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Illinois

Fishing

Fishing

Regulation Information

SPORT FISHING LICENSE

ILLINOIS RESIDENTS:

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:

Illinois Department of Natural Resources: https://www2.illinois.gov/dnr/closures/pages/ riverclosures.aspx

United States Coast Guard: https://www.uscg.mil/home/

SUMMARY OF FISHING REGULATIONS

ADMINISTRATIVE RULES

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:

http://www.ilga.gov/commission/jcar/admincode/01 7/017parts.html.

AQUATIC LIFE

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

3) Order Amiiformes

Family Amiidae:

Bowfin – Amia calva (Linnaeus) native

4) Order Clupeiformes

Family Clupeidae:

Gizzard shad – Dorosoma cepedianum (Lesueur) native

5) Order Cypriniformes

Family Cyprinidae:

Grass carp – Ctenopharyngodon idella (Valenciennes) non-native

Common carp – Cyprinus carpio (Linnaeus) non-native

Silver carp – Hypophthalmichthys molitrix (Valenciennes) non-native

Bighead carp – Hypophthalmichthys nobilis (Richardson) non-native

Black carp – Mylopharyngodon piceus (Richardson) non-native

Goldfish – Carassius auratus (Linnaeus) non-native

Family Cobitidae:

Oriental weatherfish – Misgurnus anguillicaudatus (Cantor) non-native

Family Catostomidae:

River carpsucker – Carpiodes carpio (Rafinesque) native

Quillback carpsucker – Carpiodes cyprinus (Lesueur) native

Highfin carpsucker – Carpiodes velifer (Rafinesque) native

White sucker – Catostomus commersoni (Lacepede) native

Blue sucker – Cycleptus elongates (Lesueur) native

Smallmouth buffalo – Ictiobus bubalus (Rafinesque) native

Bigmouth buffalo – Ictiobus cyprinellus (Valenciennes) native

Black buffalo – Ictiobus niger (Rafinesque) native

Spotted sucker – Minytrema melanops (Rafinesque) native

Silver redhorse – Moxostoma anisurum (Rafinesque) native

Black redhorse – Moxostoma duquesnei (Lesueur) native

Golden redhorse – Moxostoma erythrurum (Rafinesque) native

Shorthead redhorse – Moxostoma macrolepidotum (Lesueur) native

6) Order Characiformes

Family Serrasalmidae:

Pacu – Callisoma spp. (Eigenmann and Kennedy) non-native

7) Order Siluriformes

Family Ictaluridae:

Channel catfish – Ictalurus punctatus (Rafinesque) native

Blue catfish – Ictalurus furcatus (Lesueur) native

Flathead catfish – Pylodictis olivaris (Rafinesque) native

Yellow bullhead – Ameiurus natalis (Lesueur) native

Brown bullhead – Ameiurus nebulosus (Lesueur) native

Black Bullhead – Ameiurus melas (Rafinesque) native

White catfish – Ameiurus catus (Linnaeus) non-native

8) Order Perciformes

Family Sciaenidae:

Freshwater drum – Aplodinotus grunniens (Rafinesque) native

9) Order Cichliformes Family Cichlidae:

Tilapia – Tilapia spp. (Smith) non-native

10) Order Gobiiformes

Family Gobiidae:

Round goby – Neogobius malanistomus (Pallas) non-native

11) Order Anabantiformes

Family Channidae :

Northern snakehead – Channa argus (Cantor) non-native

12) Order Anura

Family Ranidae:

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)

  1. 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.
  2. 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:

Bighead Carp Black Carp Eurasian Ruffe Rudd Round Goby Rusty Crayfish Silver Carp Snakehead Tubenose Goby Walking Catfish Zebra Mussel Brazilian elodea Hydrilla Eurasian watermilfoil Quagga Mussel

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

Resident; disabled, blind............................... 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

Resident; disabled, blind............................... 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 listed for each water area. The numbers in parentheses refer to the corresponding numbered definitions. If a water area is not listed, or if a specific species is not listed, then statewide restrictions apply.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Fishing Limits by Location A-C

    Fishing Limits by Location D-G

    Fishing Limits by Location H-K

    Fishing Limits by Location L-O

    Fishing Limits by Location P-R

    Fishing Limits by Location S-Z

    COMMON ILLINOIS SPORT FISH

    COMMON ILLINOIS SPORT FISH

    HOW TO MEASURE FISH

    HOW TO MEASURE FISH

    PLACES TO FISH

    BODY OF WATERBoat FishingBoat RentalRampsWater SkiingMotors*SwimmingCamp/PicnicSpecial Regs.LM BassSM BassBluegillCrappieSunfishCatfishBullheadCarpYellow PerchWhite BassStriped BassNorthern PikeWalleye/SaugerYellow BassHybrid StriperTroutMuskellungeSalmonWarmouthSmelt
    DAAnderson Lake, Fulton Co.1,364XXXXXXXXXXXXX
    Apple RiverXXXX
    Argyle Lake, McDonough Co.95XXXNWXXXXXXXXXXX
    Ashland New City Reservoir, Morgan Co.10XXPXXXXX
    DABaldwin Lake, Randolph Co.2,018XX50PXXXXXXXXXXXX
    DABanner Marsh, Peoria Co.1,200XX25PXXXXXXXXXX
    Baumann Lake, Winnebago Co.26PXXXXX
    Beall Woods Lake, Wabash Co.14XX0XXXXXXXX
    DABeaver Dam, Macoupin Co.57XXXEXXXXXXXXX
    Beck Lake, Cook Co.38XXEXXXXXXXXXXX
    Braidwood Lake, Will Co.2,308XXXXXXXXXX
    Busse Lake, Cook Co.590XXXEXXXXXXXXXXXX
    DACarlyle Lake, Clinton,Fayette & Bond Cos.24,580XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
    Canton Lake, Fulton Co.250XX85XXXXXXXXXXXX
    Cedar Lake, Jackson Co.1,750XX10XXXXXXXXXX
    Citizen’s Lake, Warren Co.27XXEXXXXXXXX
    DAClinton Lake, DeWitt Co.5,000XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
    DACoffeen Lake, Montgomery Co.1,100XX25XXXXXXXXXX
    DACrab Orchard Lake, Williamson Co.6,965XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
    DACrab Orchard Visitor Pond,
    Williamson Co. (walk-in only, no boats)
    40XXXXXX
    DADawson Lake, McLean Co.150XXXNWXXXXXXXXXXXX
    DADeep Quarry Lake, DuPage Co.40XEXXXXXXXXXX
    Defiance Lake, McHenry Co.47XXEPXXXXXXXXXX
    ZMDes Plaines RiverXXXXXX
    Devil’s Kitchen Lake, Williamson Co.810XX10XXXXXXXXXXX
    Dolan Lake, Hamilton Co.71XX10XXXXXXX
    DuPage RiverXXXX
    Dutchman Lake, Johnson Co.118XX10XXXXXXX
    DAEast Fork Lake, Richland Co.935XXXXXXXXXXXXXX
    Emiquon Preserve, Fulton Co.4,000XXEXXXXXXXXXX
    DAEvergreen Lake, McLean Co.925XXX10XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
    DAFerne Clyffe Lake, Johnson Co.160XXXXXXXX
    ZMFox Chain O’Lakes, Lake/McHenry7,110XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
    DAForbes Lake, Marion Co.525XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
    Four Lakes, Winnebago Co.19PXXXXXXXXX
    ZMFox RiverXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
    Frank Holten Lakes, St.Clair Co.180XXX10PXXXXXXXXXX
    Gladstone Lake, Henderson Co.27XXEXXXXXXXX
    Glenn Shoals Lake, Montgomery Co.1,200XXXXPXXXXXXXX
    Governor Bond Lake, Bond Co.775XX120PXXXXXXXXXX
    DA ZMHeidecke Lake, Grundy Co.1,955XXXPXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
    DAHennepin Canal, Bureau Co.-XXAXXXXXXXXXXXXX
    Hennepin-Hopper Lake1,500XX0XXXXXXXXXX
    Herrick Lake, DuPage Co.19XXXXXXXX
    Homer Lake, Champaign Co.80XXEXPXXXXXXXXX
    DAHorseshoe Lake, Madison Co.2,430XX50XXXXXXXXXX
    I&M Canal, Will/Grundy/LaSalle Co-XEXXXXXXXXXX
    DAJim Edgar/Panther Creek State
    F& W Area, Gridley Lake, Cass Co.
    25XXNWPXXXXX
    Prairie Lake, Cass Co.210XXXNWXXXXXXXXX
    Drake Lake, Cass Co.35XXEPXXXXX
    Johnson Sauk Lake, Henry Co.58XXX0XXXXXXXXXX
    Glen O Jones Lake, Saline Co.105XX10XXXXXXX
    ZMKankakee RiverXXXXXXXXX
    Kaskaskia RiverXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
    DAKickapoo Lakes, Vermilion Co.184XXXEXXXXXXXXXXXX
    Kinkaid City Reservoir, Christian Co.31XXPXXXXX
    DAKinkaid Lake, Jackson Co.2,750XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
    Kishwaukee RiverXXXXXXXXX
    DALake Bloomington, McLean Co.635XXX40XXXXXXXXXXXX
    DALake Carlton, Whiteside Co.77XXX10XXXXXXXXX
    ZMLake Chaminwood, Will Co.48XEPXXXXXXXX
    DALake Charleston, Upper Side Channel, Coles Co.346XXNWPXXXXXXXXXXXX
    Lake Chatauqua, Mason Co.1,200XXNWXXXXXXX
    DALake Decatur, Macon Co.3,093XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
    Lake Eureka, Woodford Co.30XXEPXXXXXXX
    Lake George, Rock Island Co.167XXX0XXXXXXXXXXX
    DALake Le-Aqua-Na, Stephenson Co.43XXX0XXXXXXXXXXX
    Lake Mattoon, Shelby/Cumberland1,050XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
    ZMLake Michigan, Cook/Lake Cos.976,640XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
    Lake Milliken, Will Co.26PXXXXXXX
    Lake Mingo, Vermillion Co.170XX10PXXXXXXXXXX
    Lake of Eqypt, Johnson Co.2,400XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
    Lake of the Woods, Champaign Co.25XXXPXXXXXXXXX
    Lake Pittsfield, Pike Co.220XXXPXXXXXXXX
    Lake Shelbyville, Shelby/Moultrie11,100XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
    DALake Springfield, Sangamon Co4,234XXXXPXXXXXXXXXX
    DALake Storey, Knox Co.133XXXEXXXXXXXXXXXX
    Lake Sule (seasonal) Ogle Co.77XXXPXXXXXXXXXXX
    Lake Taylorville, Christian Co.1286XXXXXPXXXXXXXXX
    Lake Vermillion, Vermillion Co.666XXXXPXXXXXXXXX
    Lake Victoria, Winnebago Co.16.5XXPXXXXXXXXXX
    DALaSalle Lake, LaSalle Co.2,050XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
    Levings Lake, Winnebago Co.25.5X0XPXXXXXXXXX
    DALincoln Trail Lake, Clark Co.146XXX10XXXXXXXXX
    Little Grassy Lake, Williamson Co.1,000XXX10XXXXXXXXXXX
    Lou Yaeger Lake, Montgomery Co.1268XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
    DAMallard Lake, DuPage Co.89XXXXXXXXXXX
    Maple Lake, Cook Co.55XXEXXXXXXXXX
    Maple Lake, DuPage Co.32XXXX
    ZMMarshall County Lake, Marshall Co.2,557XXXXXXXXXXXXXX
    DAMautino State Fish & Wildlife Area,Bureau Co.74.2XXEPXXXXXXX
    Mazonia Lakes, Grundy/Kankakee Cos.576XXBPXXXXXXXX
    DAMcCullom Lake, McHenry Co.245XX10XPXXXXX
    McMaster Lake, Knox Co.142XX10XXXXXXXXXX
    Mechanicsburg Park Pond, Sangamon Co.7XXXX
    DAMermet Lake, Massac Co.452XXNWPXXXXXXXX
    Mill Creek Lake, Clark Co.811XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
    Monee Reservoir, Will Co.43XEPXXXXXX
    Mt. Pulaski Park District Pond, Logan Co.20XXXX
    DALake Murphysboro, Jackson Co.144XX10XXXXXXXXX
    DANewton Lake, Jasper Co.1,750XX25PXXXXXXXXX
    ZMNorth Branch Chicago River - Cook Co.XXXX
    Olson Lake, Winnebago Co.45X0XXXXXXXXXX
    Otter Lake, Macoupin Co.765XXX115XXXXXXXXXXXXX
    Paris Twin Lakes, Edgar Co.220XXXXPXXXXXXXXXXX
    Peabody River King Pit #3 Lakes and Ponds, St.Clair Co.526XX10PXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
    Pecatonica RiverXXXXXXXXXXX
    Pierce Lake, Winnebago Co.162XXXNWXXXXXXXXXXXX
    Powerton Lake, Tazewell Co.1,426XXXXXXXXXXXXXX
    Pyramid State Park Lakes, Perry Co.1,500XXNWXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
    DARamsey Lake, Fayette Co.47XXX0XXXXXXXX
    DARandolph County Lake, Randolph Co.65XXX10XXXXXXXXXX
    Red Hills Lake, Lawrence Co.40XXEXXXXXXXXX
    DARend Lake, Franklin/Jefferson Cos.18,900XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
    Rice Lake, DuPage Co.36XXXXXXX
    Rice Lake, Fulton Co.1,383XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
    Rock RiverXXXXNWXXXXXXXXX
    Rock Run (Route 6 Quarries), Will Co.82XXEPXXXXXXXX
    Saganashkee Slough, Cook Co.325XXEXXXXXXXXXX
    Sahara Woods FWA, Saline Co.275XXXXXXXX
    Sam Dale Lake, Wayne Co.194XXX10XXXXXXXXXX
    DASam Parr Lake, Jasper Co.180XX10XXXXXXXXX
    Sand Lake, Lake Co.18XXXXX
    Sangamon RiverXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
    Sanganois Lakes, Cass Co.1,550XX10PXXXXXXXXX
    Sangchris Lake, Christion Co.2,165XX25XXXXXXXXXX
    Schuy-Rush Lake, Schuyler Co.220XXXPXXXXXXXX
    DAShabbona Lake, DeKalb Co.319XXX10XXXXXXXXXXXXXX
    Siloam Springs Lake, Adams Co.58XXX0XXXXXXXXX
    DASilver Lake, DuPage Co.62XXXEXXXXXXXXXXX
    DASilver Springs Lakes, Kendall Co.21XXX0PXXXXXXXXXX
    ZMSkokie Lagoons, Cook Co.190XXEXXXXXXXXX
    Spring Creek Reservoir, DuPage Co.49XXXXXXX
    Spring Lake, McDonough Co.277XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
    Spring Lake (North), Tazewell Co.578XXX25XXXXXXXXXXX
    Spring Lake (South), Tazewell Co.610XXX25XXXXXXXXXXX
    Tampier Lake, Cook Co.160XXXEXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
    Ten Mile Creek Lake, Jefferson/Hamilton Cos.200XX10XXXXXX
    Turner Lake, Lake Co.35X0XXXXXXX
    DAWalnut Point Lake, Douglas Co.59XXXEXXXXXXXXX
    Wampum Lake, Cook Co.35XXXXXXXXX
    DAWashington County Lake, Washington Co.247XXX10XXXXXXXXXXX
    DAWeldon Springs Lake, Dewitt Co.29XXXEXXXXXXXXXX
    Whalon Lake, Will Co.81XXEPXXXXXXXXX
    ZMWolf Lake, Cook Co.391XXXNWPXXXXXXXXXXX
    ZMWoodford County Conservation
    Area Lakes, Woodford Co.
    2,790XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX


    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 SNAPPING TURTLE

    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 SNAPPING TURTLE

    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.

    Bowfishing Association of Illinois • www.illinoisbowfishing.net. Illinois Bowfishers • https://www.facebook.com/Illinois-Bowfishers-289121872626

    Bowfishing Association of Southern Illinois • https://www.facebook.com/Bowfishing-Association-of-Southern-Illinois-124876574246067/about/?ref=page_internal

    Northern Illinois Bowfishing Association • https://www.facebook.com/Northern-Illinois-Bowfishing-513070582154359/

    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

    Lake Sturgeon are a protected species and MUST BE RELEASED IMMEDIATELY.

    Pallid Sturgeon
    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

    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.

    The future of sport fishing in Illinois has been greatly enhanced thanks to Dingell-Johnson/Wallop-Breaux. For more information, please refer to http://www.ifishillinois.org/science/fed_proj.html

    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

    caught fish.

    For more information call:

    Chicago & Northeastern Illinois - (847) 294-4137 Northwestern Illinois - (815) 625-2903

    Central Illinois - (217) 784-4730

    Southern Illinois - (618) 786-3323

    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.

    Fish Cross-section

    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

    POINT SYSTEM FOR REVOCATIONS/SUSPENSIONS

    EXAMPLES

          A) Type I - 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) Type I - 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

          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.

          LEAD TACKLE ADVISORY

          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.