IDNR NEWS RELEASE
2016 Illinois Fishing Tournament Applications Accepted by IDNR
Beginning November 1, 2015
SPRINGFIELD, IL — Fishing tournament organizers can apply to the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) for tournament permits for 2016 beginning November 1, 2015.
Most fishing clubs and fishing tournament trail organizers can apply for tournament permits by utilizing their IDNR fishing tournament online accounts and applying for 2016 tournament dates through the website at www.ifishillinois.org. Catch results from 2015 tournaments must be entered before fishing clubs and tournament trails will be allowed to request tournament dates for 2016. Tournament organizers will see the words “post results” in their online tournament listing if they still have 2015 results that need to be entered.
Tournament fishing is extremely popular in Illinois. In 2015, there were approximately 1,400 registered fishing tournaments on Illinois’ waters. The catch data submitted by the angling clubs and tournament trails is vital information needed for the management of the waters they fish.
“Thanks to all tournament fishermen for being so conscientious in securing tournament permits, for posting the catch results afterward, and for being such good stewards of the fisheries resources in the state,” said Debbie Bruce, chief of the IDNR Division of Fisheries. “Having catch data helps make our jobs as fisheries biologists easier and more effective.”
Fishing tournament organizers who do not yet have an IDNR online tournament account can apply for one at this link: http://www.ifishillinois.org/tournament/index.php
Paper applications will still be accepted; however, the IDNR prefers that tournament applications be done online. All paper applications will be converted to online applications as the IDNR phases out the paper forms.
