Fishing in Illinois-Sports Shows

2025 Sport Shows and Events

June 7 Two Rivers Family Fishing Fair
Pere Marquette State Park
10:00AM – 4:00 PM
The 36th Annual Two Rivers Family Fishing Fair will be held Saturday, June 7, 2025, from 10AM to 4PM. For several decades, the free Fishing Fair has been one of Pere Marquette's most popular family events, featuring catch-and-release fishing, casting stations, fishing instruction, information, and entertainment. The event is hosted by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Two Rivers National Wildlife Refuge (administered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service), and Pere Marquette State park (administered by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources). Dozens of local businesses and volunteers support the fair, include premier sponorships from Wood River Refinery, Farm and Home Supply, State Farm, and Walmart.

This year will boast 30 outdoor educational activities, trout and bluegill ponds, free gifts and prizes, and so much more! Fetch-N-Fish will be back with their dog shows, and Camo the Clown will again be there, along with legendary angler Jimmy Houston, Mountain Man from Duck Dynasty, and several other free shows!

This event if fun for the whole family and you won't want to miss out! Fishing poles, bait, and any other needed supplies are provided, and there is no need for a fishing license! For more information on the Two Rivers Family Fishing Fair, call Pere Marquette State Park at 618-786-3323, ext. 1.

August 7 – 17 Illinois State Fair
Conservation World, Springfield, Illinois

Come visit the IDNR at the Illinois State Fair. The Division of Fisheries is on-hand daily, providing fishing clinics and demonstrations throughout the day. We will also have the live fish display, Touch a Fish for kids of all ages, a kid's pond fishing and the fishing clinics. In addition, IDNR Fisheries Biologists are available to answer questions about private pond management and the fish population in your favorite lakes and rivers. Plans are still underway so be sure to check back for fishing clinic times and more information.

To learn more, visit their website at: https://statefair.illinois.gov/