Welcome to I Fish Illinois—Illinois DNR Division of Fisheries
Illinois Fishing Tournament Applications for 2020 Accepted Beginning November 1, 2019
The 2020 Fishing Tournament season is upon us! Starting November 1, 2019, fishing tournament organizers can apply to the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) for 2020 fishing tournament permits. Use the IDNR Fishing Tournament Permitting System to access your account or to apply for an online account. Applications are reviewed on a "first come, first served" basis. Last year, we had over 2500 applications for fishing tournaments in Illinois!
Note: For returning groups, catch results from 2019 tournaments must be entered before fishing clubs and tournament trails will be allowed to request tournament dates for 2020.
2019 Illinois Fall Trout Fishing Season
The 2019 Illinois Fall Trout Fishing Season opened 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.
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!
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.
In the News
- Fall 2019 Trout Season
- Asian Carp Market Value Program
- 2019 Sport Shows and Events
- Asian Carp Business Process Analyis / Action Plan
- Strategic Plan 2017 – 2022
- ORC Publication — IHSA Youth Tournaments
- Alligator Gar Reintroduction
- Closure Notices
- Hydrilla Hunt
- Carp Identification
- Asian Carp (www.asiancarp.us)
Fishing Basics
Fishing Tacklebox
- 2019 Fishing Regulations
- 2019 Fishing Regulations (Spanish)
- Tournament Permitting System
- Public Tournaments Listing
- Public Youth Tournaments
- Boating Information
- Angling Awards/State Records
- Lake Management Reports
- Private Pond Information
- Sport Fish Restoration Program
- Publications Library
- ADA Accessible Sites
- FAQs
How Do I?
- Buy a Fishing License
- Reprint an Online License
- Apply for a Group Fishing Permit
- Apply for a Fishing Tournament
- Register/Renew My Watercraft
- Contact My District Biologist
- Contact a Conservation Police Officer
- Reserve a Campsite or Shelter
- Stock My Pond
- Become a Lake Michigan Sportfishing Charter Operator
- Check if I Caught a State Record Fish
Places to Fish
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