Fishing in Illinois: A Complete Guide

Illinois has 87,000+ acres of lakes and 880 miles of rivers. Here's where and how to fish them.

Licensing

Requirements

• Anyone 16+ needs a license

• Non-residents pay more

• Salmon/trout stamp required for certain species

• Available online at IDNR website

Costs (2024)

• Resident annual: $15

• Non-resident annual: $31.50

• Salmon stamp: $6.50 additional

Top Fishing Destinations

Lake Michigan

Target species: Salmon (chinook, coho), trout, perch, smallmouth bass

Access points:

• Chicago harbors (Diversey, Burnham, Jackson Park)

• Waukegan Harbor

• North Point Marina

Best approach: Charter boats for salmon; pier fishing for perch.

Rend Lake

Near: Southern Illinois (Mt. Vernon) Target: Largemouth bass, crappie, catfish

One of the best bass fisheries in the Midwest. 18,900 acres of productive water.

Kinkaid Lake

Near: Southern Illinois (Murphysboro) Target: Musky, bass, walleye

Clear water lake famous for trophy musky. Scenic and less crowded.

Chain O'Lakes

Near: Fox Lake (northern Illinois) Target: Walleye, bass, panfish

3,000+ acres connected by the Fox River. Good variety and easy Chicago access.

Lake Shelbyville

Near: Shelbyville (central Illinois) Target: Crappie, bass, catfish

11,000 acres with excellent crappie fishing, especially spring.

River Fishing

Fox River

Smallmouth bass, walleye, catfish. Accessible throughout Kane/Kendall counties.

Illinois River

Channel catfish, white bass. Good access at Starved Rock area.

Mississippi River

Walleye, sauger, catfish. Pool areas near Quad Cities excellent.

Urban Fishing (Chicago Area)

No car? No problem.

Stocked locations:

• Lincoln Park Lagoon

• Humboldt Park Lagoon

• Busse Lake (Elk Grove Village)

• Skokie Lagoons

Free fishing days (no license required): First weekend of June.

Seasonal Strategies

Spring

• Crappie spawn in shallows

• Bass move shallow to spawn

• Rivers run high—fish tributaries

Summer

• Early morning and evening best

• Deep water for bass

• Lake Michigan salmon peak

Fall

• Salmon runs (Lake Michigan)

• Bass feeding up for winter

• Musky active

Winter

• Ice fishing (when safe)

• Lake trout in deep water

• Some inland waters remain open

Essential Gear

Basic Setup:

• Medium action spinning rod

• 8-10lb test line

• Tackle box with basics

• Pliers and line cutter

• Valid license on person

Live Bait Options:

• Nightcrawlers (universal)

• Minnows (bass, crappie)

• Shad (catfish)

Regulations to Know

• Size limits vary by species and water body

• Catch limits enforced

• Some waters catch-and-release only

• Check IDNR regulations for specific waters