The Division of Fisheries offers several angler recognition awards for fish caught in Illinois waters. Junior angler awards are for young anglers under 16 years of age catching their first Illinois fish. While Catch and Release, Big Fish, Master Angler, Grand Slam, and State Record are available to any angler meeting the eligibility requirements outlined in the rules. Refer to the rules section for more information.

New this year and available on the ifishillinois.org website, Jr. Angler, Catch & Release, and Big Fish certificates 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.

Click here for general info about these awards.

Click here for minimum weights and lengths for fish species to be entered.

Mail-in Applications may be obtained at any DNR Regional Office or call 217-782-6424 or by downloading the file from this website.

Junior Angler Fishing Award: print certificate
Type your personal info on certificate prior to printing.
Download powerpoint file and edit to replace crappie graphic with your junior anglers picture before printing.

Catch and Release Fishing Award: print certificate
Type your personal info on certificate prior to printing.

Big Fish Award: online application and print certificate
Type your personal info on certificate prior to printing.

Master Angler Award: download application

Grand Slam Fishing Award: download application

State Record Fish Award: download application