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  4. Perch fishing in Illinois

Perch fishing in Illinois

Illinois offers excellent fishing for perch. Anglers can explore weedy lakes, ponds, and still backwaters where this species thrives.

Types of Perch in Illinois

Best baits and lures for Perch in Illinois

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Biggest Perch catches

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Latest Perch fishing reports in Illinois

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Yellow perch

Lake Marie

length · weight

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Walleye

Algonquin Dam

21 in · 3 lb

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Walleye

Lake Michigan (IL)

27 in · 7 lb

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Walleye

Fox River

length · weight

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Yellow perch

Lake Michigan (IL)

length · weight

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Yellow perch

Lake Opeka

9 in · 5 oz

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Walleye

Lake Galena

length · weight

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Yellow perch

Pistakee Bay

length · weight

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Yellow perch

Lake Opeka

8 in · 4 oz

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Walleye

Mississippi River (IL)

length · weight

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Regulations for Perch 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 Walleye as of July 15th, 2026. To view regulations for a different fish species, please click on your preferred species in the drop-down.

Walleye

Seasons

Open

Bag limit

6

Min size

14"

Measurement

Total Length

Aggregate

6
Additional information

Statewide regulations are shown herein, but you can access Site-Specific Regulations online.

All Walleye, Sauger, or their hybrid (Saugeye) taken must be 14-inches total length or longer, except in the Mississippi River or as specified under Site-Specific Regulations. Daily harvest limit is 6 Walleye, Sauger or their hybrid, either singly or in the aggregate, except in those waters listed under Site Specific Regulations. 

Mississippi River between Illinois and Iowa:

  • Minimum Length Limit = 15-inches total length
  • Protected Slot Length Limit: no possession of fish greater than or equal to 20 inches and less than 27 inches
  • Trophy: No more than 1 fish greater than or equal to 27-inches total length. 

Please review Site-Specific Regulations online.

Edibility
Excellent
Synonyms

Sander vitreus

Regulations for

39°44′21.3″N 89°15′59.4″W
Regulations in the map
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FAQ

🎣 What Perch species can you catch in Illinois?
Anglers in Illinois commonly catch several Perch species, including Walleye, Yellow perch, Saugeye, and Sauger, according to reports from Fishbrain members.

These species can be found in many rivers and streams, lakes throughout the area. If you are targeting a specific species, you can use the to filter catches by species and see where anglers are catching them and which baits they are using.
📍 Where are the best places to catch Perch in Illinois?
Perch are caught in rivers and streams, lakes throughout Illinois. Popular fishing waters reported by Fishbrain members include Fox River, Des Plaines River, and Rock River (IL, WI).

The allows anglers to see exact catch locations shared by other members, helping you discover productive fishing spots where Perch have recently been caught.