Fishing Regulations in Illinois
Last updated: 2025-01-01
Regulations shown are approximate and may be outdated. Always check the official Illinois fish and game agency for current regulations.
Visit Official AgencyFishing License
Illinois requires a fishing license for anyone 16 years and older. Residents and non-residents can purchase licenses online through iFishIllinois.org. An inland trout stamp is required for trout fishing, and a Lake Michigan salmon stamp is required for salmon and trout in Lake Michigan. Free fishing days are held each June.
Get Your LicenseSpecies Regulations
| Species | Bag Limit | Size Limit | Season | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| largemouth-bass | 6 per day | 14 inches minimum | Year-round; catch and release only March 15 - June 15 on some waters | Some lakes have special slot limits or reduced bag limits. |
| smallmouth-bass | 6 per day | 14 inches minimum | Year-round | Lake Michigan tributaries may have additional restrictions. |
| channel-catfish | 6 per day | No minimum | Year-round | No minimum size limit statewide. |
| crappie | 25 per day | No minimum (9 inches on some waters) | Year-round | Some waters have 9-inch minimum and reduced bag limits. |
| walleye | 6 per day | 14 inches minimum | Year-round | Check individual lake regulations for exceptions. |
| musky | 1 per day | 36 inches minimum | Year-round | Catch and release encouraged on most waters. |
| northern-pike | 3 per day | 24 inches minimum | Year-round | Reduced limits on some northern Illinois lakes. |
Bag Limit: 6 per day
Size Limit: 14 inches minimum
Season: Year-round; catch and release only March 15 - June 15 on some waters
Notes: Some lakes have special slot limits or reduced bag limits.
Bag Limit: 6 per day
Size Limit: 14 inches minimum
Season: Year-round
Notes: Lake Michigan tributaries may have additional restrictions.
Bag Limit: 6 per day
Size Limit: No minimum
Season: Year-round
Notes: No minimum size limit statewide.
Bag Limit: 25 per day
Size Limit: No minimum (9 inches on some waters)
Season: Year-round
Notes: Some waters have 9-inch minimum and reduced bag limits.
Bag Limit: 6 per day
Size Limit: 14 inches minimum
Season: Year-round
Notes: Check individual lake regulations for exceptions.
Bag Limit: 1 per day
Size Limit: 36 inches minimum
Season: Year-round
Notes: Catch and release encouraged on most waters.
Bag Limit: 3 per day
Size Limit: 24 inches minimum
Season: Year-round
Notes: Reduced limits on some northern Illinois lakes.
Top Fishing Waters
Lake Michigan
lakeSpecies: smallmouth-bass, walleye, northern-pike, white-bass
Rend Lake
reservoirSpecies: largemouth-bass, crappie, bluegill, channel-catfish
Kinkaid Lake
lakeSpecies: largemouth-bass, musky, crappie, bluegill
Illinois River
riverSpecies: channel-catfish, blue-catfish, white-bass, carp
Lake Shelbyville
reservoirSpecies: largemouth-bass, crappie, walleye, musky
Clinton Lake
reservoirSpecies: largemouth-bass, crappie, channel-catfish
Carlyle Lake
reservoirSpecies: largemouth-bass, crappie, bluegill, walleye
Lake Springfield
lakeSpecies: largemouth-bass, crappie, channel-catfish
State Records
| Species | Weight | Year | Water |
|---|---|---|---|
| Largemouth Bass | 13 lbs 1 oz | 1976 | Stone Quarry Lake |
| Smallmouth Bass | 6 lbs 7 oz | 2004 | Lake Michigan |
| Channel Catfish | 38 lbs | 2003 | Baldwin Lake |
| Blue Catfish | 85 lbs | 2005 | Horseshoe Lake |
| Crappie | 4 lbs 8 oz | 1976 | Kinkaid Lake |
| Walleye | 14 lbs 10 oz | 2005 | Lake Michigan |
| Musky | 38 lbs 8 oz | 2001 | Lake Shelbyville |
| Northern Pike | 26 lbs 8 oz | 1969 | Lake Michigan |