Back
ILLINOIS · FISHING

Illinois Fishing

Get an email when Illinois's fishing rules change

When any Illinois rule on this page changes you get one email saying what changed, with the official source. Free, unsubscribe in one click.

Prefer a lock-screen alert? The free iPhone app warns you when fishing rules change in your state, and at a state line where they differ. Get the app →

Fishing rules change at the state line — and in your state.Track them in the free LawLert iPhone app: it alerts you when you cross into a state where they differ, and when they change in your state. No account.Get the app
License
Conditional

In Illinois, you need a freshwater fishing license from age 16. Licenses are issued by the Illinois Dept. of Natural Resources (IDNR).

§ dnr.illinois.gov
Verified Oct 25, 2026Reviewed
Species & limits
detaildetaildetaildetaildetaildetaildetaildetaildetail
Special-regulation waters in Illinois
On the water? Illinois boating rules — BUI limit, life jackets & boater education →Don't get caught off guardCross into a state where this law is different and the free iPhone app tells you what changed, even with the app closed. It also alerts you when a law you track changes where you live. No account.Get the free app

Informational only — not legal advice.

LawLert is an independent app, not affiliated with any government — informational only, not legal advice. Verify with a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction.