Welcome to I Fish Illinois—Illinois DNR Division of Fisheries
2019 Illinois Fishing Licenses
2019 Illinois Fishing Licenses will go on sale beginning MARCH 1, 2019. The 2019 licenses are valid from March 1, 2019 – March 31, 2020.
Your current 2018 license is valid through March 31, 2019. Please be sure to wait unitl March 1st before buying a new fishing license for the 2019 season. Any fishing licenses bought prior to March 1st will be 2018 licenses that expire at the end of this March.
2019 Illinois Fishing Information Guide
The 2019 Illinois Fishing Information Guide is available for download now! The information in this guide goes into effect beginning April 1, 2019. A Spanish version will be available soon. You can find printed copies at your favorite sporting goods spot by April.
Lake Shelbyville Muskie Stocking
Check out this video of the early December muskie stocking at Lake Shelbyville. Once a destination for muskie anglers all over the country, the muskie population in Lake Shelbyville experienced a steep decline over 10 years ago. IDNR has been working to restock this population with limited success. This video shows a new procedure IDNR is using to try to increasethe survival rate of stocked muskie by stocking them later in the season into cooler water. Muskie were grown to a larger size in the Fin and Feathers Nursery Pond at the lake in hopes that these bigger-sized fish put into cooler water would have increased survival rate. 2,349 muskie were fin clipped and stocked into Lake Shelbyville from Wolf Creek State Park and Findlay Marina boat ramps.
Remember it's very important that if you catch a muskie, you fill out our muskie creel survey.
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
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
Fishing Basics
Fishing Tacklebox
- 2018 Fishing Regulations
- 2019 Fishing Regulations (Effective April 1, 2019)
- Tournament Permitting System
- Public Tournaments Listing
- Public Youth Tournaments
- Boating Information
- Angling Awards/State Records
- Lake Management Reports
- Private Pond Management 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
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