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Fishing in Illinois

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Want trophy-size catches? These Illinois spots deliver

About Illinois fishing

Illinois offers freshwater fishing in lakes, rivers, and ponds. Largemouth bass, catfish, crappie, and panfish thrive, while Lake Michigan provides salmon and trout. Accessible waters and seasonal variety make it ideal for all levels of anglers.

Illinois fishing license

Illinois requires a fishing license for anglers 16+. Options include resident, non-resident, annual, short-term, and combination licenses, purchasable online or at licensed agents.

Get license

Top fish species caught in Illinois

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Biggest catches in Illinois

Explore your local leaderboard—see the top catches in the app.

State records of caught fish in Illinois

SpeciesWeightCommon carp51 lbsChannel catfish45.2 lbsLargemouth bass13.1 lbsSmallmouth bass7.2 lbsBlack crappie4.5 lbsBluegill3.5 lbs

Latest Illinois fishing reports

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Coho salmon

Lake Michigan (IL)

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Common carp

North Shore Channel

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Lake char

Outer Harbor

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Coho salmon

Lake Michigan (IL)

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Pumpkinseed

Fish Lake

5 in · 3 oz

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Western mosquitofish

Ash Creek

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Yellow perch

North Slip

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Smallmouth bass

Des Plaines River

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Smallmouth bass

Des Plaines River

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Smallmouth bass

Des Plaines River

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Fishing regulations in Illinois

Disclaimer: Always check local fishing regulations, water access rights and land ownership before fishing, regardless of any catches logged in that area by the Fishbrain community. Fishbrain has mapped millions of acres of government-owned land across the USA to help you identify potential fishing access, but you are responsible for ensuring compliance with all legal requirements.

Fishing regulations in Illinois can change throughout the year. Make sure to check this page before fishing for the most up to date rules and regulations for the current season. Local regulations govern when you can fish, the max size of the fish you can keep, how many fish you can keep, and more.

Below you will see fishing regulations for catching Loading... as of Loading.... To view regulations for a different fish species, please click on your preferred species in the drop-down.

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From the Fishbrain blog

Learn where to fish, when to fish, and top tips from our anglers to help you land that personal best

Fishing pre spawn bass

We highlight some of our best tips for finding pre-spawn bass as they move from deepwater to potential bedding areas and look at must have lures for pre-spawn and how Fishbrain can help you find that perfect spot.

Fishing pre spawn bass
Night fishing during a heatwave

When the summer heatwave halts the bite on your favorite water, don't give up. It's time to go nocturnal. Learn why night fishing during a heatwave can not only be productive but a chance for some rare fishing solitude during the busy season.

Night fishing during a heatwave
Safe fish handling this Summer

Summer is here and we asked our fisheries biologist Ryan Hearn how you can handle fish safely during the summer heat.

Safe fish handling this Summer
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FAQ about Illinois fishing

Fishing regulations in Illinois, United States vary by location and species, covering size limits, bag limits, and open seasons. To stay up to date and avoid guesswork, use the for the latest rules on every fish and body of water.
Anglers in Illinois, United States most often target Bluegill, Common carp, and Largemouth bass. For more detailed insights, the shows exactly which species are biting in each lake, river, and coastline.
Popular waters in Illinois, United States include Fox River, Rock River (IL, WI), and Des Plaines River. With the , you can zoom in on any area to discover the best spots and see what other anglers are catching there.