in any of the waters listed in Section 810.45, Section 810.15(d); and in any publicowned or Department managed lake, river, or stream in Illinois.
b) The Fishing Tournament Permit received by the applicant will also serve as the IDNR Site Activity Permit for tournaments held at IDNR sites. Copies ofthe IDNR Fishing Tournament Permit must be in the possession of the tournament director or organizer at all times. Within 30 days after the tournamentevent, a summary report containing catch data that may include the sizes (length and/or weight), numbers of each fish caught, the length of thetournament (fishing hours), number of participants, number of boats, the number of participants that brought in their limit and the number of fish killedduring the handling must be provided to the IDNR-Division of Fisheries. Subsequent Fishing Tournament permits for the following year(s) may not beissued until the summary reports have been submitted for the current or previous years. Requests for a Fishing Tournament Permit shall be made at theIFishIllinois website. Fishing Tournament Permit applications may be submitted beginning November 1 of each year for the following year.Applications cannot be accepted more than one year in advance pursuant to 17 Ill. Adm. Code 115. If the tournament is not on a state site (as listed onthe online form) the applicant must receive permission from the water owner prior to holding the event.
c) In addition to the Fishing Tournament Permit, activities held at Department sites requires either: (1) proof of liability insurance of $1,000,000; or(2) the Tournament Organizer or Director will require each individual who participates in the event to sign a liability waiver, obtained from the site office,prior to the event or: The box requesting this information must be checked on the online tournament application form.
d) Definitions:
“Fishing Tournament” – An organized competitive fishing event, other than a fishing derby, where two or more individuals fish during a specified time period. To be considered a fishing tournament, an event must include the following factors: sponsored or promoted by an individual or organization, involves the award of trophies, cash, prizes or other recognition for participation in the tournament, and will be conducted on a particular body of water or multiple waters.
“Fishing Derby” – An organized event conducted for children under the age of 16 or who are attending high school, senior citizens (65 years old and older), sport fishermen with disabilities, or school-sanctioned groups when the principal purpose is education or enjoyment, rather than competition among sport fishermen. Tournament Permits are not required for a Fishing Derby.
e) The Statewide Daily Harvest Limit per person of no more than 6 largemouth, smallmouth, or spotted bass (black bass) may be in possession while participating in a Hook and Line Fishing Tournament.
f) Site-specific harvest, possession, or creel limits listed in Section 810.45 cannot be exempted or exceed the statewide harvest, possession, or creel limits for any fish species.
g) Rules for issuance of Special Length Limit Regulation Exemption Permits are as follows:
1) For Muskie Tournaments - An IDNR Fishing Tournament Permit for catch, hold for weigh-in and release tournaments for all waters is permitted with no Special Length Limit Regulation Exemption Permits required. Fish must be released unharmed immediately after quick weigh-in.
2) Lake Michigan - Regulation exemptions may be granted for bass fishing tournaments on Lake Michigan. The regulations for all bass tournaments will be: 14˝ minimum length limit, 3 fish per person daily catch limit.
3) The Mississippi, Ohio and Wabash rivers are not eligible for permits that exempt participants from daily harvest and size limits due to regulatory agreements with neighboring states.
4) Illinois High School (IHSA) sanctioned or other youth-only catch and release tournaments will be issued Special Length Limit RegulationExemption Permits. That regulation will be a 12˝ minimum length limit, 5 fish per boat. Youth is defined as 18 years old and younger.
h) Requests for a Fishing Tournament Permit shall be made on applications provided by the Department of Natural Resources, Division of Fisheries and available online on the IDNR and IFISHILLINOIS websites. Applications must be received not less than 30 days prior to the first tournament date and must be completely filled out or they may be rejected.
i) Issuance or denial of a permit shall be based upon the following criteria:
1) The capability of the fishery resource to absorb the tournament with minimal impact to its well-being.
2) The location of the tournament, special management zones on rivers and streams and waters with restrictive creel and length limits, identified in Section 810.45, are not eligible for permits except as noted in Section 810.90(a).
3) The evaluation of the adverse impacts resulting from the additional fishing pressure generated by the tournament on the fish population and the targeted fish species. Consumptive Hook and Line Fishing Tournaments are not eligible for Special Length Limit Regulation Exemption Permits.The evaluation must demonstrate minimal and short-term impacts in order for the Department of Natural Resources to issue the permit. Specific items to be considered include:
A) biological status of the fish population, including the species sought; and
B) timing of the tournament with regard to date, hours and water conditions; and
C) length of fishing hours for the tournament; and
D) need for emergency protective procedures to protect the sport fisheries resources of the State and the general health, safety and welfare of the general public as provided for in 810.80 and
E) number of boats and sport fishermen participating in the tournament; and
F) safety of sport fishermen and potential boater-user conflicts.
4) Demonstrates adequate provisions for holding, handling, and releasing caught fish. Specific criteria are:
A) Tournament officials must be able to certify that all boats will be required to possess a live well (except muskie fishing tournaments) fitted with a functioning aerator and water pump.
B) If a common release boat or vehicle is utilized, the sport fishermen transporting the fish to be released are exempt from the Daily HarvestLimit. When using a common release boat, permits granting exemptions from Daily Harvest Limits may be obtained by contacting theIDNR-Division of Fisheries 217- 782-6424. A common release boat and holding tank used to transport fish for release shall be adequate to carry a tank constructed of a suitable material (aluminum or fiberglass) with smooth interior walls with no obstructions to trap or injure fish. The tank must be able to hold at least one gallon of water per pound of fish, provide adequate aeration, and maintain constant desirable temperature to sustain their well-being. The tank must have operating hatches to prevent fish from jumping out of the tank and allow quick opening and closing for introduction and removal of fish. Individual boats and sport fishermen returning their catches of fish back to a release site must adhere to daily creel limits. Tournament officials must be able to certify that a common release boat is being utilized for this tournament.
C) For catch, hold for weigh-in, and release muskie tournaments, all boats must have a fish cradle (made from netting) to temporarily hold the muskie in the water while an official determines the length or weight of the fish prior to release. Muskies may not be transported to a weigh-in site.
5) Appeals to denied permits must be made in writing to the IDNR Division of Fisheries within 10 days of receipt of the denial. Any supplemental information requested must be included in the appeal.
j) No Special Length Limit and/or Harvest Limit Regulation exemptions are allowed to site specific regulations (not to exceed the statewide statutory limits) on: waters listed in Sections 810.45 or public water listed in Section 810.15 with restrictive limits; and the Mississippi, Ohio and Wabash Rivers due to regulator agreements with neighboring states.
All carp species legal to take with bowfishing methods listed in Sections 810.45 have an unlimited take. No possession of live Asian carp is permitted.
No exemptions will be granted for the wanton waste and fish abandonment provisions in Section 810.14.
k) Failure to acquire a permit as referenced in subsection (a) is a petty offense and may result in denial of future applications for a Fishing Tournament Permit.
l) Fishing Tournaments held on the Mississippi River between Illinois and Iowa must be permitted with an Illinois Fishing Tournament Permit in addition to an Iowa Fishing Tournament Permit, if also fishing Iowa waters. Tournaments held in Iowa waters in June, July and August must conclude at 2:00PM or be out of Iowa jurisdiction by 2:00 PM, with the exception of evening tournaments starting after 4:00 PM. See following link for more details onIowa Fishing Regulations: http://www.iowadnr.gov/Fishing/Fishing-Licenses-Laws/Additional-Regulations/Fishing-Tournaments.
ILLINOIS SPORT FISHING AWARDS PROGRAMS (HOOK AND LINE OR BOWFISHING)
The Division of Fisheries offers several angler recognition awards for fish caught in Illinois waters either by hook and line or by bowfishing methods.
Junior angler awards are for young sport fishermen under 16 years of age catching their first Illinois fish. Catch and Release (hook and line only), Big Fish, Master Angler, Grand Slam, and State Record are available to any angler or angling group meeting the eligibility requirements outlined in the rules. Refer to the rules section on the IFISH website for more information.
Available on the www.ifishillinois.org website are the Jr. Angler, Catch & Release, and Big Fish certificates. They may be downloaded and printed from your personal computer. Completed applications with associated information for Master Angler, Grand Slam, and State Record must be sent to the Division of Fisheries for processing. Awards are returned to the angler at the end of the current fishing season.
The Illinois Department of Natural Resources has inaugurated state record recognition awards for spearing and bowfishing in designated Illinois’ waters. Archery and spearing harvest of eligible fish species has grown dramatically in the past decade and the Department wants to acknowledge those anglers and their sport.
The sites below provide a wealth of information on Bowfishing in Illinois.
APPLICATIONS MAY BE OBTAINED BY CALLING 217/782-6424 OR BY DOWNLOADING FROM THE www.ifishillinois.org WEBSITE.
FISH KILLS IN ILLINOIS LAKES AND PONDS
The sudden appearance of dead fish causes considerable concern for lake or pond owners. The first reaction to the discovery of dead fish is to suspect pollution or poisoning of the water body. However, most fish kills result from natural occurrences, although the frequency and severity are occasionally influenced by humans. Few fish kill calls reported to IDNR are caused from spills or illegal dumping of toxic substances. Most fish kills occur when oxygen in the water drops to low levels that are not suitable for fish survival.
Weather patterns, water temperature, depth, density of aquatic plants and algae, naturally occurring viruses or bacteria or a combination can influence a fish kill. Prolonged cloudy weather, drought conditions, overcrowded fish populations, excessive algal or other plant growths and high water temperatures are the most common factors that trigger fish kills. Call your local District Fisheries Biologist listed or on IFISHILLINOIS.ORG to discuss what steps to take after a fish kill in your pond or lake and to learn what you can do help your lake or pond avoid fish kills in the future.
ANGLER ALERT! KNOW YOUR STURGEON!
Did you know there are three species of sturgeon in waters of Illinois? With a maximum age of 150 years, the state-endangered Lake Sturgeon is the largest of the three species growing as large as 8 feet long and 300 pounds! Lake Sturgeon are being caught more frequently by Illinois’ anglers as a result of state and federal recovery efforts.
Lake Sturgeon are a protected species and MUST BE RELEASED IMMEDIATELY.
Photo credit: Missouri Department of Conservation
The state and federally-endangered Pallid Sturgeon can live over 40 years and reach a size of 5 feet long and 65 pounds. Pallid Sturgeon are a protected species and MUST BE RELEASED IMMEDIATELY.
Shovelnose Sturgeon is the smallest of the three species, living over 20 years and rarely reach sizes over 30 inches and 5 pounds. Shovelnose Sturgeon continue to support a regulated commercial fishery in designated waters of Illinois
CATCHABLE TROUT PROGRAM
The Illinois Department of Natural Resources reinstated its Catchable Trout Program in 1994. Various lakes and streams are annually stocked with catchable size (10-11 inches) trout in the spring or fall. Sportfishermen are prohibited from taking (harvesting) trout at any of the stocking sites before the legal opening. Spring catchable trout season opens at 5 a.m. on the first Saturday of April and the fall catchable trout season opens at 5 a.m. on
the third Saturday of October. In addition to the spring and fall catchable trout seasons, select locations have an early catch and release trout season beginning 2 weeks prior to the
regular opening day (see www.ifishillinois.org for locations). All fishermen must release any trout caught during the early catch and release trout season. Other sport fishermen may be utilizing these waters for other species. They are not excluded from fishing.
To legally harvest rainbow and/or brown trout from any waters which receive catchable trout or hatchery stockings of trout, licensed sport fishermen must have an inland trout stamp, unless they are under 16 years
of age, blind or disabled, or Illinois residents on leave from the Armed Forces. A daily limit of five trout per angler is enforced.
Fishing licenses and inland trout stamps are available at sporting good stores, online, and through other vendors. This program is funded through the sale of inland trout stamps.
Individuals wanting more information about the catchable trout program can contact the Department of Natural Resources,Division of Fisheries, One Natural Resources Way, Springfield, IL 62702-1271; phone 217/782-6424, TDD 217/782-9175. Sportfishermen wanting more information about site regulations, access areas or boat rentals should contact individual sites and the “I Fish Illinois” website: http://www.ifishillinois.org.
FEDERAL AID IN SPORT FISH RESTORATION ACT
The Illinois Department of Natural Resources receives monies authorized by the Federal Aid in Sport Fish Restoration Act of 1950 (Dingell-Johnson Act). This money is received as 75 percent reimbursement on approved projects. This Act imposed a manufacturer’s excise tax on fishing rods, reels, and artificial lures. The Act also protects angler’s license fees by prohibiting their diversion to other than approved purposes. In 1984, the Wallop-Breaux Amendment of the Federal Aid in Sport Fish Restoration Act (D-J) was passed and allowed for expansion of the tax base to include essentially all items of fishing tackle, electric trolling motors and “flasher” type fish finders (sonar devices), motorboat fuel taxes, and import duties on fishing tackle and boats. Again in 1990, the Fund was increased by an additional increase in the federal excise tax on gasoline, and also the deposit of the federal tax on gasoline from small non-highway engines into the fund. This Sport Fish Restoration Program is administered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in partnership with the states.
Funds may be used for almost any type of sport fishery restoration, management, or enhancement project. The 1984 Wallop-Breaux Amendment mandated that each state must spend at least 10% for boat access projects, and allowed each state to use up to 10% of its apportionment for aquatic resources education. The required 10% to be spent for boating improvements was increased to 12.5% in 1992, and 15.0% in 1998. The Aquatic Resources Education allowance was increased to 15.0% in 1998.
An annual apportionment of these monies is made available to each state. Forty percent of this amount is based on the state’s land and water area in relation to the total land water of the U.S. Sixty percent of this amount is based on the number of paid sport fishing license holders in each state in relation to all the paid fishing license holders in the U.S. This was used by the Department for fisheries management of state and public waters, fish production and stocking, federal aid coordination; for stateUniversities and research agencies to conduct investigations throughout the State to manage the fisheries resources in our river and streams, boundary rivers, lakes, reservoirs and Lake Michigan; and for boat access improvements.
COMMUNITY OUTREACH AND RESOURCE ENHANCEMENT URBAN FISHING PROGRAM
WHO?
For children primarily but sport fishermen of all ages can join in the fun.
WHAT?
Conservation oriented educational fishing clinics free of charge.
WHERE?
Clinics are held at various sites in Chicago, Peoria, Alton, Bloomington, East St. Louis, Carbondale, Mt. Vernon, Springfield, Centralia, Decatur, and Urbana.
WHEN?
Clinics are held during June, July, and August.
WHY?
The purpose of these clinics is to teach sport fishing ethics, fish ecology, fish identification, fish techniques, and the proper care/preparation of
The Illinois Urban Fishing Program was introduced in Chicago in 1985 to teach individuals of all ages to fish, to enhance fishing opportunities in populated areas and to give participants an understanding of and a greater appreciation for natural resources. In 1994 the Program was expanded statewide and now primarily consists of 1) free summer fishing clinics that include fishing at nearby stocked lagoons, 2) school fishing and non-fishing education programs, and 3) fishing and education programs at scout and 4-H camps, city and state parks, church camps, etc.
During calendar year 2019 fish were stocked at 45 sites. Summer fishing clinics were regularly held at 8 Chicago locations and 28 sites in Northwestern, Central and Southern Illinois. Similar to calendar year 2018, 7 additional ponds were stocked in Cook County where historically Summer fishing clinics had been held. Also, there were 4 special event stockings. No clinics were held at these due to lack of staffing. Fishing clinics were held twice daily Monday through Friday for about nine weeks at most of these fishing sites during the Summer. Approximately 16,826 youngsters attended one of 842 summer fishing clinics that included fishing at a nearby stocked lagoon. Fish stocking remained important for the program and approximately 39,227 lbs. of channel catfish, 131,290 hybrid sunfish were stocked. In addition, 1,200 trout were stocked for the Two Rivers Fishing Fair held at Pere Marquette State Park. Members of the general public were also able to catch and harvest these fish at most sites. In addition to the Urban Summer fishing clinics, 1,308 kids fished at the temporary pond created for the Springfield State Fair.
Additional volunteers and volunteer organizations have become more involved in conducting and assisting with programs. Volunteers and volunteer organizations with IDNR training and assistance held 209 fishing clinics and events for 6,344 children and adults 2019. These individuals and organizations play a very important role in the ongoing success of the program.
Urban Fishing Program coordinators held 514 fishing events outside of summer fishing clinics with 22,436 participants. In addition, Urban Fishing Program coordinators also held 645 non-fishing Education Programs for more than 49,333 participants at numerous schools and other settings during the year to teach environmental education and an appreciation for natural resources, and to promote summer fishing programs. This figure includes the 16,043 people that participated in the “Touch a Fish” station at the Illinois State Fair.
The major objectives of the Illinois Urban Fishing Program include teaching children to fish, stocking sufficient numbers of catchable-sized fish in an effort to provide quality sport fishing opportunities for urban sport fishermen, and attract and introduce citizens to the outdoors by instilling an interest and appreciation for plants and animals. These program objectives have remained the same each year. Steps deemed necessary to get someone interested in fishing are 1) create a threshold experience, 2) have available equipment, 3) have a suitable place to fish, 4) have a mentor to teach fishing, and 5) have social support of friends and family.
The popular “Access to Fishing” rod and reel loaner program was established in 1997. There are currently 1473 “Access to Fishing” loaner sites in Illinois, and rods and reels were borrowed more than 13,820 times last year. In total the Urban Fishing Program, with just three full-time coordinators, 20 summer interns and their volunteer network, held or sponsored a total of 2,211 fishing and non-fishing programs for 94,939 participants in 2019. Visit https://www.ifishillinois.org/programs/loaner.html for a list of participating establishments of the Access to Fishing tackle loaner program.
ILLINOIS FISH AND YOUR HEALTH
Fish and other types of seafood can be an important part of a balanced diet. Fish is a good source of lean, high quality protein and is often rich in other nutrients such as omega-3 fatty acids, which may reduce your risk for cardiovascular disease. However, chemicals such as methylmercury and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) can make some fish unsafe to eat except in limited quantities.
A statewide methylmercury advisory has been established for women who are or could someday become pregnant, nursing mothers, and children younger than 15 years of age. The groups included in the advisory may eat up to one meal per week of fish from any Illinois water body (in other words, up to 52 meals per year), unless special mercury advisories have been issued. Special mercury advisories are based on site-specific sampling data so they can be more restrictive than the statewide advisory. In some cases, special mercury advisories also apply to men and women beyond childbearing age.
In addition, you should be aware of advisories for PCBs. You can reduce your exposure to these chemicals by varying the type and source of fish you eat, opting for younger, smaller fish, and eating leaner species such as walleye and panfish over fatty species such as carp and catfish. You can also prepare fish in ways that reduce your exposure PCBs:
Before cooking, remove the skin from the fillet and cut away any fatty tissue from the belly and dorsal areas.
Broil, bake, or grill in a way that allows fat to drip away.
Discard fat drippings or broth from broiled or poached fish. Do not use the drippings or broth in other dishes.
Please note - these precautions for PCBs will not reduce the amount of methylmercury in fish. Mercury is stored in muscle tissue (the edible part of the fish) rather than in the fat or skin. Therefore, the only way to reduce mercury intake is to limit the amount of contaminated fish eaten.
Special mercury advisories have been issued for several Illinois waters, including Lincoln Trail and Mill Creek Lakes in Clark County. Large-mouth bass from these waters contain high levels of methylmercury and should not be eaten by you or your family in any amount. You can still go bass fishing at these lakes, but be sure to release your catch.
Illinois Water
Fish
Calumet River,
including Cal Sag Channel, and Little Calumet River from Cal Sag Channel to the Calumet River
Carp, Longer than 12˝
Chicago River,
North and South Branches, North Shore Channel, and Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal
Carp, Longer than 12˝
Des Plaines River
Carp, Longer than 18˝
Galena River
Carp Longer than 24˝
Herrin Lake #1
Carp, all sizes
Lake Depue
Channel Catfish Longer than 24˝
Lake Michigan
Channel Catfish, all sizes Lake Trout, Longer than 30˝
Midlothian Reservoir
Carp Longer than 20˝
“Do not eat” advisories have also been issued for certain fish in the above Illinois waters due to high levels of PCBs.
For more information, call the Illinois Department of Public Health at 217-782-5830 or visit http://dph.illinois.gov or ifishillinois.org and search for “fish advisories.” The current methylmercury and PCB advisories are available for downloading. You can also search for specific Illinois waters with our Current Fish Advisory Map.
POINT SYSTEM FOR REVOCATIONS/SUSPENSIONS
POINT SYSTEM
APPLICATION WITHIN ACTS
POINTS
GROUPS
The point system applies to revocations/ suspensions authorized under the following conservation laws:
Fish and Aquatic Life Code (515 ILCS 5)
Wildlife Code (520 ILCS 5)
Endangered Species Protection Act (520 ILCS 10)
Timber Buyers Licensing Act (225 ILCS 735)
Ginseng Harvesting Act (525 ILCS 20)
or any similar federal statutes or rules.
Each time a person is found guilty by a circuit court of the State of Illinois (including supervision or conditional discharge) or by a U.S. District Court in an Illinois District, the specific number of points assigned to such violation shall be charged against that person.
Petty Offense = 3 points
Class C Misdemeanor = 6 points Class B Misdemeanor = 9 points Class A Misdemeanor = 12 points Class 4 Felony = 24 points
Class 3 Felony or higher = 60 points
Any violation committed during a period of suspension = 60 points.
Group A
Wildlife Code, Endangered Species Protection Act (Wildlife) and Federal Offenses (Wildlife)
Group B
Fish and Aquatic Life Code, Endangered Species Protection Act (Aquatic Life) and Federal Offenses (Aquatic Life)
Group C
Timber Buyers Licensing Act
Group D
Ginseng Harvesting Act, Endangered Species Protection Act (Plants) and Federal Offenses (Plants)
TYPES OF OFFENSES
Type I Offenses = those offenses related to commercial/ business activities covered under the Timber Buyer, Taxidermist, Aquaculture, Fish Dealer, Minnow Dealer, Mussel Dealer, Game and Game Bird Breeder, Wild Game Food Dealer, Fur Bearing Animal Breeder, Fur Tanner or Migratory Waterfowl Hunting Area licenses and permits
Type II Offenses = All other offenses related to activities covered under licenses and permits. (Example: hunting, trapping, fishing, etc.)
COMPUTATION OF SUSPENSION PERIODS
For Type I Offenses, any person who, within an 18 month period, accumulates 13 or more points in a single group shall have all licenses, permits and stamps relevant to engage in the activity revoked, and the person’s privilege to engage in the activity shall be suspended for a period of time that equals one month foreach point accumulated. All accumulated points shall remain in effect for 18 months from the date of arrest that resulted in the point accumulation and shall not be removed or reduced by a period of suspension. Any second or subsequent suspension imposed shall be served consecutively to any earlier suspension.
For Type II Offenses, any person who, within a 36 month period accumulates 13 or more points in a single group shall have all licenses, permits and stamps relevant to that type and group revoked, and the person’s privilege to engage in the activity covered by the type and group shall be suspended for a period of time that equals one month for each point accumulated. All accumulated points shall remain in effect for 36 months from the
date of arrest that resulted in the point accumulation and shall not be removed or reduced by a period of suspension. Any second or subsequent suspension imposed shall be served consecutively to any earlier suspension.
SINGLE INCIDENT RULE
The Single Incident Rule shall not be applied in any cases where the highest level violation is a Class A Misdemeanor or higher (12 points or greater) or in cases where violations occurred while the individual was suspended.
In the event that multiple findings of guilt are entered against an individual arising out of a single incident or act, full points shall be assessed only for the finding of guilt with the highest point level with additional points being assessed for the remaining findings of guilt as follows:
Petty Offense = 1 point
Class C Misdemeanor = 2 points
Class B Misdemeanor = 3 points
POINTSYSTEMFORREVOCATIONS/SUSPENSIONS
EXAMPLES
A) TypeI - Findings of Guilt for Separate Incidents: A person found guilty of violations of no taxidermy license and failure to keep proper records (both Class B Misdemeanors, 9 points each) occurring on different dates is assessed the full 18 points, and revocation of taxidermy license and suspension of taxidermy privileges only is imposed for a period of 18 months.
B) TypeI - Findings of Guilt for a Single Incident: A person found guilty of the same violations as A) above (2 Class B Misdemeanors) arising out of a single incident has no revocation/suspension imposed, with 12 points assessed (9+3).
C) Type II - Findings of Guilt for Separate Incidents: A person found guilty of unlawful possession of freshly killed whitetail deer during closed season (Class A Misdemeanor - 12 points) and taking an over limit of quail (Petty Offense - 3 points) has his/her hunting license, trapping license, migratory waterfowl stamp, habitat stamp, deer/turkey permits, etc. revoked, and Type II privileges suspended in Group A for a period of 15 months.
D) Type II - Findings of Guilt for a Single Incident
1) A person found guilty of violations of taking game birds with a rifle and no hunting license (Class A Misdemeanor and Petty Offense) arising out of a single incident is assessed 15 points and suspension imposed as described in C) above. The Single Incident Rule does not apply to cases where the highest level violation is a Class A Misdemeanor or higher.
2) A person found guilty of violations of taking deer without a permit and no hunting license (Class B Misdemeanor and Petty Offense) arising out of a single incident has no revocation/suspension imposed, with 10 points assessed (9 + 1).
E) Imposition of Subsequent Suspensions
1) The person in C) above completes the 15 month suspension, and two months later (less than 36 months from the date of the first violation) again unlawfully possesses a freshly killed whitetail deer during closed season and is found guilty (12 points). This person’s licenses are again revoked and privileges suspended for a period of 27 months (15 + 12).
2) Thee person in C) above is found guilty of a violation under the Wildlife Code that occurred during the time that his/her privileges were suspended - 60 additional points are assessed and a second suspension is imposed, to run consecutively after the first suspension (15 + 60 = 75 months total).
ADMINISTRATIVE ACTIONS AND ADDITIONAL PROVISIONS
The Department of Natural Resources may also hold an administrative hearing to revoke licenses/suspend privileges in certain egregious cases, wherein a person has had a finding of guilt (including supervision or conditional discharge) in a circuit court of the State of Illinois or by a U.S. District Court in an Illinois District, regardless of whether or not sufficient points for suspension have been reached.
In addition, the Illinois Fish and Aquatic Life Code and Wildlife Code provisions regarding the revocation of licenses/permits and suspension of privileges also include the following: Any person whose license or permit has been revoked or his/her privileges suspended may not, during the period of revocation/suspension 1) be in the company of any person engaged in the activity covered by the revocation/ suspension, or; 2) serve as a guide, outfitter or facilitator for any person who is engaged or prepared to engage in the activity covered by the revocation/suspension, until such time as the period of revocation/suspension is completed and the appropriate licenses/permits have been obtained.
REVOCATIONS/SUSPENSIONS IN OTHER STATES AND CANADA
It shall be unlawful for any person to be issued or obtain an Illinois license or permit or while in Illinois, engaged in any activity regulated by theIllinois Fish and Aquatic Life Code or Wildlife Code during the time that person’s privileges to engage in the same or similar activities are suspended or revoked by another state, by a federal agency or by a province of Canada.
PENALTIES FOR VIOLATIONS OF REVOCATIONS/SUSPENSIONS/DENIAL OF PRIVILEGE
Persons who violate the prohibitions of their revocation/suspension/denial of privileges shall be guilty of a Class A Misdemeanor with penalties of up to 364 days jail time and up to $2500.00 in fines.
BOUNDARY RIVERS SPORT FISHING
Illinois-Iowa
Officers of Illinois and Iowa will recognize and accept valid sport fishing licenses of either state when legally possessed and used by hook-and-line sport fishermen on the Mississippi River proper forming a common boundary between Illinois and Iowa, including its backwater lakes and sloughs contiguous with the flow of waters in the main channel; provided that you do not fish from or attach any device or equipment to the main bank of the Mississippi under the jurisdiction of the state where you are not licensed to fish. You can not fish in any tributaries of the opposite state. You must conform to the regulations of the state in which you are fishing unless the regulations of your licensing state are more restrictive, then you must conform with the more restrictive regulations. The center of the navigation channel is the boundary between Illinois and Iowa. Tournaments fishing Iowa waters must have Iowa tournament permits, even if launching from the Illinois side of the river.
Illinois-Missouri
Officers of Illinois and Missouri will recognize and accept valid sport fishing licenses of either state when legally possessed and used in the Mississippi River and its backwaters within the boundary of Missouri adjacent to the state of Illinois. Persons licensed in only one state may also fish in the other state’s portion of any oxbow lakes through which the Illinois- Missouri boundary passes, and may fish from or attach any device or equipment to land under the jurisdiction of the other state. Persons licensed in only one state may not fish in tributaries of the Mississippi in the other state. Sport fishermen shall comply with the regulations of the state in whose waters they are fishing unless the regulations of their licensing state are more restrictive, then must comply with the more restrictive regulations. The center of the navigation channel is considered the boundary between Illinois and Missouri, except in situations where it is clearly shown to be elsewhere.
Illinois-Kentucky
Each state will recognize the sport fishing licenses and appropriate permits of the other state on the main stem and from the banks of the Ohio River, excluding embayments and tributaries where the Ohio River forms the state boundary.
Embayments and tributaries shall be defined as a straight line between opposite points where the tributary or embayment connects with the main body of the Ohio River.
The fishing regulations adopted by the state issuing a sport fishing license apply to the licenses when fishing each state’s respective waters, except that, all fishermen shall conform with the regulations of the state in which they are fishing, unless the regulations of the fishermen’s licensing state are more restrictive, then the fishermen must conform with the more restrictive regulations. The regulations of the state where the sport fishing is occurring apply, if the licensee is fishing from the bank.
Wildlife law enforcement officials of either state shall have the right to inspect the licenses, harvest limits, creel limits, and equipment of any person on the Ohio River subject to the laws of either state.
Officers of Illinois and Kentucky will recognize and accept valid sport fishing licenses of either state when legally possessed and used on the main stem of the Ohio River, excluding embayments and tributaries.
Illinois-Indiana
Officers of Illinois and Indiana will recognize and accept valid sport fishing licenses of either state when legally possessed and used on the Wabash River forming a common boundary between Illinois and Indiana. Sport fishermen shall not fish on water beyond the natural and ordinary river banks of the state in which they are not licensed to fish. Sport fishermen shall not fish from land attached to or taxed by the state in which they are not licensed or fish in tributaries, bayous, or backwaters of the state. Sport fishermen must abide by the laws of the state in which they are fishing.
ILLINOIS PUBLIC WATERS
VHS REGULATIONS
Viral Hemorrhagic Septicemia (VHS) is a disease of fish caused by a virus previously unidentified in the Midwest. While it does not affect humans, VHS can kill a substantial number of fish and has been spreading throughout the Great Lakes.
The new regulations we are implementing are immediate and appropriate steps in trying to slow the spread of this dangerous aquatic virus in Illinois. Sport fishing and boating are both very popular and important to the Illinois economy. The cooperation of sport fishermen and boaters is essential in combating VHS.
The new regulations being implemented by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) regarding VHS that affect recreational sport fishermen and boaters include:
Eliminating natural water from all equipment when leaving a body of water.
Emptying and draining all bait buckets, live wells, bait wells, bilges, etc. or any other compartment capable of holding natural waters when leaving a body of water.
Do not remove live VHS-susceptible species (see below) from any waters. Sport fishermen may harvest VHS-susceptible species, but may not transport those fish live from the waters where caught.
Use of wild-trapped or caught fishes from within the state as bait will be restricted to the waters where legally captured.
Black crappie
Bluegill
Bluntnose minnow
Brown bullhead
Brown trout
Burbot
Channel catfish
Chinook salmon
Emerald shiner
Freshwater drum
Gizzard shad
Hybrid (Tiger) muskie
Lake whitefish
Largemouth bass
Muskellunge
Shorthead redhorse
Northern Pike
Pumpkinseed
Rainbow trout
Rock bass
Round goby
Silver redhorse
Smallmouth bass
Spottail shiner
Trout-Perch
Walleye
White bass
White perch
Yellow perch
While VHS is not known to be a threat to human health, sport fishermen are still advised to wash their hands after handling fish and to cook thoroughly any fish they plan to eat. If handling dead fish or fish that appear to be diseased, protective gloves should be worn. For more information on VHS and the new Illinois regulations aimed at slowing the spread of the virus in Illinois, check the IDNR web site at https://www.ilga.gov/commission/jcar/admincode/017/01700875sections.html
LEAD TACKLE ADVISORY
The tackle industry, recognizing a growing awareness and concern about lead in the environment, has begun to create steel, tin, bismuth, or plastic sinkers. Consider using non-lead tackle when you go fishing.
Here’s what you can do to help:
Ask local sporting good stores to stock non-lead fishing tackle.
Spread the word by telling other sport fishermen about the problem.
Dispose of old lead sinkers and jigs properly by locating a drop-off location.
MONOFILAMENT ADVISORY
if not used or disposed of properly!
The Illinois DNR would like to remind all sport fishermen that the improper use and disposal of fishing line (a.k.a. monofilament) can have a dramatic impact on our wildlife. In addition to being an eyesore along our waterways, many shore birds, migratory birds, waterfowl, and raptors have become entangled in monofilament and died.
HOW ANIMALS COME IN CONTACT WITH MONOFILAMENT
There are a variety of ways animals encounter monofilament. Shore birds and waterfowl have been entangled in the litter while wading or swimming. Raptors and fish-eating waterfowl have ingested hooks and monofilament from fish that broke the line. Some migratory birds have used it as nesting material.
Starvation is the most common demise for animals encountering monofilament. The line wraps around the neck or accumulates in the stomach, preventing the ingestion of
food. It can also immobilize the animals by wrapping around the legs, or securing them to stationary objects.
HELP FROM SPORT FISHERMEN
Help from all sport fishermen is needed to reduce the amount of fishing line in the environment. By using common knowledge and respecting our waterways, we can all help to reduce the risk of wildlife related mortalities due to monofilament.
Properly dispose of unused monofilament in trash containers.
Use the appropriate test line for the desired fish and fishing technique.
Replace monofilament yearly. Replacing your monofilament annually can reduce the chance of breaking the line.
Take the initiative while enjoying Illinois’ waters. Help keep Illinois’ waterways clean by picking-up discarded monofilament and tackle along the shores. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.
