Welcome to I Fish Illinois—Illinois DNR Division of Fisheries

2019 Illinois Fall Trout Fishing Season

The 2019 Illinois Fall Trout Fishing Season opens Saturday, October 19th at 56 ponds, lakes, and streams throughout the state. An early opportunity at select trout sites, the Fall Catch-and-Release Fishing Season, opened October 5th at locations marked with an asterisk (*). Note: Some sites are experiencing high water stocking issues and it is noted on this page: Trout Stocking.

The Illinois catchable trout program is funded by through the sale of Inland Trout Stamps and through the Illinois Fish Management Fund. 67,000 rainbow trout will be stocked. All anglers – including those who intend to release fish caught before Oct. 19 – must have a valid fishing license and an Inland Trout Stamp, unless they are under the age of 16, blind or disabled, or are an Illinois resident on leave from active duty in the Armed Forces.

Learn more here.

Muskie Creel Survey

Please help us gain important information about muskies caught in Illinois waters by reporting them to us via our Muskie Creel Survey Report Card.The information we gain from our anglers is invaluable. This survey is jointly sponsored by the Illini Muskies Alliance and the IDNR. Completing this form as soon as you can after your catch is much appreciated!

Illinois "Access to Fishing" Tackle Loaner Program

Did you know you can borrow fishing gear from select locations if you want to try your hand at fishing before you invest? The Illinois "Access to Fishing" fishing pole loaner program was started in 1997 and is available to any Illinois angler who is interested in going fishing! This equipment is available to be borrowed at no cost and is handled much like checking out and returning a library book. Fishing poles that were purchased by IDNR or donated to the IDNR have been placed in establishments throughout Illinois, such as in libraries, lake-side concession stands, bait stores, etc. Check out the locations here: https://www.ifishillinois.org/programs/loaner.html

Frequently Asked Questions

We are here to answer any fishing-related questions you may have. Simply send us an email through our "contact us" and we are happy to provide you with the information you're seeking. We also have a Frequently Asked Question page that you may find helpful. We've compiled a list of some of our most frequently asked questions via email and provided that information for you here. Check it out — you may learn something new about fishing in Illinois!

Stop the Spread of Invasive Species

Remove, Drain, Dry: As the boats come out of storage, we'd like to remind you to be aware of invasive species that pose a threat to our lands and waterways. To fight the spread of aquatic invaders, the IDNR is asking residents to "be a hero transport zero." The best way to stop the spread of invasive species is to remove, drain, and dry your boats after use in any Illinois waterway. Learn more here.