Illinois Fishing License
If you’re planning to cast a line in Illinois waters, you’ll need more than just your fishing gear and enthusiasm. Anyone 16 or older must have a valid fishing license before they can legally fish in the Prairie State’s abundant rivers, lakes, and reservoirs.
Illinois offers various license options to accommodate different needs and budgets. Residents can purchase an annual license for $15.00, while a convenient 24-hour option costs just $5.50 for those quick fishing trips. Non-residents pay higher fees, with annual licenses priced at $31.50 and 24-hour permits at $10.50. Senior residents aged 65 and older enjoy reduced rates at $7.75 annually.
The state makes compliance easy with both physical and electronic license options, and you can even reprint online purchases at no extra charge. Whether you’re a seasoned angler or just starting out, understanding Illinois fishing license requirements ensures you’ll stay on the right side of the law while enjoying the state’s excellent fishing opportunities.
Illinois Fishing License Requirements
Illinois fishing license regulations apply to most anglers who fish in state waters. The state enforces specific requirements based on age and residency status to maintain fishing opportunities for everyone.
Who Needs a Fishing License
Anyone aged 16 or older must carry a valid Illinois fishing license while fishing in Illinois waters. You must have either a physical license or an electronic copy with you during each fishing trip. Residents and nonresidents both follow this requirement with different fee structures and options available.
Illinois residents include individuals who have lived in the state for 30 days before purchasing their license. Nonresidents are visitors from other states who want to fish in Illinois waters temporarily.
The state offers various license durations to match your fishing plans:
- Annual licenses for regular anglers
- 24-hour licenses for single-day trips
- 3-day licenses for short visits (nonresidents only)
- Lifetime licenses for dedicated anglers
Age Exemptions and Special Cases
Anglers under 16 years old can fish without a license regardless of residency status. This exemption covers both Illinois residents and visitors from other states.
Several special exemptions exist for specific groups:
Illinois Residents:
- Legally disabled or blind persons with proper identification
- Property owners or tenants fishing on their own land (excluding club lakes)
- Active military personnel who entered service from Illinois while on leave
- Veterans with qualifying service-connected disabilities
All Anglers:
- Those fishing at fee fishing areas licensed by the Department of Natural Resources
- Nonresidents with licenses from bordering states when fishing boundary rivers
Disability Documentation Requirements:
You must carry proof of disability when fishing without a license. Acceptable forms include:
- State disabled person ID card showing Class 2 or Class 2A disability
- Veterans disability card from Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs
Veterans with 10% or higher service-connected disabilities can fish without a license if their disabilities don’t prevent safe fishing practices.
Types of Illinois Fishing Licenses
Illinois offers multiple fishing license options to accommodate different angler preferences and fishing durations. You can choose from resident or non-resident licenses based on your residency status, along with specialized endorsements for specific fishing activities.
Resident Fishing Licenses
Resident fishing licenses provide cost-effective options for Illinois residents who plan to fish regularly throughout the year. You qualify as a resident if you’ve lived in Illinois for 30 days before purchasing your license.
| License Type | Fee | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Sport Fishing License | $15.00 | Valid from March 1 to March 31 of the following year |
| 24-Hour License | $5.50 | Perfect for occasional fishing trips |
| Senior License (65+) | $7.75 | Discounted rate for residents 65 years and older |
| Super Senior License (75+) | $1.50 | Heavily discounted for residents 75 years and older |
| Sportsman’s License | $26.25 | Combined hunting and fishing license |
| Senior Sportsman’s License | $13.50 | Combined license for seniors |
| Lifetime Sport Fishing | $435.00 | One-time purchase for lifelong fishing privileges |
| Lifetime Combined Hunting/Fishing | $765.00 | Lifetime access to both hunting and fishing |
Annual and sportsman’s licenses cost half price for qualifying resident veterans. License sales begin March 1 and expire March 31 of the following year.
Non-Resident Fishing Licenses
Non-resident fishing licenses accommodate visitors and temporary residents who want to fish in Illinois waters. These licenses cost more than resident options but provide flexible duration choices.
| License Type | Fee | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Non-Resident License | $31.50 | Full year from March 1 to March 31 |
| 3-Day Non-Resident License | $15.50 | Consecutive 3-day period |
| 24-Hour Non-Resident License | $10.50 | Single day of fishing |
Non-residents from bordering states can fish on Illinois rivers adjoining their licensing state using their home state license. This reciprocal agreement applies only to boundary waters between Illinois and neighboring states.
Special Endorsements and Add-Ons
Special endorsements expand your fishing opportunities beyond the basic Illinois fishing license. These stamps allow access to specific species and fishing locations throughout the state.
Required Stamps for Licensed Anglers:
- Lake Michigan Salmon Stamp: $6.50 – Required for all licensed anglers fishing Lake Michigan
- Inland Trout Stamp: $6.50 – Required for trout fishing in all waters except Lake Michigan
Both stamps cost $0.50 for super senior residents (75+). You must purchase these endorsements plus to your base fishing license when targeting salmon or trout species.
Fee fishing areas licensed by the Department of Natural Resources don’t require additional licenses or stamps. These locations provide convenient fishing access without the standard licensing requirements.
How to Purchase Your Illinois Fishing License
Getting your Illinois fishing license is straightforward with multiple purchase methods available 24 hours a day. You can obtain your license online through official state vendors or visit physical retail locations throughout Illinois.
Online Purchase Options
You can purchase your Illinois fishing license directly through DNR Direct at exploremoreil.com, which operates 24 hours daily for your convenience. The online system accepts electronic payments and provides instant access to your digital license.
Contact customer service at 866-716-6550 for assistance with online purchases or technical support. Online licenses can be reprinted at no charge by visiting the Illinois DNR reprint portal if you lose your digital copy.
Electronic copies of your license are legally acceptable and eliminate the need to carry physical documentation while fishing. Store your digital license on your smartphone or print a backup copy for easy access during fishing trips.
In-Person Retailers and Locations
DNR Direct vendors across Illinois sell fishing licenses at sporting goods stores, bait shops, and outdoor retailers. Regional DNR offices also issue licenses during business hours, except for the Chicago Region 2 office and Springfield Public Service area.
Six Mile Regional Library District at 2001 Delmar Avenue in Granite City offers licensing services at their customer service desk. The library provides licenses Monday through Friday from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, Tuesday through Thursday from 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM, and Saturday from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
Vendors with DNR Direct terminals can process transactions and issue replacement licenses with a small transaction fee. These locations provide immediate license issuance without waiting for mail delivery.
Required Information and Documentation
Illinois residents need proof of residency including an Illinois driver’s license or state ID card. Bring your Social Security Card and date of birth verification for initial license purchases.
Resident renewals require only your previous IDNR license number for verification. Veterans qualifying for discounts must present their veterans disability card from the Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs.
Non-residents must provide a valid driver’s license from their home state along with Social Security Card and date of birth documentation. All applicants must be physically present when purchasing licenses at retail locations, though online purchases don’t require in-person verification.
Illinois Fishing License Costs and Fees
Illinois fishing license costs vary based on your residency status, age, and fishing duration preferences. The state offers multiple pricing tiers to accommodate different angling needs and budgets.
Resident Fishing License Fees
| License Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Annual Sport Fishing | $15.00 |
| Senior (65 and older) | $7.75 |
| 24-Hour | $5.50 |
| Sportsman’s License (hunting and fishing combined) | $26.25 |
| Senior Sportsman’s License | $13.50 |
| Lifetime Sport Fishing | $435.00 |
| Lifetime Combined (hunting and fishing) | $765.00 |
Residents aged 75 and older pay only $1.50 for their annual license. Qualifying resident veterans receive half-price discounts on annual and sportsman’s licenses.
Non-Resident Fishing License Fees
| License Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Annual Sport Fishing | $31.50 |
| 3-Day | $15.50 |
| 24-Hour | $10.50 |
Non-residents pay significantly higher fees than Illinois residents across all license categories. The 24-hour option provides the most economical choice for short fishing trips.
Special Stamps and Endorsements
| Stamp Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Lake Michigan Salmon Stamp | $6.50 |
| Inland Trout Stamp | $6.50 |
Both stamps require a valid fishing license before purchase. The Lake Michigan Salmon Stamp applies only to Lake Michigan fishing, while the Inland Trout Stamp covers all other Illinois waters except Lake Michigan.
License Replacement and Administrative Fees
Replacement licenses cost $3.00 through regional offices. Online license reprints are free when you access your original purchase confirmation. Vendor transactions may include small processing fees beyond the base license cost.
License sales begin March 1 each year and expire March 31 of the following year. The fees collected fund three state fish hatcheries and support Illinois fisheries management programs.
Illinois Fishing Laws and Regulations
Illinois fishing laws extend beyond your illinois fishing license requirements to include specific regulations that protect fish populations and maintain healthy aquatic ecosystems. These regulations apply to all licensed anglers throughout the state’s waters.
Bag Limits and Size Restrictions
Illinois fishing regulations establish daily bag limits and minimum size requirements for most fish species. Bass anglers can keep 6 largemouth bass per day with a 14-inch minimum length requirement. Walleye fishing allows 6 fish daily with an 18-inch minimum size. Northern pike regulations permit 3 fish per day at 24 inches minimum length.
Panfish regulations vary by species. Bluegill and sunfish have a 25-fish daily limit with no size restrictions. Crappie anglers can harvest 25 fish daily with a 9-inch minimum length requirement. Channel catfish limits allow 6 fish per day with no minimum size requirement.
Trout fishing regulations differ between stocked waters and natural reproduction areas. Stocked trout waters allow 5 fish daily with no size limit. Natural reproduction waters restrict anglers to 3 trout daily with specific size requirements varying by location.
Seasonal Fishing Rules
Illinois maintains year-round fishing seasons for most species with specific exceptions for certain game fish. Bass fishing operates under different regulations during spawning periods from April 1 through June 15. During this period you can only practice catch-and-release fishing for bass in most waters.
Northern pike and muskie seasons close from March 15 through the first Saturday in May to protect spawning fish. Trout seasons vary by water body with some streams closing during winter months while others remain open year-round.
Lake Michigan fishing follows federal regulations for salmon and trout species. The salmon season typically runs from April through October with specific dates announced annually by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.
Special Water Body Regulations
Certain Illinois waters operate under special regulations that differ from statewide rules. Lake Michigan requires the Lake Michigan Salmon Stamp plus to your illinois fishing license for targeting salmon and trout species. This stamp costs $6.50 and supports specific salmon management programs.
Designated trout waters throughout Illinois require the Inland Trout Stamp for fishing activities. These waters include streams like the DuPage River, Kishwaukee River, and various stocked ponds. The stamp costs $6.50 and funds trout stocking programs.
Some waters maintain special slot limits or reduced bag limits to protect specific fish populations. These regulations appear in the annual Illinois Fishing Information booklet and change based on fish population assessments. Private club waters and subdivision lakes follow statewide regulations unless specifically exempted through special permits.
Where to Fish in Illinois
Illinois provides diverse fishing opportunities across rivers, lakes, reservoirs, and streams throughout the state. Your Illinois fishing license grants access to thousands of waters where you can pursue various fish species year-round.
Popular Fishing Destinations
Illinois offers numerous fishing locations that attract anglers with different preferences and skill levels. Lake Michigan stands as the premier destination for salmon and trout fishing, while the Illinois River system provides excellent opportunities for catfish, bass, and walleye. Major reservoirs like Carlyle Lake, Rend Lake, and Lake Shelbyville feature consistent fishing for multiple species including largemouth bass, crappie, and bluegill.
Fox Chain O’Lakes in northern Illinois contains 15 interconnected lakes spanning over 6,500 acres, making it one of the state’s most popular fishing destinations. The chain offers excellent opportunities for bass, northern pike, and panfish. Mississippi River backwaters provide exceptional fishing for catfish, sauger, and white bass, particularly during spring and fall migrations.
Smaller lakes and ponds throughout Illinois offer accessible fishing close to urban areas. Many forest preserves and county parks maintain stocked fishing ponds that produce excellent catches of trout, bass, and panfish. Private fee-fishing areas licensed by the Department of Natural Resources allow fishing without an Illinois fishing license, providing convenient options for occasional anglers.
Lake Michigan Fishing Rules
Lake Michigan fishing requires your standard Illinois fishing license plus additional stamps for specific species. You must purchase a Lake Michigan Salmon Stamp costing $6.50 to legally harvest salmon and trout from Lake Michigan waters. This stamp applies only to Lake Michigan and doesn’t cover inland trout waters.
Daily bag limits for Lake Michigan differ from inland waters. You can keep 5 trout and salmon combined, with no more than 2 lake trout in your daily limit. Minimum size requirements include 15 inches for chinook salmon, 12 inches for coho salmon, and 17 inches for lake trout. Yellow perch have a daily limit of 15 fish with no minimum size requirement.
Lake Michigan fishing seasons remain open year-round for most species, but specific areas may have temporary closures during spawning periods. Charter boat fishing requires the captain to hold proper licensing, but passengers only need their personal Illinois fishing license and required stamps. Shore fishing from piers, harbors, and beaches follows the same licensing requirements as boat fishing.
Special regulations apply to certain Lake Michigan tributaries during spawning runs. Many streams have seasonal closures or catch-and-release restrictions to protect migrating fish populations. Check current regulations before fishing tributary streams, as rules change frequently based on fish population assessments and spawning conditions.
Common Questions
Anglers frequently ask specific questions about Illinois fishing license requirements and costs. These questions cover the essential details you need to know before fishing in Illinois waters.
How much is a fishing license in Illinois?
Illinois fishing license costs vary based on your residency status and age. Resident annual sport fishing licenses cost $15.00, while seniors aged 65 and older pay $7.75. When you turn 75, the super senior license costs only $1.00 plus a $0.50 handling fee.
Nonresident annual sport fishing licenses cost $31.50. Short-term options include 24-hour licenses at $10.50 for nonresidents and $5.50 for residents. Nonresidents can also purchase 3-day licenses for $15.50.
| License Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Resident Annual | $15.00 |
| Resident Senior (65+) | $7.75 |
| Resident Super Senior (75+) | $1.50 |
| Resident 24-hour | $5.50 |
| Nonresident Annual | $31.50 |
| Nonresident 3-day | $15.50 |
| Nonresident 24-hour | $10.50 |
| Sportsman’s License | $26.25 |
| Senior Sportsman’s License | $13.50 |
Special stamps cost $6.50 each: the Lake Michigan Salmon Stamp for fishing salmon in Lake Michigan and the Inland Trout Stamp for trout fishing in other waters. Replacement licenses cost $3.00 from regional offices.
At what age do you no longer need a fishing license in Illinois?
You never reach an age where an Illinois fishing license becomes completely unnecessary. But, senior residents receive significant discounts starting at age 65. Residents aged 65 and older pay $7.75 for their annual fishing license instead of the standard $15.00 fee.
At age 75, resident anglers qualify for the super senior license costing only $1.00 plus a $0.50 handling fee. This represents the lowest cost option available, but you still must purchase and carry a valid license while fishing.
Anglers under 16 years old can fish without any license, regardless of residency status. This exemption applies to both Illinois residents and nonresidents visiting the state.
What is the fine for fishing without a license in Illinois?
Illinois Department of Natural Resources enforces fishing license requirements through conservation officers who patrol state waters. Fishing without a valid license constitutes a violation of Illinois fishing regulations.
The fine amount varies depending on the specific circumstances and local court jurisdictions. Conservation officers issue citations for fishing without a license, and violators must appear in court or pay the assessed fine.
You must carry either a physical license or electronic copy while fishing. Digital licenses displayed on smartphones are legally acceptable proof of purchase. Officers can verify license validity through their mobile systems during routine checks.
Is there a lifetime fishing license in Illinois?
Illinois offers lifetime fishing licenses for residents only. The resident lifetime sport fishing license costs $435.00 and covers all fishing activities for your entire lifetime. This option provides long-term value if you fish regularly in Illinois waters.
A resident lifetime combined hunting and fishing license costs $765.00 and includes both hunting and fishing privileges. This combination license offers savings compared to purchasing separate lifetime licenses for each activity.
Lifetime licenses eliminate the annual renewal process and protect against future fee increases. You receive a permanent license document that doesn’t expire on March 31 like annual licenses. But, you must still purchase required stamps such as the Lake Michigan Salmon Stamp or Inland Trout Stamp when fishing for specific species.