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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

According to catch data from over 20 million anglers on Fishbrain, these are the best baits used to catch Perch.

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Biggest Perch catches

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Latest Perch fishing reports in Illinois

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Walleye

Rock River (IL, WI)

16 in · 1 lb 5 oz

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Sauger

Boneyard Creek

19 in · 3 lb 2 oz

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Walleye

Lake Zurich

length · weight

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Walleye

Kaskaskia River

20 in · 6 lb

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Walleye

Rock River (IL, WI)

length · weight

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Sauger

Boneyard Creek

14 in · 1 lb

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Walleye

Fox River

length · weight

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Walleye

Lake Decatur

length · weight

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Walleye

Fox River

length · weight

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Walleye

Rock River (IL, WI)

22 in · 5 lb

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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 April 6th, 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

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.

Excellent

Sander vitreus

Regulations for

39°44′21.8″N 89°30′16.2″W
Regulations in the map
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