Division of Fisheries www.dnr.illinois.gov www.ishillinois.org
Inside:
• Current fishing regulations
• Places to fish
• Current state records
• Angler Alerts!
• Aquatic nuisance species
• Illinois fish and your health
• Catchable trout program
• Free Fishing Days
2024 REGULATION INFORMATION
Effective: April 1, 2024 through March 31, 2025
IDNR OFFICES AND CONTACT INFORMATION
Department of Natural Resources
One Natural Resources Way, Springeld, IL 62702-1271
Division of Fisheries (General Line, M-F 8-5) .............................................................................................................................(217) 782-6424
Division of Law Enforcement.............................................................................................................................................................(217) 782-6431
License Replacement ..........................................................................................................................................................................(217) 782-2965
Biologist Contact Information ........................................................................................... https://www.ishillinois.org/FAQS/biologists.html
......................................................................... (Record Fish, Fish Kills, Pond Management, Regulation Questions)
Aquaculture / Aquatic Nuisance Species ...................................................................................................................................... (217) 785-8772
Commercial Fishing .............................................................................................................................................................................. (217) 444-3078
State Hatcheries
Northern Illinois – LaSalle Fish Hatchery ................................................................................................................(815) 357-6986
Central Illinois – Jake Wolf Memorial Fish Hatchery ........................................................................................... (309) 968-7531
Southern Illinois – Little Grassy Fish Hatchery .....................................................................................................(618) 529-4100
Urban Fishing Program
Northern Illinois (excluding Chicago) ........................................................................................................................(847) 553-9676
Chicago ................................................................................................................................................................................(847) 294-4137
Northwest Illinois ..............................................................................................................................................................(815) 625-2903
Central Illinois ....................................................................................................................................................................(217) 784-4730
Southern Illinois ............................................................................................................................................................... (618) 786-3323
Telecommunications Device for the Deaf and Hearing Impaired (TTY) (217) 782-9175
T.I.P. Target Illinois Poachers Report Violations to: 1-877-2DNRLAW(236-7529) 24 hours/day, 7 days/week
Message from the Director
Thank you for your interest in shing in Illinois and for taking time to review the
2024 Illinois Fishing Information guide.
This booklet offers a comprehensive look at Illinois shing regulations and a lot of informa-
tion on places to sh. While many shing regulations apply statewide, this guide includes
easy-to-reference details on site-specic regulations organized by the body of water or water
area at which those regulations apply.
In keeping with tradition, the annual Illinois Free Fishing Days will take place the third week-
end in June. For 2024, those dates are June 14-17. The Illinois Department of Natural
Resources invites new anglers, women, families, and youngsters to go shing that weekend,
even if they have not purchased a shing license.
While the Illinois Fishing Information guide is updated annually, some site-specic regulations may be changed in
emergency situations during the year through the administrative rule process. In those cases, changes will be posted
at the location where the rules apply, and the changes will also be posted online at ishillinois.org.
Those of us who enjoy shing are the guardians of Illinois’ aquatic resources. The money we spend on shing
licenses and equipment helps fund the state’s sheries programs and helps protect the future of shing in Illinois.
Thank you again for reviewing the Illinois Fishing Information guide and for supporting shing in Illinois.
Natalie Phelps Finnie
Director
Illinois Department of Natural Resources
IDNR OFFICES AND CONTACT INFORMATION
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2023 STATE RECORD FISH
Three new bowshing state record sh were caught in 2023. We love big sh stories! Mention or tag
us on Facebook using IFISHILLINOIS and we may share your story on our page or website.
Freshwater Drum
taken by
Phillip Albert
February 20, 2023
Sangchris Lake, Christian County
20 lbs. 4 oz.
Silver Carp
taken by
Scott Battin
June 1, 2023
Private Pond, Logan County
50 lbs
Bighead Carp
taken by
Scott Battin
June 2, 2023
Private Pond, Logan County
92 lbs. 1.6 oz.
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Printed on Recycled Paper
WHAT DOES YOUR ILLINOIS FISHING LICENSE PAY FOR?
The Illinois Department of Natural Resources receives Federal nancial assistance from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Under Title VI of the 1964 Civil Rights Act, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Title II of
the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, and Title IX of the Education Amendments Act of 1972, and the U.S. Department of the Interior prohibits discrimination on the basis of race,
color, national origin, age, sex, or disability. If you believe that you have been discriminated against in any program, activity, or facility, or if you need more information, please write to: Chief, Public Civil Rights Ofce of Civil
Rights U.S. Department of the Interior 1849 C Street, NW Washington, D.C. 20240. This information may be provided in an alternative format if required. Contact the DNR Clearinghouse at 217/782 7498 for assistance.
Printed by the Authority of the State of Illinois • DNR-ORC-220124 • 300M • 1/24
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IDNR OFFICES AND CONTACT INFORMATION ...............................................................Inside Front Cover
SPORT FISHING LICENSE ..............................................................................................5
WATERCRAFT REGISTRATION AND SAFETY ..............................................................................6
Watercraft Registration .................................................................................................6
How to Register or Renew Your Boat in Illinois ...............................................................................6
Boating Safety Education ................................................................................................6
River Closures ........................................................................................................6
SUMMARY OF FISHING REGULATIONS ...................................................................................6
Administrative Rules....................................................................................................6
Aggregate............................................................................................................6
Aquatic Life...........................................................................................................6
Aquatic Life Approved Species List ........................................................................................6
Bait Fishing...........................................................................................................6
Bowshing (Archery/Spear Methods).......................................................................................6
Catch and Release Fishing ..............................................................................................7
Cleaning Fish on Waters ................................................................................................7
Closed Season ........................................................................................................7
Commercial Fish.......................................................................................................7
Commercial Licenses ...................................................................................................7
Craysh .............................................................................................................7
Culling...............................................................................................................7
Daily Harvest and Length Limits (Statewide) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Daily Fee Fishing Area ..................................................................................................7
Dip Nets .............................................................................................................7
Disabled Outdoor Opportunities ...........................................................................................7
Dressed Fish .........................................................................................................7
Endangered and Threatened Aquatic Life ...................................................................................7
Fishing ..............................................................................................................7
Fish Attractors.........................................................................................................8
Fish Disposal / Wanton Waste – Aquatic Life Abandonment .....................................................................8
Fish Preserves . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Fishing Guides . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Free Fishing Days .....................................................................................................8
Group Fishing Permits ..................................................................................................8
Harvest ..............................................................................................................8
Harvesting Fish on Private Property........................................................................................8
Ice Fishing ...........................................................................................................8
Illegal Devices ........................................................................................................8
Injurious Species ......................................................................................................8
Inland Trout Stamp – All Waters (except Lake Michigan)........................................................................8
Salmon Stamp – Lake Michigan...........................................................................................8
Measuring Fish........................................................................................................8
Minimum Length Limit ..................................................................................................8
Minnows .............................................................................................................8
Mussels .............................................................................................................8
Pollution .............................................................................................................8
Property .............................................................................................................8
Protected Slot Length Limit ..............................................................................................8
Public Waters .........................................................................................................8
Purple Paint Law ......................................................................................................8
Sale of Aquatic Life.....................................................................................................9
Seasons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Smelt ...............................................................................................................9
Snagging ............................................................................................................9
Sportsh .............................................................................................................9
Sportshing (Hook and Line Methods Under a Sportshing License) ..............................................................9
Sportshing License ....................................................................................................9
Stocking .............................................................................................................9
Sunsh as Bait . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Tagged or Marked Fish..................................................................................................9
Take ................................................................................................................9
Transporting Water, Fish, or Other Aquatic Life ...............................................................................9
Trolling ..............................................................................................................9
Trot and Trolley Lines...................................................................................................9
Two Pole and Line Fishing Only..........................................................................................10
Unattended Devices ...................................................................................................10
Water of the State.....................................................................................................10
Waterfowl Blinds......................................................................................................10
2024 ILLINOIS FISHING INFORMATION
Effective April 1, 2024 through March 31, 2025
TABLE OF CONTENTS
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
FROGS AND TURTLES................................................................................................10
STATEWIDE SPORTFISHING REGULATIONS..............................................................................11
SITE SPECIFIC SPORTFISHING REGULATIONS ..........................................................................12
HOW TO MEASURE A FISH ............................................................................................60
COMMON ILLINOIS SPORT FISH .......................................................................................61
PLACES TO FISH ....................................................................................................63
TOURNAMENT FISHING PERMIT .......................................................................................65
ILLINOIS SPORT FISHING AWARDS PROGRAMS (Hook and Line or Bowshing) .................................................66
ILLINOIS BOW AND ARROW RECORD FISH ..............................................................................66
ILLINOIS AND NORTH AMERICAN HOOK AND LINE RECORD FISH ...........................................................67
STURGEON IN ILLINOIS WATERS.......................................................................................68
CATCHABLE TROUT PROGRAM ........................................................................................69
FISH KILLS IN ILLINOIS LAKES AND PONDS ..............................................................................69
AQUATIC NUISANCE SPECIES .........................................................................................70
URBAN FISHING PROGRAM ...........................................................................................72
ILLINOIS FISH AND YOUR HEALTH......................................................................................72
POINT SYSTEM FOR REVOCATIONS/SUSPENSIONS ......................................................................73
BOUNDARY RIVERS SPORT FISHING / I FISH ILLINOIS WEBSITE ............................................................75
VHS REGULATIONS / LEAD TACKLE ADVISORY / MONOFILAMENT ADVISORY .................................................76
SPORT FISHING LICENSE
Anglers should have their Illinois Sport Fishing
license in possession at all times while shing.
License sales for the year begin on March 1.
Annual licenses expire on March 31 each year
(i.e., a license purchased on or after March 1,
2024 will expire on March 31, 2025). 3-year
licenses expire on March 31 of the 2nd year after
the year in which the license was issued.
ILLINOIS RESIDENTS:
A resident Sport Fishing license may be obtained
by anyone who has been a resident of Illinois 30
days prior to purchase. Residents under 16 years
of age, and resident persons declared legally
disabled or blind, may sh without a license.
Owners or tenants (if they reside on the land)
may sh in waters wholly contained on their prop-
erty or waters owing over their lands, within the
connes of the property, without a license. This
exemption does not apply to club and organiza-
tional lakes or lake developments.
Persons on active duty in the Armed Forces are
considered residents. A person on active duty in
the Armed Forces, who entered the service from
Illinois and is an Illinois resident, may sh without
a license while on leave.
* Half-priced sport shing and sportsman’s
licenses will be available to resident veterans
of the U.S. Armed Forces after returning from
service abroad, or mobilization by the President
of the United States. Veterans must contact the
Springeld ofce to obtain a half-priced license.
Please call 217-782-6302.
NON-RESIDENTS:
Non-Residents of Illinois may purchase sport sh-
ing licenses to sh waters of the state. Non-res-
idents under 16 years of age may sh without
a license. All other Non-Resident anglers must
purchase Sport Fishing licenses before shing in
Illinois (except on boundary rivers, if licensed in
the bordering state). Non-residents in possession
of a Sport Fishing license from a state bordering
Illinois are not required to have an Illinois Sport
Fishing license to sh on the Illinois side of rivers
adjoining the state in which they are licensed (see
BOUNDARY RIVERS section).
Resident or non-resident anglers who sh at fee
shing areas licensed by the Illinois Department
of Natural Resources are not required to have a
license or Inland Trout Stamp.
CURRENT FEES (Fees subject to change;
additional transaction fee may apply)
(INCLUDES AGENT’S FEES):
Resident
Annual Sport Fishing
.............................. $15.00*
65 to 74 years old
................................ $7.75
75 years old and over
.......................... $1.50
3-year Sport Fishing
............................... .$44.00*
65 to 74 years old
................................ $22.25
75 years old and over
.......................... $4.50
Sport shing (24-hour license)................ $5.50
First-Time Sport Fishing License
............ $5.50**
Lifetime Sport Fishing
............................. $435.00
Annual Sportsmen’s Combination Hunting/
Fishing License....................................... $26.50*
3-year Sportsmen’s Combination Hunting/
Fishing License....................................... $77.25*
Annual Senior Sportsmen’s Combination Hunting/
Fishing License (65 years old and over)
................................................................ $13.50
3-year Senior Sportsmen’s Combination Hunting/
Fishing License (65 years old and over)
................................................................ $39.00
Lifetime Sportsmen’s Combination Hunting/
Fishing License....................................... $765.
Non-Resident
Annual Non-Resident Sport Fishing
....... $31.50
3-day Non-Resident Sport Fishing
......... $15.50
Sport Fishing (24-hour license)
.............. $10.50
Trout and Salmon Stamps
Licensed Resident and Non-Resident anglers
must have a Stamp to take salmon or trout in
Illinois waters.
Lake Michigan Salmon Stamp
(Licensed anglers only)
......................... .$6.50
Resident; 75 years old and over
......... $0.50
Inland Trout Stamp (all waters except Lake
Michigan)(Licensed anglers only)
........... $6.50
Resident; 75 years old and over
......... $0.50
* Half-priced licenses for qualifying resident
veterans.
** Must be at least 26 years old and not have
had a Resident Sport Fishing license in the
past 10 years.
LOST, STOLEN, DESTROYED LICENSE
REPLACEMENT:
1. Licenses purchased via the Internet can be
reprinted at no charge by visiting https://www.
exploremoreil.com/ Vendor transactions for
replacement will incur a fee.
2. Replacement licenses, permits and stamps
are available for $3 from the Chicago ofce and
the Springeld Public Service area.
3. Vendors can issue replacement licenses with a
DNR Direct terminal. There is a $3 replacement
fee per item plus a small transaction fee.
DISABLED OR BLIND PERSONS::
In order for disabled or blind persons who are
Illinois residents to sh without a license, the
person must be able to show proof of disability
in the form of one of the following:
1.
A State disabled person I.D. card
(available
from the Secretary of State through the driver’s
license examining station) showing a Class 2
or Class 2A disability. Applies to Illinois
residents only.
2.
Veterans disability card
- (available from the
Illinois Department of Veterans’ Affairs Ofce)
Reside and Non-Resident veterans who are
at least 10% disabled with service-related dis-
abilities or in receipt of total disability pensi
ons may sh with sport shing devices during
any open season without being required to
have a license, on the condition that their
respective disabilities do not prevent them
from shing in a manner which is safe to them-
selves and others.
TO PURCHASE AN ILLINOIS SPORT FISHING
LICENSE:
Fishing and Combination Hunting/Fishing licenses
and stamps can be purchased over the Internet
or you can nd a local vendor by visiting the
Department’s Licensing Page at:
https://dnr.illinois.gov/lpr.html
Boat renewals may also be done at this site.
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SUMMARY OF FISHING REGULATIONS
WATERCRAFT REGISTRATION AND SAFETY
WATERCRAFT REGISTRATION
All watercraft operated on the waters within the
jurisdiction of this State shall be registered and titled
except for unpowered vessels, including canoes,
kayaks and paddleboards. Illinois Boat Registration
and Safety Act Information can be found at:
https://dnr.illinois.gov/content/dam/soi/en/web/dnr/
boating/documents/boatdigest.pdf
HOW TO REGISTER OR RENEW YOUR BOAT
To register your boat, you must submit a boat appli-
cation; required documents; and the appropriate fee
(see registration application requirements). Applications
are available from Department of Natural Resources
ofces, boat dealers, or on-line at https://www2.
illinois.gov/dnr/boating/Pages/default.aspx. If you
have any questions regarding registration and titling
please call 217-557-0180 or 1-800-382-1696. To
renew your registration by phone please call 1-866-
867-3542.
BOATING SAFETY EDUCATION
Boat safety education is a positive move toward a
safe and enjoyable boating future. Beginning on
January 1, 2016, no person born on or after January
1, 1998 shall operate a motorboat with over 10 horse
power unless that person has a valid Boating Safety
Certicate issued by the Department of Natural
Resources or an entity or organization recognized
and approved by the Department. Enroll in a Boat
Safety Course now. For information on class
locations call: 1-800-832-2599, or visit:
https://dnr.illinois.gov/boating/moreinformation.html
RIVER CLOSURES
Illinois Department of Natural Resources routinely
monitors river conditions throughout the state to
ensure that river conditions are safe for recreational
and commercial boat trafc. For information on
river closures in Illinois please visit the following
websites:
Illinois Department of Natural Resources:
https://dnr.illinois.gov/closures/riverclosures.html
United States Coast Guard:
https://www.uscg.mil/home/
ADMINISTRATIVE RULES
The sheries of Illinois are administered to assure
conservation and enhancement of the shery
resource and the equity of the shing public, while
providing for maximum enjoyment. Statutes pro-
vide the framework by which shing opportunities
are administered. These opportunities, however,
are sometimes subject to a variety of regulations,
depending on local site conditions and situations
unique to a particular shery or waterbody. These
detailed regulations are set forth in administrative
rules. Such administrative rules are enforced in the
same manner as are provisions of the statutes, and
are subject to the same penalties. See TITLE 17:
CONSERVATION for more details: http://www.ilga.
gov/commission/jcar/admincode/017/017parts.html.
AGGREGATE (re: “singly or in the aggregate”)
Aggregate means a combination of all species list-
ed. A Daily Harvest Limit is the maximum number
of sh that may be in possession and the number
of sh is the sum of sh of each species listed for
the regulation, whether the phrase “singly or in the
aggregate” appears or not. For example, Bluegill
or Redear Sunsh – 25 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
means an angler may harvest 25 Bluegill or 25
Redear Sunsh, or 25 sh of the two species com-
bined (e.g., 15 Bluegill and 10 Redear Sunsh).
AQUATIC LIFE
Aquatic life is statutorily dened as all sh, reptiles,
amphibians, mollusks, crustaceans, algae, aquatic
plants, aquatic invertebrates, and any other aquatic
animals or plants that the Department identies in
Administrative Rules.
AQUATIC LIFE APPROVED SPECIES LIST
The Aquatic Life Approved Species List is created
and maintained by the Department and is com-
prised of specic species of aquatic life, within
the categories of sh, crustaceans, gastropods,
mollusks, and plants. The listed aquatic life species
are considered approved for aquaculture, transpor-
tation, stocking, importation and/or possession in
the State of Illinois. A complete list of Aquatic Life
Approved Species can be found at: https://www.
ishillinois.org/programs/aquaculture.html.
BAIT FISHING
The following sh species may be taken by anglers
with a valid sportshing license with a legal size
cast net or shad scoop and used for LIVE or DEAD
bait on the body of water where they are collected:
Mooneye Hiodon tergisus, Goldeye Hiodon alo-
soides, Skipjack Herring Alosa chrysochloris, and
Common Carp Cyprinus carpio.
The following sh species may be taken by
anglers with a valid sportshing license with a cast
net or shad scoop and used for DEAD bait on the
body of water where they are collected: Bighead
Carp Hypophthalmichthys nobilis, Black Carp
Mylopharyngodon piceus, Grass Carp Ctenopharyn-
godon idella, and Silver Carp Hypophthalmichthys
molotrix.
All cast nets shall be not larger than 24 feet in
diameter or of a mesh size not larger than 1 inch
bar measurement. All shad scoops shall not be larg-
er than 30 inches in diameter or of a mesh size not
larger than 1/2 inch bar measurement or longer than
4 feet in length.
Minnows (any sh in the family Cyprinidae
except Bighead Carp Hypophthalmichthys nobilis,
Black Carp Mylopharyngodon piceus, Grass Carp
Ctenopharyngodon Idella, and Silver Carp Hypoph-
thalmichthys molotrix) and craysh may be taken by
anglers with a valid sportshing license and used
as LIVE or DEAD bait on the body of water where
they are collected using traps of metal screen or
hardware cloth, plastic, or nylon mesh or netting or
minnow seines. Such traps may not be more than
24 inches in width or diameter or more than 36 inch-
es in length nor use a mesh of more than 1/2 inch
bar measurement. Each entrance aperture may not
exceed 1.5 inches in diameter. If unattended, such
devices must be tagged with the name and mailing
address of the person operating the device. Minnow
seines shall not be longer than 20 feet, deeper than
6 feet or contain mesh size larger than 1/2 inch bar
measurement. Minnows and craysh collected in
such devices may only be taken for personal use
and may not be sold or bartered.
Aquatic life protected under 17 Ill. Adm. Code
1010 - Illinois List of Endangered and Threatened
Fauna may not be taken for any purpose including
bait shing.
The use of LIVE injurious species (as described
in 17 Ill. Adm. Code, Part 805) as bait is prohibited.
Possession of live specimens, progeny thereof, via-
ble eggs, or gametes is prohibited.
Collected LIVE bait sh must be used on the
waterbody where taken. Bait sh collected in the
tailwaters of a waterbody (i.e., below a dam or spill-
way) may not be used as LIVE or DEAD bait in the
upstream waterbody. The taking of aquatic life with
a dip net, casting net, or shad scoop shall not be
permitted within 100 feet of the base of any dam.
BOWFISHING (ARCHERY/SPEAR METHODS)
a) Legal Methods of Taking
Aquatic life listed in subsection (b) may be taken
by means of a pitchfork, underwater spear gun,
bow and arrow or bow and arrow device, spear
or gig. A valid sport shing license is required
for taking aquatic life under this rule. Aquatic life
taken by these means shall not be sold or bar-
tered. No other aquatic life (e.g. sh, amphibian,
or reptile species) may be taken in this State
by these means. It is unlawful for any person to
take or attempt to take aquatic life as provided in
subsection (b) along, upon, across, or from any
public right-of-way or highway in this State.
[ILCS 5/10-110 (b)]
b) Species
Only sh, amphibian, and reptile species listed
may be taken by bowshing and other legal
methods and in accordance with length limits
and daily harvest limits identied for each. Fish,
amphibian, and reptile species permitted to be
taken by bowshing and other archery/spear
shing legal methods in Illinois waters include:
Native sh
Alligator Gar - Atractosteus spatula
Bigmouth Buffalo – Ictiobus cyprinellus
Black Buffalo – Ictiobus niger
Black Bullhead – Ameiurus melas
Black Redhorse – Moxostoma duquesnei
Blue Catsh – Ictalurus furcatus
Blue Sucker – Cycleptus elongates
Bown – Amia calva
Brown Bullhead – Ameiurus nebulosus
Channel Catsh – Ictalurus punctatus
Flathead Catsh – Pylodictis olivaris
Freshwater Drum – Aplodinotus grunniens
Gizzard Shad – Dorosoma cepedianum
Golden Redhorse – Moxostoma erythrurum
Highn Carpsucker – Carpiodes velifer
Longnose Gar – Lepisosteus osseus
Quillback Carpsucker – Carpiodes cyprinus
River Carpsucker – Carpiodes carpio
Shorthead Redhorse –
Moxostoma macrolepidotum
Shortnose Gar – Lepisosteus platostomus
Silver Redhorse – Moxostoma anisurum
Smallmouth Buffalo – Ictiobus bubalus
Spotted Gar – Lepisosteus oculatus
Spotted Sucker – Minytrema melanops
White Sucker – Catostomus commersoni
Yellow Bullhead – Ameiurus natalis
Non-Native sh
Bighead carp – Hypophthalmichthys nobilis
Black carp – Mylopharyngodon piceus
Common carp – Cyprinus carpio
Goldsh – Carassius auratus
Grass carp – Ctenopharyngodon idella
Northern snakehead – Channa argus
Oriental weathersh –
Misgurnus anguillicaudatus
Pacu – Callisoma spp.
Round goby – Neogobius malanistomus
Sea Lamprey – Petromyzon marinus
Silver carp – Hypophthalmichthys molitrix
Tilapia – Tilapia spp.
White catsh – Ameiurus catus
Native Reptiles and Amphibians
American Bullfrog – Lithobates catesbeianus
Common Snapping Turtle – Chelydra serpentine
c) No live possession of Non-Native Fish species
listed in subsection (b) is permitted, with the
exception of Common Carp and Goldsh.
d) Waters Open to Bowshing and Other Legal
Archery and Spear Fishing Methods
1) Illinois waters open to bowshing and other legal
methods include all public rivers and streams noted
in 17 Ill. Adm. Code, Part 3704. Appendix A, except
as restricted by subsections (d)(3) through (d)(15).
2) All public site specic waters as noted in this
digest that are outlined in 17 Ill. Adm. Code,
Section 810.45.
3) Catsh species may only be taken in rivers
and connected public (wholly accessible by
boat) backwaters as listed in 17 Ill. Adm.
Code, Section 810.15 as noted in subsections
(d)(4) through (d)(15).
4) Mississippi River and connected public (wholly
accessible by boat) backwaters, including that
portion of the Kaskaskia River below the navi-
gation lock and dam, except:
A) Quincy Bay, including Quincy Bay Water-
7
fowl Management Area
B) Spring Lake in the Upper Mississippi River
Wildlife and Fish Refuge; and
C) Mark Twain U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
National Wildlife Refuge Waters.
5) Illinois River and connected public (wholly
accessible by boat) backwaters except for:
A) U.S. Fish and Wildlife National Wildlife
Refuge Waters;
B) Donnelley/DePue State Fish and Wildlife
Areas;
C) Rice Lake State Fish and Wildlife Area,
including all of Big Lake;
D) Meredosia Lake in Cass and Morgan Coun-
ties during the central zone duck season; and
E) Clear Lake in Mason County 7 days prior to
and during the central zone duck season.
6) Wabash River
7) Embarras River, except from Route 130 in
Coles County upstream to the dam.
8) Sangamon River, downstream of Belt Route 48
southwest of Decatur to mouth in Cass County
9) Kaskaskia River south of Route U.S. 50
Bridge to mouth in Randolph County
10) Little Wabash River
11) Big Muddy River south of the State Route
14 highway bridge in Franklin County down-
stream to the conuence with the Mississippi
River in Jackson County
12) Skillet Fork
13) Cache River from Route 51 downstream to the
Mississippi River via Cache Diversion Chan-
nel, but not including that portion of the Cache
River between the Cache Diversion Channel
Levee and the Ohio River
14) Saline River in Gallatin and Saline Counties
15) Ohio River, except for:
A) Olmsted Locks and Dam downstream to a
line perpendicular with the end of the longest
lock wall, including the circular cell portion
B) Smithland Dam downstream to a line perpen-
dicular to the end of the outer lock wall; and
C) Within 50 yards of the mouth of any tribu-
tary or stream.
CATCH AND RELEASE FISHING
Waterbodies may be listed as Catch and Release
Fishing Only for all species, individual sh species,
or may have special Catch and Release Only sea-
sons. Catch and Release Fishing Only means no
harvest of target sh species is permitted. Caught
sh must be returned to the same water unharmed
immediately.
CLEANING FISH ON THE WATER
No sh entrails or carcass may be disposed of into
the waters of Illinois after cleaning. No sh species
may be dressed (lleted or head and tail removed)
on any waters for which length and harvest limits
are applicable.
CLOSED SEASON
A closed season means that sh may not be
taken between the specied dates. Waters receiv-
ing catchable rainbow trout have closed seasons
(spring and/or fall). A closed season prohibiting
harvest of rainbow trout is necessary in order for
the State to have the trout stocked and permit all
anglers to have an equal opportunity to harvest
sh on the “opening day” of the season.
COMMERCIAL FISH
The minimum size limit on Channel Catsh, Flat-
head Catsh, Blue Catsh and White Catsh taken
by commercial shermen is 15 inches, except in the
Wabash and Ohio Rivers. No Channel Catsh, Blue
Catsh or Flathead Catsh less than 13 inches in
total length may be taken from the Wabash and Ohio
Rivers. Only one Channel Catsh per day equal to
or greater than 28 inches may be harvested from the
Wabash and Ohio Rivers. Only one Blue Catsh and
one Flathead Catsh per day equal to or greater
than 35 inches may be harvested from the Wabash
or Ohio Rivers. No Paddlesh less than 28 inches in
length may be taken by commercial sherman from
the Illinois or Mississippi Rivers. No Paddlesh less
than 32 inches may be taken by commercial sher-
men from the Ohio River. No Shovelnose sturgeon
under 24 inches or over 32 inches in length may be
taken by commercial shermen from the Mississippi
River or the Ohio River. No Shovelnose Sturgeon
under 25 inches in length may be taken by com-
mercial shermen from the Wabash River. There
is no size limit on Carp, Drum, Bullhead, Buffalo,
Sucker, Shortnose Gar, Longnose Gar, Spotted Gar,
Bown, Yellow Perch, Chub, Mooneye, Goldeye,
Carpsucker and Smelt. All other species may not
be taken commercially, but if caught incidentally mu
st be returned immediately to waters where taken.
Additional information can be found at https:// www.
ishillinois.org/programs/commercialsh.html
COMMERCIAL LICENSES
A commercial shing license and sportshing
license is required for any person who uses a com-
mercial device to harvest sh (including minnows)
or craysh. Any person assisting a licensed com-
mercial sherman in taking sh (including minnows)
or craysh must have a sportshing license. A resi-
dent commercial shing license can be issued only
to persons who have resided in Illinois for at least a
year. The commercial shing license expires March
31 annually. In addition, the holder of this license
must obtain a license for each commercial device
shed. All commercial shermen shall procure a
commercial roe harvest permit in addition to their
commercial shing and sportshing license before
taking roe‑bearing species (Bown, Paddlesh, and
Shovelnose Sturgeon).
A commercial musseling license is required for
any person who commercially harvests mussels.
Any person assisting a licensed commercial mus-
selor in taking mussels must have a commercial
musseling license. Commercial licenses and infor-
mation are available at the Department of Natural
Resources, Commercial Permits Ofce, One
Natural Resources Way, Springeld, IL 62702. 217-
785-3423 and https:// www.ishillinois.org/programs/
commercialsh.html
CRAYFISH
It is a violation of state law to import, possess,
sell or use as bait LIVE Rusty Craysh. The Rusty
Craysh may be distinguished by a dark rusty spot
on both sides of the carapace (body) and a rusty-
red band followed by a dark stripe on the large
pincers (claws). Rusty Craysh destroy aquatic
vegetation and eat the eggs of various shes,
which negatively affects sh reproduction. DEAD
Rusty Craysh may be used as bait.
Endangered or threatened species may NOT
be taken for use as bait, LIVE or DEAD.
The following craysh species are listed on the
Illinois Aquatic Life Approved Species List and shall
be allowed for use as LIVE bait in Illinois: White
River Craysh Procambarus acutus, Papershell
Craysh Faxonius immunis, Northern Craysh
Faxonius virilis, and Devil Craysh Lacunacam-
barus diogenes. These approved craysh may be
captured using legal angling methods in Illinois
including legal traps and cast nets, shad scoops,
and minnow seines with a sportshing license.
Those wild caught approved species (above)
can be collected by any approved method but
may
only be used as bait on the waters where collected
.
Craysh taken with a sportshing license may only
be taken for personal use, and may not be sold or
bartered. DEAD craysh of any species, excluding
endangered or threatened species, may be used as
bait.
Craysh traps: traps of metal screen or hard-
ware cloth, plastic, or nylon mesh or netting may be
used to capture approved craysh. Such traps may
not be more than 24 inches in width or diameter
or more than 36 inches in length nor use a mesh
of more than 1/2 inch bar measurement. Each
entrance aperture may not exceed 1 1/2 inches
in diameter. If unattended, such devices must be
tagged with the name, mailing address and phone
number of the person operating the device. Cray-
sh collected in such devices may only be used on
the waters where collected, may only be taken for
personal use, and may not be sold or bartered.
Only persons possessing a valid commercial
shing license may harvest and sell craysh from
designated waters. Additional information can be
found at https://www.ishillinois.org/programs/com-
mercialsh.html
CULLING
It is illegal to replace a smaller sh held in pos-
session with a larger sh unless: the smaller sh
is counted toward the daily limit or released within
the connes of a bona de catch, hold for weigh-in,
and release shing tournament which requires the
participants to have a boat live well with a pump
constantly adding fresh or recirculating water.
DAILY HARVEST AND LENGTH LIMITS (STATEWIDE)
Statewide daily harvest and length limits are found
on p. 10 of the Fishing Digest. These harvest and
length limits apply to all Water of the State. Anglers
should check daily harvest and length limits listed in
Site-specic Regulations (beginning on p. 12) which
may be more restrictive.
Length is measured from the tip of the snout to
the end of the tail with the sh laid at on a ruler,
with the mouth of the sh closed and the tail lobes
pressed together. No sh species may be dressed
(lleted or head and tail removed) on any waters
to which length and harvest limits are applicable.
Regardless of where taken, no sh less than the
specied minimum length or more than the daily
harvest shall be possessed while taking from, or on
the waters to which length limits and/or daily harvest
limits apply.
If a daily harvest limit covers more than one sh
species (e.g., White, Black, or Hybrid Crappie), the
number of sh permitted to be taken includes all sh
species covered by the regulation added together
(in the aggregate).
DAILY FEE FISHING AREA
A sport shing license and “Inland Trout Stamp”
are not required to sh in a Department of Nat-
ural Resources licensed daily fee shing area.
Daily Fee Fishing Areas by administrative rule are
dened as any privately owned water area that is
controlled, operated or managed for shing and uti-
lized by persons who pay a daily fee, either directly
or indirectly; water bodies that are controlled, oper-
ated or managed as private club lakes, organiza-
tional lakes or lake developments are not eligible to
receive a daily fee shing area license.
DIP NETS
A sport shing license allows the holder to harvest
Smelt in Lake Michigan with a dip net not exceeding
12 feet in diameter and having a mesh size not less
than 1 inch diagonal stretch. In other waters Com-
mon Carp, Carpsucker, Buffalo and Gizzard Shad
may be taken with a dip net up to 15 feet in diameter
and with a mesh size no less than 1 1/2 inches bar
measure. Such equipment may not be used within
100 feet of a dam or to harvest game sh.
DISABLED OUTDOOR OPPORTUNITIES
The Illinois Department of Natural Resources is
committed to providing greater access and more
programs for persons with disabilities. We want to
make it easier for disabled individuals to hunt, sh,
and pursue other outdoor activities. DNR’s intention
is to expand these opportunities so more individuals
may take part. For more information, contact IDNR
at 618-435-8138 ext. 130.
DRESSED FISH
No sh species may be dressed (lleted or head and
tail removed) on any waters to which length or har-
vest limits are applicable.
ENDANGERED AND THREATENED AQUATIC LIFE
There are more than 80 species of aquatic life in Illinois
currently on the State Endangered and Threatened
(E&T) Species List which may not be taken for any
purpose. For more information or to obtain a listing of
these species of aquatic life, please go to https://natu-
ralheritage.illinois.gov/speciesconservation/endangere-
dandthreatenedspeciesprogram.html and click on the
link List of Endangered and Threatened Species
in Illinois.
Species on the E&T list most likely taken by
sport shing methods include the River Redhorse,
Greater Redhorse, Lake Sturgeon, and Mudpuppy.
Accidental catches of E&T Species should be
released immediately.
FISHING
Fishing shall be dened as taking or attempting to
take aquatic life in any waters of the State, by any
method, and all other acts such as placing, setting,
drawing or using any device commonly used for the
taking of aquatic life, whether resulting in taking or
not. This also applies to the removal of dead and
decaying aquatic life.
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FISH ATTRACTORS
Sport shermen may wish to add habitat or ‘sh
attractors’ to their favorite shing location, however
sh attractors can only be put in public lakes with per-
mission from your IDNR District Fish Biologist. Fish
attractors may be put in private ponds and lakes.
FISH DISPOSAL / WANTON WASTE – AQUATIC
LIFE ABANDONMENT
Except as provided in 17 Ill. Adm. Code, Section
810.14, it is unlawful for any person at any time
to take or possess any sh, reptiles, amphibians,
mollusks and crustaceans in Illinois waters by
sportshing methods and then intentionally leave or
abandon such aquatic life or portions thereof result-
ing in wanton or needless waste.
“Wanton or needless waste” means to place,
leave, dump or abandon any aquatic life or aquatic
life parts protected by 17 Ill. Adm. Code, Section
810 along or upon any public right-of-way or high-
way, waterway or stream, or on any public or pri-
vate property without the permission of the owner
or tenant. No disposal of aquatic life or aquatic life
portions shall be allowed on State owned or leased
properties except at designated sh cleaning
stations, where available.
Section 810.14 does not exclude sh or sh
parts used for the purposes of bait or other lawful
purposes or apply to injurious species of sh that
accidentally jump into a watercraft and are
immediately returned to the water.
FISH PRESERVES
All waters under state jurisdiction are statutorily
sh preserves, open only to sport shing. However,
certain waters are open to commercial shing by
administrative rule. Contact the Department of
Natural Resources for more information.
FISHING GUIDES
Fishing guides are required to possess a passenger
for hire license. More information can be found by
visiting the IDNR website at: https://dnr.illinois.gov/
boating/passengerrentalboatlicense.html
FREE FISHING DAYS
During the period of June 14, 15, 16, and 17, 2024,
it shall be legal for any person to sh in waters
wholly or in part within the jurisdiction of the State,
including the Illinois portion of Lake Michigan,
without possessing a sport shing license, salmon
stamp or inland trout stamp
GROUP FISHING PERMITS
The Illinois Department of Natural Resources may
issue at no cost group shing permits for hospital
patients, nursing home residents, or handicapped
people in connection with supervised shing for
therapy. The IDNR reserves the right to determine
if the group falls within the denitions listed above.
For more information or an application form,
contact the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.
HARVEST
Any aquatic life taken into possession from any
waters of the State by any method. Harvested
sh from more than one angler may be kept on
the same stringer or in the same basket or livewell,
assuming all daily harvest and length limits are
followed.
HARVESTING FISH ON PRIVATE PROPERTY
Statewide daily harvest and length limits do not
apply to a person shing in waters wholly within his
or her private property.
ICE FISHING
A sport shing license is required for ice shing.
The ice angler may use a maximum of three poles
or tip-ups with no more than two hooks on each
line. Anglers at sites with a Two Pole and Line
Fishing Only restriction may use a maximum of
two poles or tip-ups. Holes cut in the ice are limited
to 12-inch diameter or less. Shelter structures are
limited to portable construction of metal or wood
framework, covered with canvas, paper, plastic
material or similar fabric. Each shelter shall have
the name and address of the owner attached, and
after March 1 the shelter must be removed when
not in use, and not left unattended at any time. All
poles and tip-ups shall be constantly attended and
kept under observation by the angler.
ILLEGAL DEVICES
Use of the following devices in the taking of aquatic
life is prohibited: electricity or electrical devices,
except lights; lime; acid; medical, chemical or
mechanical compounds; dope; drugs; shberry;
dynamite; nitroglycerine or other explosive; snare;
treated grain; rearms of any kind; air gun; gas gun;
blow gun; wire basket; wire seine; wire net; wire
trotline or limb lines of any kind.
INJURIOUS SPECIES
To prevent the introduction and spread of aquatic
nuisance species, Illinois has implemented an
Injurious Species regulation (17 Ill. Adm. Code,
Part 805). Of special note to sport shermen, this
rule prohibits the possession of LIVE species
deemed to be harmful to our lakes and rivers, and
to the sh and wildlife that inhabit them. These
harmful species include, but are not limited to:
Bighead Carp Black Carp Eurasian Ruffe
Rudd Round Goby Rusty Craysh
Silver Carp Snakehead Tubenose Goby
Walking Catsh Zebra Mussel Brazilian Elodea
Hydrilla Eurasian Watermilfoil Quagga Mussel
The injurious aquatic life species listed
above may be immediately returned unharmed.
For example, a Round Goby caught on pole and
line can be immediately returned to the waters
where taken. A Silver Carp that jumps into a
boat can be immediately returned to the waters
where taken.
To view the complete list of regulated
species and full text of Part 805, please visit
https://www.ilga.gov/commission/jcar/admin-
code/017/01700805sections.html.
For more information on aquatic nuisance spe-
cies, contact the IDNR Aquatic Nuisance Species
Program by phone at 217-785-8772 or by email at
INLAND TROUT STAMP - ALL WATERS
(except Lake Michigan)
Sport shermen are required to purchase an “Inland
Trout Stamp” prior to taking of trout from all waters
except Lake Michigan. Fees are (including agent’s fees):
Resident and Non-resident; annual
........$6.50
Resident; 65 years old and over
...........$6.50
Resident; 75 years old and over
...........$0.50
Resident and non-resident
under 16 years of age
..................NONE
Resident; disabled, blind
...............NONE
The 24-hour license does not include trout sh-
ing privileges.
SALMON STAMP - LAKE MICHIGAN
Sport shermen are required to purchase a “Lake
Michigan Salmon Stamp” prior to taking of salmon
and trout from Lake Michigan. Fees are (including
agent’s fee):
Resident and non-resident; annual
.........$6.50
Resident; 65 years old and over
...........$6.50
Resident; 75 years old and over
...........$0.50
Resident and non-resident
under 16 years of age
.................. NONE
Resident; disabled, blind
............... NONE
The 24-hour license does not include salmonid
shing privileges in Lake Michigan.
MEASURING FISH
Fish length is measured from the tip of the snout to
the end of the tail while the sh is laid at on a ruler,
with the mouth of the sh closed and the tail lobes
pressed together, except for Paddlesh and Stur-
geon. Paddlesh length is measured from the eye to
the fork of the tail. Sturgeon length is measured from
the tip of the snout to the fork of the tail. Regardless
of where taken, no sh less than the specied min-
imum length limit shall be possessed while taking
from, or on, any waters to which length limits apply.
MINIMUM LENGTH LIMIT
Fish less than a designated length must be released
immediately.
MINNOWS
A minnow is statutorily dened as any sh in the min-
now family (Cyprinidae) except Carp and Goldsh.
Persons possessing a valid sport shing license
may harvest minnows with cast nets (not larger than
24 feet in diameter and having a mesh size not larger
than 1 inch bar measurement), shad scoops (not
larger than 30 inches in diameter or longer than 4
feet in length and having a bar mesh size not larger
than 1/2 inch), a minnow seine (no longer than 20
feet in length, deeper than 6 feet or having a mesh
size larger than 1/2 inch bar measurement), or a
trap not more than 36 inches in length, 24 inches
in width, and with mesh no larger than 1/2 inch bar
measurement.
Collected minnows must be used on the water
body where taken whether LIVE or DEAD. Minnows
collected in the tailwaters of a waterbody (i.e., below
a dam or spillway) may not be used as LIVE or
DEAD bait in the upstream waterbody.
MUSSELS
Only persons possessing a valid commercial mus-
selor license may harvest and sell mussels from
designated waters. Additional information can be
found at https://www.ishillinois.org/programs/com-
mercialsh.html
Persons possessing a sportshing license may
possess up to 50 relic mussel shells for personal
collection. A relic mussel shell is dened as one
which died of natural causes within the water and
contains no meat or soft parts; it readily exhibits
noticeable sediment, vegetation, algal or mineral
stains, discolorations, soiling, weathering or other
visual evidence on its interior surface which clearly
and unambiguously shows the mussel shell has not
been cooked-out or freshly cleaned.
POLLUTION
The Department of Natural Resources cooperates
with the Environmental Protection Agency in
conducting pollution investigations. Anglers are
often the rst to observe water pollution and their
assistance is invited in reporting these instances
to District and Regional Fisheries Biologists (see
inside cover for contact information), to a Conser-
vation Police Ofcer, or to the Division of Fisheries
in Springeld.
It is unlawful for waste or sewage to be dis-
charged into waters so as to kill aquatic life. It is
also unlawful to abandon or deposit wire, cans,
bottles, glass, paper, trash, rubbish, cardboard,
wood cartons, boxes, trees, brush or other insolu-
ble materials into the water or on the ice, or at any
place on the bank where such debris is liable to be
washed into the water. Strict penalties are provided
for violation of the Fish and Aquatic Life Code.
PROPERTY
Consideration for others is a philosophy of the
sportsman. Consent of the landowner or occupant
of the premises shall be obtained before shing or
attempting to harvest aquatic life on another’s
property or within waters other than public waters of
the state. Care should be taken not to cause dam-
age to the property.
PROTECTED SLOT LENGTH LIMIT
Fish within a designated length range must be
released immediately.
PUBLIC WATERS
Public Waters are dened in 17 Ill. Adm. Code,
Section 3704 as all lakes, rivers, streams and
waterways which are or were navigable and are
open or dedicated to public use including all bay-
ous, sloughs, backwaters and submerged lands
connected by water to the main channel or body
of water during normal ows or stages. A listing of
Public Waters can be found in in 17 Ill. Adm. Code,
Section 3704, Appendix A or at https://dnr.illinois.
gov/waterresources/publicwaters.html
PURPLE PAINT LAW
The State of Illinois has implemented the Purple
Paint Law providing landowners or lessees the
option to use purple paint in conjunction with no
trespassing signs to mark property boundaries.
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SALE OF AQUATIC LIFE
No sh, amphibians, reptiles, craysh, or parts
thereof (including eggs or resulting offspring)
taken by sport shing license methods (including
snagging) may be bought, sold or bartered.
SEASONS
Sport shing is open year-round (except as noted in
the Site Specic Regulations section and for
turtle and frog season).
SMELT
The sport shing season for Smelt is from March 1
through April 30 (check local seasonal regulations for
Smelt shing from Chicago Park District properties).
A sport shing license entitles the angler to harvest
Smelt. Waters of Lake Michigan comprise Illinois’
Smelt shery. Smelt may be taken with a seine or
gill net not more than 12 feet long, 6 feet deep and
with mesh size not more than 1 inch diagonal stretch,
or by dip net not more than 12 feet in diameter with
mesh size not less than 1 inch diagonal stretch.
Trolley or power lines may also be used by sport
shermen in taking Smelt (see Trot and Trolley Line
section). No person shall operate more than one
smelt net device at any one time. All sh taken other
than Smelt must be released immediately.
SNAGGING
a) Sport shermen are permitted only one pole and
line device to which can be attached no more
than two hooks. On the Mississippi River between
Illinois and Iowa, the maximum treble hook size is
5/0; gaffs may not be used to land Paddlesh.
b) Species of Fish and Snagging Harvest Limit.
1) Only the following species of sh and harvest
limit may be taken by snagging:
Bighead Carp (no live possession) –
no harvest limit
Black Carp (no live possession) – no harvest limit
Bown – no harvest limit
Buffalo – no harvest limit
Carpsuckers – no harvest limit
Common Carp – no harvest limit
Freshwater Drum – no harvest limit
Gizzard Shad – no harvest limit
Grass Carp (no live possession) –
no harvest limit
Longnose Gar – no harvest limit
Paddlesh – 2 Fish Daily Harvest Limit; the
maximum length limit for Paddlesh taken
from the Mississippi River between Illinois
and Iowa is 33-inch eye-fork length (EFL) (all
Paddlesh greater than or equal to 33-inch
EFL must be immediately released back to
the Mississippi River); the minimum length
limit for Paddlesh taken from the Mississippi
River between Illinois and Missouri is 24-inch
EFL (all Paddlesh less than 24-inch EFL
must be immediately released back to the
Mississippi River).
Salmon (Coho and Chinook only) – 5 Fish, in
the aggregate, Daily Harvest Limit
Shortnose Gar – no harvest limit
Silver Carp (no live possession) –
no harvest limit
Suckers – no harvest limit
2) No sorting (i.e., catching more sh than is
allowed and putting back some in order to keep
larger ones) of snagged Salmon and Paddlesh
is permitted, except for Paddlesh taken from the
Mississippi River between Illinois and Missouri
where sorting is permitted. Every Paddlesh
snagged must be included in the daily harvest
limit. Every Salmon 10 inches in total length or
longer snagged must be taken into immediate
possession and included in the daily harvest limit.
Once the daily harvest limit of Salmon or Paddle-
sh has been reached, snagging must cease.
c) Waters Open to Snagging and Snagging Season.
1) Snagging for sh is permitted from September
15 through December 15 and from March 15
through May 15 within a 300 yard downstream
limit below all locks and dams of the Illinois River,
except for the area below the Peoria Lock and
Dam where snagging is permitted year round.
2) Snagging for sh is permitted from September
15 through December 15 and from March 15
through May 15 within a 300 yard downstream
limit below all locks and dams of the Mississip-
pi River between Illinois and Missouri, except
for the Chain of Rocks low water dam at Chou-
teau Island – Madison County, also known
as Dam 27 at the Chain of Rocks – Madison
County where no snagging is permitted. Snag-
ging is permitted from 1/2 hour before sunrise
to 1/2 hour after sunset daily, March 1 through
April 15 within a 500 yard downstream limit
below locks and dams on the Mississippi River
between Illinois and Iowa.
3) Snagging for sh is permitted year-round within
a 100 yard limit upstream or downstream of the
dam at Horseshoe Lake in Alexander County.
4) Snagging for Chinook and Coho Salmon
only is permitted from the following Lake
Michigan shoreline areas from October 1
through December 31; however, no snagging
is allowed at any time within 200 feet of a
moored watercraft or as posted:
A) Lincoln Park Lagoon from the Fullerton
Avenue Bridge to the southern end of the
Lagoon.
B) Waukegan Harbor (in North Harbor basin only).
C) Winnetka Power Plant discharge area.
D) Jackson Harbor (Inner and Outer Harbors).
d) Disposition of Snagged Salmon and Paddlesh.
All snagged Salmon and Paddlesh must be
removed from the area from which they are taken
and disposed of properly, in accordance with17
Ill. Adm. Code, Section 810.14 of the Fish and
Aquatic Life Code.
SPORTFISH
Principal sport sh are the Muskellunge, Tiger
Muskie, Northern Pike, Walleye, Sauger, Saugeye,
Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Spotted
Bass, Striped Bass, hybrid Striped Bass, White
Bass, Yellow Bass, Bluegill, Redear Sunsh, Rock
Bass, White Crappie, Black Crappie, Trout and
Salmon. These may be taken only with sport shing
devices by sport shermen having sport shing
licenses. Other species such as Paddlesh, Cat-
sh, Yellow Perch, Freshwater Drum and Carp are
considered both sport and commercial sh, and
the means of taking and purposes for which they
are taken prescribe the type of license required.
Still other species are considered commercial sh,
though when taken on sport shing devices an
angler must have a sport shing license. A fourth
category is endangered and threatened aquatic life.
(See Endangered and Threatened Aquatic Life).
SPORTFISHING (HOOK AND LINE METHODS
UNDER A SPORTFISHING LICENSE)
Any individual possessing a valid sport shing
license may take aquatic life by hand, or may
use pole and line, bank pole and line, throw line,
trotline, buoyed ganging devices, or other legal
devices not exceeding 50 hooks in the aggregate,
however, any individual at any one time is allowed
to use under his or her immediate control only 2
untagged sport shing devices and any additional
devices up to the aggregate of 50 hooks must be
tagged with his or her name and mailing address.
If attached to a tree, the device must be attached
only to the main trunk below the water line. All unat-
tended devices must be marked with the angler’s
name and address.
Also permitted are legal-sized cast nets, shad
scoops and minnow seines (see Bait Fishing, Cray-
sh, and Minnows). Smelt may be taken in Lake
Michigan with legal size dip nets, gill nets, and
seines.
Special shing regulations at certain waterbod-
ies prohibit the use of some devices or restrict
the number of devices; please check the Site-
Specic Regulations which are contained in this
regulation booklet and are posted at various
locations at the sites (boat ramps and site ofces)
where applicable.
While taking from areas designated as “Catch
and Release Fishing Only”, all catch and release
species must be immediately released unharmed
back into the waters from which taken.
SPORTFISHING LICENSE
A sport shing license entitles an angler to harvest
sh, craysh, turtles or Bullfrogs, except for endan-
gered and threatened aquatic life, within limits
denoted in the Statewide Harvest and Size Limits
Table and Site Specic Regulations. It is unlawful
to sell any aquatic life, or parts thereof, taken by a
sport shing license.
STOCKING
Fish may be immediately released back into the
waters from which they were taken, but permission
from the Department of Natural Resources must
be secured before releasing sh in other waters,
except for private water owners. An owner of a
body of water may release aquatic life found on
the Aquatic Life Approved Species List into waters
wholly upon his or her property so long as the
aquatic life is purchased from a licensed Aquatic
Life Dealer or Illinois Aquaculturist. Transporting
aquatic life or natural water from a public water to
private waters is prohibited. It is illegal to import,
stock, or possess live diploid Grass Carp, Silver
Carp, Bighead Carp or hybrid Grass Carp or any
species not found on the Aquatic Life Approved
Species List. A Restricted Species Transportation
Permit must be secured from the Department of
Natural Resources before importing or stocking
triploid Grass Carp.
SUNFISH AS BAIT
There is nothing in the Illinois Fish and Aquatic Life
Code which prohibits the use of legally taken Sunsh
as bait for another species of sh, but Sunsh can
only be used in the body of water from which they
were taken. The Sunsh must have been taken by a
properly licensed sport sherman using legal sport-
shing devices. You must also observe all length
limits and daily harvest limits both where the Sunsh
were taken and where they are being used as bait.
Also, it is illegal to cut up or dress or be in posses-
sion of cut up or dressed sh on any body of water
where there is a size limit for that particular species
of sh. Examples of Sunsh species legal for use as
bait include Bluegill, Redear Sunsh, Green Sunsh,
Longear Sunsh, Pumpkinseed Sunsh, Warmouth
and their hybrids.
TAGGED OR MARKED FISH
Fisheries biologists attach tags to many sh for
research purposes. Please report all tags found. If
the sh is kept, return the tag to the address print-
ed on the tag or the local sheries ofce in your
area. If a tagged sh is released, the tag should
be reported but left in the sh in good condition.
Information regarding the species of sh caught,
the length and the weight of the sh, location cap-
tured, and the tag number, if present, should also
be reported.
Sport shermen are strongly advised to not tag
or n clip sh caught on state and/or public waters.
TAKE
To lure, kill, destroy, capture, gig or spear, trap or
ensnare, or attempt to do so.
TRANSPORTING WATER, FISH, OR OTHER
AQUATIC LIFE
It is unlawful to:
1) import or move live aquatic life without securing
permission from the Department (bait purchased
from a licensed bait shop may be transported);
2) remove natural water from waters of the State
via bait bucket, livewell, baitwell, bilge, etc.;
3) remove any watercraft, boat, boat trailer or other
equipment from waters of the State without
emptying and draining any bait bucket, livewell,
baitwell, bilge, etc., or any other compartment
capable of holding natural waters; and
4) use aquatic life (sh, craysh, or amphibians) as
bait within the State of Illinois other than in the
waters where they were legally taken.
TROLLING
Trolling is permissible, provided the angler has not
more than three poles and lines with not more than
two hooks or lures on each. In waters where there
is a 2 Pole and Line Only designation, no more
than two poles and lines with not more than two
hooks or lures on each may be used.
TROT AND TROLLEY LINES
Hooks on trot lines, throw lines and similar devices
shall be spaced not less than 24 inches apart,
except on trolley or power lines used in Lake
Michigan. Trot, throw lines and similar devices are
unlawful on Two Pole and Line Fishing Only areas
unless specically authorized in the Site Specic
Regulations section of this booklet. Fish taken by
these methods must not exceed the statewide reg-
ulations (harvest limits and length limits). Trotlines
10
10
WATER OF THE STATE
Any water within the jurisdiction of the State of Illinois
that is adapted for the purposes of navigation or pub-
lic access.
WATERFOWL BLINDS
It is unlawful to sh within 250 yards of an occupied
duck or goose blind on Department-owned or -man-
aged sites during the migratory waterfowl season.
This includes all sites listed and not listed in this
regulations booklet.
and other legal hook and line devices shall not
have more than a combined total of 50 hooks and
must be checked at least every 24 hours. Trotlines
and other sportshing devices left unattended must
be tagged with the name and mailing address of
the operator. All required tags shall be in a position
to be at all times exposed to public view.
TWO POLE AND LINE FISHING ONLY
Sport shermen must not use more than 2 poles
and each pole must not have more than 2 hooks
or lures attached (Alabama rigs not allowed) while
shing on waters designated as Two Pole and
Line Fishing Only in the Site Specic Regulations,
except that legal size cast nets, shad scoops, and
minnow seines may be used to obtain baitsh,
minnows and craysh to use as bait, provided that
they are not sold, and except that Bullfrogs may be
taken by hand, gig, pitchfork, spear, landing net and
hook and line during Bullfrog season.
UNATTENDED DEVICES
Any unattended device used to catch aquatic life or
to hold aquatic life is required to have the angler’s
name and address clearly displayed on the device.
Bank poles and jug lines must be individually
labeled, while a single trotline with up to 50 hooks
only requires one label. Unattended devices must
be checked at least once every 24 hours.
The State of Illinois is reintroducing the native alligator snapping turtle to strategic watersheds in Illinois.
You can help recover this unique reptile by:
• Learning the difference between common snapping turtles and alligator snappers.
• Protecting river corridors and associated wetland habitat.
• Reporting any illegal capture, harvest or possession of alligator snapping turtles.
1-877-2DNRLAW(236-7529)
Common: Smooth shell with
moderate projections; long neck
and tail with sawtooth projections.
These turtles may legally be taken
with an Illinois shing license.
The daily harvest limit is 2 turtles
and possession limit is 4.
Alligator: 3 rows of prominent,
pyramid- shaped projections on
shell; large head; pronounced
beak; worm-like lure on tongue.
May NOT be taken in Illinois.
DON’T TAKE AN ALLIGATOR SNAPPING TURTLE!
ALLIGATOR SNAPPING TURTLES ARE A STATE ENDANGERED SPECIES AND FULLY PROTECTED BY LAW
Bullfrog Common Snapping Turtle
Lithobates catesbeianus Chelydra serpentina
Method of Taking and Capture Bullfrogs may be taken only by hook Common Snapping Turtles may be taken only by hand, hook
and line, gig, pitchfork, spear, bow and line, or bow and arrow except in the following Illinois
and arrow, hand, or landing net. counties where bowshing for common snapping turtles is not
permitted: Randolph, Perry, Franklin, Hamilton, White, Gallatin,
Saline, Williamson, Jackson, Union, Johnson, Pope, Hardin,
Massac, Pulaski, and Alexander.
Season June 15 through October 15, June 15 through October 15, both dates inclusive
both dates inclusive
Daily Harvest and Possession Limits Daily Harvest Limit is 8; Daily Harvest Limit is 2;
possession limit is 16 possession limit is 4
FROGS AND TURTLES
A sport shing license is required to harvest reptiles and amphibians. No person shall harvest or possess any species of reptile or amphibian listed as
endangered or threatened in Illinois (17 Ill. Adm. Code, Section 1010, except as provided by 17 Ill. Adm. Code, Section 1070). Alligator Snapping Turtle Macro-
chelys temminckii is protected and may not be taken by any sport shing method.
Any captured reptiles or amphibians which are not to be retained in the possession of the captor should be immediately released at the site of capture,
unless taken with a lethal method (such as bow and arrow, gig, spear, pitchfork) which does not permit “release with no harm”. All such taken Bullfrogs
and Common Snapping Turtles must be kept and counted in the daily harvest. No culling of such taken species is permitted.
Bullfrogs and Common Snapping Turtles may not be taken by bowshing tournament participants.
All other species of unprotected reptiles and amphibians (excluding Bullfrogs and Common Snapping Turtles) may only be taken by hand.
This shall not
restrict the use of legally taken reptiles or amphibians as bait by sport shermen. For indigenous amphibian and reptile taxon (excluding Bullfrogs and Com-
mon Snapping Turtles) the possession limit is 8 collectively with no more than 4 per taxa.
11
11
STATEWIDE SPORTFISHING REGULATIONS
*The above are statewide sportsh regulations. Specic water areas may have sportsh regulations which differ and are more restrictive. Please check the Site Specic Sportsh Regulations which
follow and are posted (at boat launches and at site ofces) at each water area where applicable. State Endangered and Threatened Species may not be taken for any purpose.
ALLIGATOR GAR
Harvest limit is 1 Alligator Gar per 24 hours.
BLUEGILL, REDEAR SUNFISH, OTHER SUNFISH
There are no harvest or size limits except in those waters listed under Site Specific Regulations.
BLUE, CHANNEL, AND FLATHEAD CATFISH
There are no harvest or size limits except in those waters listed under Site Specific Regulations.
CRAPPIE (WHITE, BLACK OR HYBRID CRAPPIE)
There are no harvest or size limits except in those waters listed under Site Specific Regulations.
LAKE STURGEON
Protected; No possession.
TROUT AND SALMON
Daily harvest limit is 5 trout or salmon, either singly or in the aggregate.
LARGEMOUTH BASS, SMALLMOUTH BASS,
SPOTTED BASS
Daily harvest limit is 6 Bass, either singly or in the aggregate, except as specified under Site Specific
Regulations. In rivers and streams and their tributaries statewide, except for the Mississippi, Ohio (including
Golconda Marina), and Wabash Rivers, the daily harvest can contain no more than 3 Smallmouth Bass. In
rivers and streams and their tributaries statewide, except for the Mississippi, Ohio (including the Golconda
Marina), Wabash and Illinois Rivers, Calumet River, Lake Calumet Connecting Channel, Calumet Sag
Channel and navigable portions of the Grand Calumet River and Little Calumet River, all Smallmouth Bass
must be immediately released between April 1 and June 15. There is no statewide size limit.
MUSKELLUNGE, NORTHERN PIKE
AND THEIR HYBRIDS
All Muskellunge and Muskellunge hybrids (Tiger Muskie) taken must be 36˝ in total length or longer,
except as specified under Site Specific Regulations. No more than 1 Muskellunge or Muskellunge hybrid
(Tiger Muskie) may be taken per day, except as specified under Site Specific Regulations. All Northern
Pike taken must be 24˝ in total length or longer, except in the Mississippi River where there is no size limit.
No more than 3 Northern Pike may be taken per day, except as specified under Site Specific Regulations.
STRIPED BASS (OCEAN ROCKFISH), WHITE BASS,
YELLOW BASS AND HYBRIDS
There are no daily harvest limits or minimum size limits for Striped Bass (Ocean Rockfish),
White Bass, Yellow Bass and their hybrids, which are less than 17˝ in total length, except in those waters
listed under Site Specific Regulations. For these fish 17˝ in total length or longer, the daily limit is 3 fish,
either singly or in the aggregate, except in the Mississippi River between Illinois and Missouri where there
is a 30 fish daily harvest limit for all Striped, White, Yellow or hybrid Striped Bass. In the Mississippi River
between Illinois and Iowa, there is a 25 fish daily harvest limit on Striped Bass, White Bass, Yellow Bass
and their hybrids, either singly or in the aggregate.
PADDLEFISH
Daily harvest limit is 2 Paddlefish. Please refer to Site Specific Regulations for the Mississippi River
between Illinois and Iowa and the Mississippi River between Illinois and Missouri.
INJURIOUS SPECIES
For injurious species, as described in 17 Ill. Adm. Code 805, there are no harvest or size limits.
Possession of live specimens, progeny thereof, viable eggs, or gametes is prohibited.
COMMON SNAPPING TURTLES AND BULLFROGS
Season: June 15 to October 15, both dates inclusive. The daily harvest limit for Common
Snapping Turtles is 2 with a possession limit of 4. The daily harvest limit for Bullfrogs is 8 with
a possession limit of 16. Indigenous Amphibian and Reptile taxa (excluding Common Snapping
Turtles and Bullfrogs) possession limit is 8 collectively with no more than 4 per taxa.
WALLEYE, SAUGER OR THEIR HYBRID
All Walleye, Sauger, or their hybrid (Saugeye) taken must be 14˝ in total length or longer, except in the
Mississippi River, Wabash 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.
AQUATIC LIFE
STATEWIDE CREEL AND SIZE LIMITS*
12
12
SITE SPECIFIC SPORTFISHING REGULATIONS
SITE SPECIFIC REGULATIONS
are listed by water area affected. The coverage of the regulation is dictated by
the extent of the water area(s) listed and not by the county. In some cases, regulations for a given water area
or site may extend beyond the counties listed. The listed counties refer to the location of the dam or outfall for
impoundments or mouths of small streams. Since large rivers or streams usually ow through many counties,
the term “Multiple” is used rather than listing all counties where the large stream or river ows. If a water area
is not listed, or if a specic species is not listed, then statewide regulations apply. Check the bulletin boards at
the specic site for any emergency changes to regulations.
Various special regulations are used by sheries managers to protect the shery.
A MINIMUM LENGTH LIMIT
means that sh less than a designated length must be released immediately. A
PROTECTED SLOT LENGTH
LIMIT
means that sh within a designated length range must be released immediately.
A DAILY HARVEST
LIMIT
means that no more than the designated limit of sh may be taken daily.
The Daily Harvest Limit applies to all species listed for the regulation added together (i.e., in the aggregate).
For example, Large or Smallmouth Bass - 3 Fish Daily Harvest Limit means that only 3 Largemouth Bass, or
3 Smallmouth Bass, or a 3 sh combination of the two species (e.g., 2 Largemouth Bass and 1 Smallmouth
Bass) may be taken.
SITE SPECIFIC REGULATION CODE DEFINITIONS
provide clarication
regarding additional restrictions or special provisions listed in numbered
parentheses [e.g., (2)] within the Site-Specic Regulations water areas.
(1) Sport shermen must not use more than 2 poles and each pole must
not have more than 2 hooks or lures attached (Alabama rigs not
allowed) while shing, except that legal size cast nets (in accordance
with Section 810.50(a)(2)), shad scoops, and minnow seines may be
used to obtain shad, minnows and craysh to use as bait, provided that
they are not sold, and except that bullfrogs may be taken by hand, gig,
pitchfork, spear, landing net and hook and line during bullfrog season.
(2) Sport shermen may not use a minnow seine, minnow trap, cast net or
shad scoop for bait collecting in the following water areas:
Charleston Lower Channel Lake tailwaters from that portion of the
Embarras River from the Charleston Lower Channel Lake Dam down-
stream to the Route 130 Bridge.
Clinton Lake tailwaters from that portion of Salt Creek from the Clinton
Dam downstream to the Route 10 Bridge
Cook County Forest Preserve District Waters (except in the Des
Plaines River)
Lake Decatur tailwaters from that portion of the Sangamon River from
the Lake Decatur Dam downstream to the Route 48 Bridge.
(3) All jugs set in a body of water shall be under the immediate supervision
of the sherman. Immediate supervision shall be dened as the sher-
man being on the water where the jugs are set and readily available to
identify jugs to law enforcement ofcers.
(4) When using live bait, all live bait in excess of 8" in total length shall
be rigged with a quick set rig. The hook shall be immediately set upon
the strike. A quick set rig is dened as follows: a live bait rig with up
to 2 treble hooks attached anywhere on the live bait; single hooks are
prohibited. This subsection does not apply to trotlines, jug lines, etc.,
if allowed on the lake.
(5) Sport shermen may take carp, carpsuckers, buffalo, gar, bown and
suckers by pitchfork, gigs, bow and arrow or bow and arrow devices.
(6) The daily harvest limit for yellow perch shall not exceed 15 sh in the
combined waters of Lake Michigan, Calumet River, and Chicago River
including its North Branch, South Branch and the North Shore Channel.
(7) It shall be illegal to possess trout during the period of October 1 to 5
a.m. on the third Saturday in October (both dates inclusive) that were
caught during that period.
(8) It shall be illegal to possess trout during the period of March 15 to 5
a.m. on the 1st Saturday in April (both dates inclusive) that were caught
during that period.
(9) Catch and Release Fishing Only means that sh (all or listed species)
caught must be immediately released alive and in good condition back
into the water from which they came.
(10) The 48 inch total length limit on pure muskellunge applies to that body
of water listed as well as any tailwaters as dened below:
Evergreen Lake (McLean County) – including the portion of Six Mile
Creek below the Evergreen Lake Dam downstream to its conuence
with the Mackinaw River.
Fox Chain O' Lakes (Lake/McHenry Counties) – including the Fox River
south of the Wisconsin-Illinois boundary to the Algonquin Dam and the
Nippersink Creek upstream to the Wilmot Road Bridge.
Kinkaid Lake (Jackson County) – including the portion of Kinkaid Creek
below the Kinkaid Lake Dam downstream to the Route 149 Bridge.
Lake Shelbyville (Moultrie/Shelby Counties) – including the portion of
the Kaskaskia River below the Lake Shelbyville Dam downstream to
the State Route 128 Road Bridge near Cowden.
Otter Lake (Macoupin County) – including the portion of Otter Creek
below Otter Lake Dam downstream to its conuence with East Otter
Creek.
Pierce Lake (Winnebago County) – including the portion of Willow
Creek below the Pierce Lake Dam downstream to Forest Hills Road.
(11) It shall be unlawful to enter upon a designated duck hunting area
between sunset of the Sunday immediately preceding opening day of
regular duck season through the day before regular duck season and
Canada goose season as posted at the site, or to sh on such areas
during the regular duck season except in areas posted as open to sh-
ing. It shall be unlawful to enter upon areas designated as waterfowl
rest areas or refuges from two weeks prior to the start of the regular
duck season through the end of duck and Canada goose season.
(12) It shall be unlawful to trespass upon a designated waterfowl hunting
area during the 7 days prior to the regular duck season, or to sh on
such areas during the regular duck and Canada goose season except
in areas posted as open to shing. It shall be unlawful to trespass upon
areas designated as waterfowl rest areas or refuges from 2 weeks prior
to the start of the regular duck season through the end of duck and
Canada goose season.
(13) It shall be unlawful to enter upon areas designated as waterfowl
hunting areas during the 10 days prior to the start of the regular duck
season, or to sh on such areas during the regular duck season except
in areas posted as open to shing. It shall be unlawful to enter upon
areas designated as waterfowl rest areas or refuges from 10 days prior
to the start of the regular duck season through the end of duck and
Canada goose season.
13
ALEDO CITY LAKE City of Aledo • Mercer
All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1)
Bluegill or Redear Sunsh 25 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Channel Catsh 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Large or Smallmouth Bass Protected Slot Length Limit with no possession of Fish greater than or equal to 12 inches and less than
18 inches; 3 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
ALTAMONT NEW CITY RESERVOIR City of Altamont • Effingham
All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1)
Large or Smallmouth Bass 15 inch Minimum Length Limit; 1 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
ANDERSON LAKE STATE FISH AND WILDLIFE AREA State of Illinois • Fulton
Recreational Use Restrictions Waterfowl Refuge or Hunting Area (12)
Large or Smallmouth Bass 12 inch Minimum Length Limit
ANDOVER LAKE Village of Andover • Henry
All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1)
Channel Catsh 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
ANNA CITY LAKE City of Anna • Union
All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1)
Bluegill or Redear Sunsh 8 inch Minimum Length Limit; 10 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Channel Catsh 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Large or Smallmouth Bass 15 inch Minimum Length Limit; 3 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
APPLE RIVER State of Illinois • Jo Daviess
(WITHIN APPLE RIVER CANYON STATE PARK AND SATELLITE BOUNDARIES)
All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1)
Smallmouth Bass Catch and Release Fishing Only (9)
Trout Fall Closed Season (7); Early season Catch and Release Fishing is permitted (9)
Spring Closed Season (8); Early season Catch and Release Fishing is permitted (9)
ARGYLE LAKE Argyle Lake State Park • McDonough
All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1). All live bait greater than 8 inches must be rigged with a quick set rig (4)
Bluegill or Redear Sunsh 25 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Channel Catsh 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Hybrid Walleye 3 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Large or Smallmouth Bass Protected Slot Length Limit with no possession of Fish greater than or equal to 14 inches and less than
18 inches; 3 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Pure Muskellunge 42 inch Minimum Length Limit
Trout Fall Closed Season (7)
White, Black, or Hybrid Crappie 25 Fish Daily Harvest Limit with no more than 10 Fish greater than or equal to 10 inches
ARROWHEAD HEIGHTS LAKE Village of Camp Point • Adams
All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1)
Channel Catsh 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Large or Smallmouth Bass 15 inch Minimum Length Limit; 3 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
ARROWHEAD LAKE City of Johnston City • Williamson
All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1)
Channel Catsh 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Large or Smallmouth Bass Protected Slot Length Limit with no possession of Fish greater than or equal to 12 inches and less than
15 inches; 3 Fish Daily Harvest Limit with no more than 1 Fish greater than or equal to 15 inches and
2 sh less than 12 inches
White, Black, or Hybrid Crappie 15 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
ASHLAND OLD RESERVOIR City of Ashland • Morgan
All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1)
Channel Catsh 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Statewide Sportshing Regulations are enforced in addition to each area’s Site Specic Regulations
SITE SPECIFIC SPORTFISHING REGULATIONS
14
Statewide Sportshing Regulations are enforced in addition to each area’s Site Specic Regulations
SITE SPECIFIC SPORTFISHING REGULATIONS
ASHLAND NEW RESERVOIR City of Ashland • Morgan
All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1)
Bluegill or Redear Sunsh 10 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Channel Catsh 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
AUBURN PARK LAGOON Chicago Park District • Cook
All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1)
Channel Catsh 4 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
AXEHEAD LAKE Cook County Forest Preserve District • Cook
All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1) (2)
Bluegill, Redear, or Pumpkinseed Sunsh 15 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Large or Smallmouth Bass 14 inch Minimum Length Limit; 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Trout Fall Closed Season (7), Spring Closed Season (8)
White, Black, or Hybrid Crappie 15 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
BAKERS LAKE City of Peru • LaSalle
All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1)
Channel Catsh 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Large or Smallmouth Bass 14 inch Minimum Length Limit; 1 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
BALDWIN LAKE Baldwin Lake State Fish and Wildlife Area • Randolph
All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1) (5)
Large or Smallmouth Bass 1 8 inch Minimum Length Limit; 3 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Striped, White, or Hybrid Striped Bass 17 inch Minimum Length Limit; 3 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
White, Black, or Hybrid Crappie 9 inch Minimum Length Limit; 25 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
BANANA LAKE Lake County Forest Preserve District • Lake
All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1)
Channel Catsh 3 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Large or Smallmouth Bass 15 inch Minimum Length Limit; 1 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Trout Fall Closed Season (7), Spring Closed Season (8)
BANNER MARSH LAKES & PONDS Banner Marsh State Fish & Wildlife Area • Peoria/Fulton
Recreational Use Restrictions Waterfowl Refuge or Hunting Area (12)
All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1). Sport shermen may harvest carp, buffalo, suckers and gar by bow and
arrow or bow and arrow devices, gigs or spears from May 1 through August 31. All live bait greater than
8 inches must be rigged with a quick set rig (4)
Channel Catsh 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Large or Smallmouth Bass Protected Slot Length Limit with no possession of Fish greater than or equal to 12 inches and less than
18 inches; 3 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Pure Muskellunge 42 inch Minimum Length Limit
White, Black, or Hybrid Crappie 25 Fish Daily Harvest Limit with no more than 10 Fish greater than or equal to 10 inches
BATCHTOWN WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA State of Illinois • Calhoun
Recreational Use Restrictions Waterfowl Refuge or Hunting Area (11)
BAUMANN PARK LAKE City of Cherry Valley • Winnebago
All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1)
Channel Catsh 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Large or Smallmouth Bass 14 inch Minimum Length Limit; 1 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Trout Fall Closed Season (7), Spring Closed Season (8)
BEALL WOODS LAKE Beall Woods State Park • Wabash
All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1)
Channel Catsh 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Large or Smallmouth Bass 15 inch Minimum Length Limit
Trout Fall Closed Season (7), Spring Closed Season (8)
NOTE: EXPLANATIONS FOR NUMBERS CONTAINED IN PARENTHESIS ARE FOUND ON PAGE 12
15
Statewide Sportshing Regulations are enforced in addition to each area’s Site Specic Regulations
SITE SPECIFIC SPORTFISHING REGULATIONS
BEAVER DAM LAKE Beaver Dam State Park • Macoupin
All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1)
Bluegill or Redear Sunsh 25 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Channel Catsh 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Large or Smallmouth Bass 15 inch Minimum Length Limit; 3 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Trout Fall Closed Season (7)
White, Black, or Hybrid Crappie 9 inch Minimum Length Limit; 10 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
BECK LAKE Cook County Forest Preserve District • Cook
All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1) (2)
Bluegill, Redear, or Pumpkinseed Sunsh 15 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Channel Catsh 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Large or Smallmouth Bass 14 inch Minimum Length Limit; 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Walleye, Sauger, or Hybrid Walleye 18 inch Minimum Length Limit; 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
White, Black, or Hybrid Crappie 15 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
BELK PARK POND City of Wood River • Madison
All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1)
Bluegill or Redear Sunsh 25 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Channel Catsh 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Trout Fall Closed Season (7), Spring Closed Season (8)
BELLEAU LAKE Cook County Forest Preserve District • Cook
All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1) (2)
Bluegill, Redear, or Pumpkinseed Sunsh 15 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Large or Smallmouth Bass 14 inch Minimum Length Limit; 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Trout Fall Closed Season (7), Spring Closed Season (8)
White, Black, or Hybrid Crappie 15 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
BELVIDERE PONDS City of Belvidere • Boone
Large or Smallmouth Bass 14 inch Minimum Length Limit; 1 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
BEVIER PARK LAGOON Waukegan Park District • Lake
All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1)
Channel Catsh 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
BIRD PARK QUARRY City of Kankakee • Kankakee
All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1)
Trout Fall Closed Season (7), Spring Closed Season (8)
BLANDINSVILLE NORTH AND SOUTH LAKES Village of Blandinsville • McDonough
All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1)
Channel Catsh 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Large or Smallmouth Bass Protected Slot Length Limit with no possession of Fish greater than or equal to 12 inches and less than
15 inches; 3 Fish Daily Harvest Limit with no more than 1 Fish greater than or equal to 15 inches and 2
Fish less than 12 inches
BLOOMINGTON PARK DISTRICT LAKES City of Bloomington • McLean
(ANGLERS LAKE, HOLIDAY LAKE, TIPTON LAKE AND WHITE OAKS LAKE; EXCEPT SEE MILLER PARK LAKE)
All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1)
Channel Catsh 3 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Large or Smallmouth Bass 15 inch Minimum Length Limit; 3 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
BLUE POND Boone County Conservation District • Boone
All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1)
Channel Catsh 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Large or Smallmouth Bass 14 inch Minimum Length Limit; 1 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
16
Statewide Sportshing Regulations are enforced in addition to each area’s Site Specic Regulations
SITE SPECIFIC SPORTFISHING REGULATIONS
BONFIELD PONDS Village of Bonfield • Kankakee
All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1)
Channel Catsh 3 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Large or Smallmouth Bass Protected Slot Length Limit with no possession of Fish greater than or equal to 12 inches and less than
15 inches; 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit with no more than 1 Fish greater than or equal to 15 inches
BORAH LAKE City of Olney • Richland
All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1)
Bluegill or Redear Sunsh 25 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Channel Catsh 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Large or Smallmouth Bass 14 inch Minimum Length Limit
BOWEN LAKE City of Washington • Tazewell
All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1)
Channel Catsh 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Large or Smallmouth Bass Protected Slot Length Limit with no possession of Fish greater than or equal to 12 inches and less than
15 inches; 3 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
BOYD-WESLEY PARK POND Village of Towanda • McLean
All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1)
Bluegill or Redear Sunsh 10 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Channel Catsh 3 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Large or Smallmouth Bass 15 inch Minimum Length Limit; 1 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
BRAIDWOOD LAKE Braidwood State Fish and Wildlife Area • Will
Recreational Use Restrictions Braidwood Lake is closed to all shing and boat trafc, except for legal waterfowl hunters, from 10 days
prior to duck season through the day before duck season and is closed to all shing during waterfowl
season commencing with regular duck season through the close of the Canada goose and regular duck
season (13). Fishing tournaments prohibited from July 1 through August 31 (both dates inclusive)
All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1)
Large or Smallmouth Bass 15 inch Minimum Length Limit; 3 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Striped, White, or Hybrid Striped Bass 10 Fish Daily Harvest Limit with no more than 3 Fish greater than or equal to 17 inches
BREESE JAYCEE PARK POND City of Breese • Clinton
All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1)
Channel Catsh 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Large or Smallmouth Bass 15 inch Minimum Length Limit; 3 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
BROCK LAKE City of Mackinaw • Tazewell
Bluegill or Redear Sunsh 25 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Channel Catsh 3 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Large or Smallmouth Bass Protected Slot Length Limit with no possession of Fish greater than or equal to 12 inches and less than
15 inches; 3 Fish Daily Harvest Limit with no more than 1 Fish greater than or equal to 15 inches and 2
Fish less than 12 inches
BUCKNER CITY RESERVOIR City of Buckner • Franklin
All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1)
Channel Catsh 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Large or Smallmouth Bass 15 inch Minimum Length Limit
BUFFALO PRAIRIE PHEASANT HABITAT AREA LAKES & PONDS State of Illinois • Knox
(BUFFALO LAKE SOUTH, BUFFALO LAKE NORTH, BUFFALO POND NORTHWEST, BUFFALO WETLAND)
All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1)
Bluegill or Redear Sunsh 25 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Channel Catsh 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Large or Smallmouth Bass Protected Slot Length Limit with no possession of Fish greater than or equal to 14 inches and less than
18 inches; 3 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Pure Muskellunge Protected Slot Length Limit with 1 Fish greater than or equal to 36 inches and less than 42 inches or 1
Fish greater than or equal to 48 inches
Walleye, Sauger, or Hybrid Walleye 3 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
White, Black, or Hybrid Crappie 25 Fish Daily Harvest Limit with no more than 10 Fish greater than or equal to 10 inches
17
Statewide Sportshing Regulations are enforced in addition to each area’s Site Specic Regulations
SITE SPECIFIC SPORTFISHING REGULATIONS
BULLFROG LAKE Cook County Forest Preserve District • Cook
All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1) (2)
Bluegill, Redear, or Pumpkinseed Sunsh 15 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Large or Smallmouth Bass 14 inch Minimum Length Limit; 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
White, Black, or Hybrid Crappie 15 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
BUNKER HILL LAKE City of Bunker Hill • Macoupin
All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1)
Channel Catsh 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
BURNING STAR STATE FISH AND WILDLIFE AREA, ALL LAKES AND PONDS State of Illinois • Jackson
Recreational Use Restrictions Waterfowl Refuge or Hunting Area (all use other than waterfowl hunting prohibited from November 1
through last day in February)
All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1) (5)
Bluegill or Redear Sunsh 25 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Channel Catsh 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Large or Smallmouth Bass Protected Slot Length Limit with no possession of Fish greater than or equal to 14 inches and less than
18 inches; 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit with no more than 1 Fish greater than or equal to 18 inches and 5
Fish less than 14 inches
White, Black, or Hybrid Crappie 25 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
BURRELL WOODS PARK POND City of Carmi • White
Channel Catsh 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
BUSSE LAKE Cook County Forest Preserve District • Cook
(INCLUDING BUSSE LAKE SPILLWAY AND SALT CREEK DOWNSTREAM TO ARLINGTON HEIGHTS ROAD)
All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1) (2). All live bait greater than 8 inches must be rigged with a quick set rig (4)
Bluegill, Redear, or Pumpkinseed Sunsh 15 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Channel Catsh 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Large or Smallmouth Bass 14 inch Minimum Length Limit; 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Pure Muskellunge 42 inch Minimum Length Limit
Trout Fall Closed Season (7)
Walleye, Sauger, or Hybrid Walleye 18 inch Minimum Length Limit; 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
White, Black, or Hybrid Crappie 15 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
CACHE RIVER STATE NATURAL AREA State of Illinois • Pulaski/Johnson
Recreational Use Restrictions Waterfowl Refuge or Hunting Area (12). No shing in Nature Preserves – Section 8 Woods,
Heron Pond, Little Black Slough
All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1) (5). No seines
CALHOUN POINT STATE WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA State of Illinois • Calhoun
Recreational Use Restrictions Waterfowl Refuge or Hunting Area (11)
CALUMET RIVER State of Illinois • Cook
Yellow Perch 15 Fish Daily Harvest Limit (6); Closed May 1 through June 15
CAMPBELL POND STATE WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA State of Illinois • Jackson
Recreational Use Restrictions Waterfowl Refuge or Hunting Area (11)
CAMPUS LAKE – SOUTHERN ILLINOIS UNIVERSITY State of Illinois • Jackson
All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1)
Channel Catsh 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
CAMPUS POND – EASTERN ILLINOIS UNIVERSITY State of Illinois • Coles
All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1)
Channel Catsh 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Trout Fall Closed Season (7), Spring Closed Season (8)
18
Statewide Sportshing Regulations are enforced in addition to each area’s Site Specic Regulations
SITE SPECIFIC SPORTFISHING REGULATIONS
CANTON LAKE City of Canton • Fulton
All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1). All live bait greater than 8 inches must be rigged with a quick set rig (4)
Blue or Channel Catsh 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Large or Smallmouth Bass 15 inch Minimum Length Limit; 3 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Pure Muskellunge 42 inch Minimum Length Limit
CARBONDALE CITY RESERVOIR City of Carbondale • Jackson
All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1)
Large or Smallmouth Bass 15 inch Minimum Length Limit; 3 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
CARLINVILLE LAKE #1 City of Carlinville • Macoupin
All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1)
Channel Catsh 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
CARLINVILLE LAKE #2 City of Carlinville • Macoupin
All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1)
Channel Catsh 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
CARLYLE LAKE U.S. Army Corps of Engineers • Clinton/Bond/Fayette
(INCLUDING ITS TRIBUTARY STREAMS AND THOSE PORTIONS OF THE KASKASKIA RIVER AND HURRICANE CREEK UP TO THE U.S. ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS CARLYLE LAKE PROJECT
BOUNDARIES). DOES NOT INCLUDE THE TAILWATERS.
Recreational Use Restrictions Waterfowl Refuge or Hunting Area (12)
Large or Smallmouth Bass 14 inch Minimum Length Limit
White, Black, or Hybrid Crappie 10 inch Minimum Length Limit; 15 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
CARLYLE LAKE TAILWATERS U.S. Army Corps of Engineers • Clinton
(KASKASKIA RIVER BETWEEN U.S. ROUTE 50 AND THE CARLYLE LAKE DAM AND SPILLWAY)
All Fish Sport shermen may not use a minnow seine, cast net or shad scoop for bait collecting between U.S.
Route 50 and the Carlyle Lake dam and spillway
CARTHAGE LAKE City of Carthage • Hancock
All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1)
Channel Catsh 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
CASEY PARK POND City of Casey • Clark
All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1)
Bluegill or Redear Sunsh 15 Fish Daily Harvest Limit with no more than 5 sh greater than or equal to 8 inches
Channel Catsh 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Large or Smallmouth Bass 18 inch Minimum Length Limit; 1 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Trout Fall Closed Season (7), Spring Closed Season (8)
CEDAR LAKE & LITTLE CEDAR LAKE U.S. Forest Service and City of Carbondale • Jackson
All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1) (5)
Large or Smallmouth Bass Protected Slot Length Limit with no possession of Fish greater than or equal to 14 inches and less than
18 inches; 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit with no more than 1 Fish greater than or equal to 18 inches and 5
Fish less than 14 inches
Striped, White, or Hybrid Striped Bass 17 inch Minimum Length Limit; 3 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
White, Black, or Hybrid Crappie 25 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
CENTENNIAL PARK POND Coloma Township Park District • Whiteside
All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1)
Trout Fall Closed Season (7), Spring Closed Season (8)
CENTRALIA FOUNDATION PARK CATFISH POND Centralia Foundation • Marion
All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1)
Channel Catsh 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
19
Statewide Sportshing Regulations are enforced in addition to each area’s Site Specic Regulations
SITE SPECIFIC SPORTFISHING REGULATIONS
CENTRALIA LAKE City of Centralia • Marion
All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1)
Channel Catsh 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Large or Smallmouth Bass 15 inch Minimum Length Limit
CERMACK QUARRY Cook County Forest Preserve District • Cook
All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1) (2)
Bluegill, Redear, or Pumpkinseed Sunsh 15 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Channel Catsh 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Large or Smallmouth Bass 14 inch Minimum Length Limit; 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Trout Spring Closed Season (8)
White, Black, or Hybrid Crappie 15 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
CHAMPAIGN PARK DISTRICT LAKES Champaign Park District • Champaign
(KAUFMAN LAKE, HERITAGE PARK POND, MATTIS LAKE AND PORTER LAKE)
All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1)
Bluegill or Redear Sunsh 15 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Channel Catsh 3 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Large or Smallmouth Bass 15 inch Minimum Length Limit; 1 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Trout (Kaufman Lake) Fall Closed Season (7), Spring Closed Season (8)
CHARLESTON LOWER CHANNEL LAKE City of Charleston • Coles
All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1) (2) (5)
CHARLESTON SIDE CHANNEL LAKE City of Charleston • Coles
All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1) (5)
Channel Catsh 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Large or Smallmouth Bass 14 inch Minimum Length Limit
Striped, White, or Hybrid Striped Bass 17 inch Minimum Length Limit; 3 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
White, Black, or Hybrid Crappie 10 Fish Daily Harvest Limit for Fish less than 10 inches and 10 Fish Daily Harvest Limit for Fish
greater than or equal to 10 inches
CHARLIE BROWN LAKE & POND City of Flora • Clay
All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1)
Channel Catsh 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Large or Smallmouth Bass 14 inch Minimum Length Limit
CHARTER OAK NORTH – PEORIA PARK DISTRICT LAKE Peoria Park District • Peoria
All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1)
Channel Catsh 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Large or Smallmouth Bass 15 inch Minimum Length Limit; 1 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
CHARTER OAK SOUTH – PEORIA PARK DISTRICT POND Peoria Park District • Peoria
All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1)
Channel Catsh 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Large or Smallmouth Bass 15 inch Minimum Length Limit; 1 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
CHAUTAUQUA LAKE NORTH & SOUTH POOLS U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service • Mason
Recreational Use Restrictions Lake Chautauqua North and South Pools will be closed to boat shing from October 6 through
January 31. Bank shing will be allowed in selected areas only. Ice shing will be allowed following
the February 1 reopening
Largemouth Bass 12 inch Minimum Length Limit
CHENOA CITY LAKE City of Chenoa • McLean
All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1)
Channel Catsh 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
CHICAGO RIVER State of Illinois • Cook
(INCLUDING ITS NORTH BRANCH, SOUTH BRANCH, AND THE NORTH SHORE CHANNEL)
Yellow Perch 15 Fish Daily Harvest Limit (6); Closed May 1 through June 15
20
Statewide Sportshing Regulations are enforced in addition to each area’s Site Specic Regulations
SITE SPECIFIC SPORTFISHING REGULATIONS
CHILLICOTHE PARK DISTRICT PONDS Chillicothe Park District • Peoria
All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1)
Bluegill or Redear Sunsh 25 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Channel Catsh 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Large or Smallmouth Bass 18 inch Minimum Length Limit; 1 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
CHRISTOPHER OLD CITY LAKE City of Christopher • Franklin
All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1)
Channel Catsh 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Large or Smallmouth Bass 15 inch Minimum Length Limit; 3 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
CITIZEN’S LAKE City of Monmouth • Warren
All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1)
Bluegill or Redear Sunsh 10 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Channel Catsh 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Large or Smallmouth Bass Protected Slot Length Limit with no possession of Fish greater than or equal to 12 inches and less than
15 inches; 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit with no more than 1 Fish greater than or equal to 15 inches and
5 Fish less than 12 inches
Trout Fall Closed Season (7)
CLEAR LAKE Kickapoo State Recreation Area • Vermilion
All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1)
Bluegill or Redear Sunsh 10 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Channel Catsh 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Large or Smallmouth Bass 3 Fish Daily Harvest Limit with no more than 1 Fish greater than or equal to 15 inches
and 2 Fish less than 15 inches
Trout Fall Closed Season (7), Spring Closed Season (8)
CLINTON LAKE Clinton Lake State Recreation Area • DeWitt
(INCLUDING THE CLINTON LAKE SPILLWAY AND SALT CREEK DOWNSTREAM TO THE ROUTE 10 BRIDGE)
All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1) (2). Sport shermen shall be allowed to use trotlines, jugs, and bank
poles in the portions of the lake that lie north of the Route 54 Railroad Bridge and northeast of the Route
48 Bridge. All jugs must be attended at all times (3). Sport shermen may take carp, carpsuckers and
buffalo by bow and arrow, bow and arrow devices, gigs and spears on the entire lake, but not within 150
feet of any boat ramp, dock, beach or other developed recreation areas
Blue or Channel Catsh 10 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Large or Smallmouth Bass 16 inch Minimum Length Limit; 3 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Striped, White, or Hybrid Striped Bass 10 Fish Daily Harvest Limit with no more than 3 Fish greater than or equal to 17 inches
Walleye 18 inch Minimum Length Limit; 3 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
White, Black, or Hybrid Crappie 15 Fish Daily Harvest Limit with no more than 10 Fish greater than or equal to 10 inches and 5 Fish less
than 10 inches
COAL MINER’S PARK POND City of Spring Valley • Bureau
All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1)
Channel Catsh 3 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Large or Smallmouth Bass 15 inch Minimum Length Limit; 1 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
COFFEEN LAKE Coffeen Lake State Fish and Wildlife Area • Montgomery
All Fish All jugs must be attended at all times (3)
Large or Smallmouth Bass 15 inch Minimum Length Limit; 3 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
White, Black, or Hybrid Crappie 10 inch Minimum Length Limit; 10 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
COFFEEN UPLAND MANAGEMENT POND Coffeen Lake State Fish and Wildlife Area • Montgomery
All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1)
Bluegill or Redear Sunsh 10 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Channel Catsh 3 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Large or Smallmouth Bass 18 inch Minimum Length Limit; 1 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
NOTE: EXPLANATIONS FOR NUMBERS CONTAINED IN PARENTHESIS ARE FOUND ON PAGE 12
21
Statewide Sportshing Regulations are enforced in addition to each area’s Site Specic Regulations
SITE SPECIFIC SPORTFISHING REGULATIONS
COLES COUNTY AIRPORT LAKE Coles County Airport • Coles
All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1)
Channel Catsh 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Large or Smallmouth Bass Protected Slot Length Limit with no possession of Fish greater than or equal to 14 inches and less than
18 inches; 3 Fish Daily Harvest Limit with no more than 1 Fish greater than or equal to 18 inches and
2 Fish less than 14 inches
COLUMBUS PARK LAGOON Chicago Park District • Cook
All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1)
Channel Catsh 4 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
COMMISSIONERS PARK POND Alsip Park District • Cook
All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1)
Channel Catsh 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
CONSERVATION WORLD PONDS Illinois State Fairgrounds • Sangamon
Recreational Use Restrictions Fishing by special permit only for senior groups, children’s groups or group guests of the Director. Apply
for permit by writing to: Department of Natural Resources, Division of Fisheries, One Natural Resources
Way, Springeld IL 62702
COOK CO. FOREST PRESERVE DISTRICT LAKES Cook County Forest Preserve District • Cook
(EXCEPT SEE AXEHEAD, BECK, BELLEAU, BULLFROG, BUSSE, CERMAK, FLATFOOT, GREEN, HORSETAIL, SAG QUARRY EAST, SCHILLER POND, SKOKIE LAGOONS, TAMPIER, AND WAMPUM LAKES)
All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1) (2)
Bluegill, Redear, or Pumpkinseed Sunsh 15 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Large or Smallmouth Bass 14 inch Minimum Length Limit; 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Walleye, Sauger, or Hybrid Walleye 18 inch Minimum Length Limit; 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
White, Black, or Hybrid Crappie 15 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
COULTERVILLE RESERVOIR Village of Coulterville • Randolph
All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1)
Channel Catsh 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Large or Smallmouth Bass 15 inch Minimum Length Limit; 3 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
CRAB ORCHARD NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE-CRAB ORCHARD LAKE U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service • Williamson
Recreational Use Restrictions West of Wolf Creek Road, shing from boats is permitted all year. East of Wolf Creek Road, shing from
boats is permitted from March 15 through September 30. Fishing from the bank is permitted all year only
at the Wolf Creek and Route 148 causeways
All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1). Sport shermen shall be allowed to use trotlines, jugs, and by hand,
except that sport shermen may not submerge any pole or similar object to take or locate any sh and
the use and aid of underwater breathing devices is prohibited. Trotlines and jugs must be removed from
sunrise until sunset from Memorial Day through Labor Day. On the entire lake, jugs and trotlines must be
checked daily and must be removed on the last day they are used. It is illegal to use stakes to anchor any
trotlines; they must be anchored only with portable weights and must be removed on the last day they are
used. The taking of carp, carpsuckers, shad, drum, buffalo, gar, bown and suckers with spear, gig, bow
and arrow or archery device is permissible.
Large or Smallmouth Bass 16 inch Minimum Length Limit; 3 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
CRAB ORCHARD NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE-DEVIL’S KITCHEN LAKE U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service • Williamson
All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1)
Bluegill or Redear Sunsh 25 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
CRAB ORCHARD NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE-HONKER’S POND U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service • Williamson
Recreational Use Restrictions Fishing is permitted year-round from sunrise to sunset only
All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1)
Bluegill or Redear Sunsh 25 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Channel Catsh 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Large or Smallmouth Bass 16 inch Minimum Length Limit; 3 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
22
Statewide Sportshing Regulations are enforced in addition to each area’s Site Specic Regulations
SITE SPECIFIC SPORTFISHING REGULATIONS
CRAB ORCHARD NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE-LITTLE GRASSY LAKE U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service • Williamson
All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1) (5)
Channel Catsh 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Large or Smallmouth Bass Protected Slot Length Limit with no possession of Fish greater than or equal to 12 inches
and less than 15 inches
CRAB ORCHARD NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE-RESTRICTED USE AREA PONDS
(EXCEPT SEE HONKER’S AND VISITOR’S PONDS) U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service • Williamson
Recreational Use Restrictions Fishing is permitted from March 1 through October 15, both dates inclusive, from sunrise to sunset only
All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1)
Bluegill or Redear Sunsh 25 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Channel Catsh 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Large or Smallmouth Bass 16 inch Minimum Length Limit; 3 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
CRAB ORCHARD NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE-VISITOR’S POND U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service • Williamson
Recreational Use Restrictions Fishing is permitted year-round from sunrise to sunset only
All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1)
Bluegill or Redear Sunsh 25 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Channel Catsh 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Large or Smallmouth Bass 18 inch Minimum Length Limit; 1 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
CRAB ORCHARD NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE-ALL OTHER PONDS U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service • Williamson
All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1)
Bluegill or Redear Sunsh 25 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
CRAWFORD COUNTY STATE FISH & WILDLIFE AREA PONDS Crawford County State Fish & Wildlife Area • Crawford
All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1)
Bluegill or Redear Sunsh 15 Fish Daily Harvest Limit with no more than 5 Fish greater than or equal to 8 inches
Channel Catsh 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Large or Smallmouth Bass 1 5 inch Minimum Length Limit; 1 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Trout (Picnic Pond) Fall Closed Season (7)
CRULL IMPOUNDMENT WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA State of Illinois • Jersey
Recreational Use Restrictions Waterfowl Refuge or Hunting Area (12)
CRYSTAL LAKE Urbana Park District • Champaign
All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1)
Bluegill or Redear Sunsh 10 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Channel Catsh 3 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Large or Smallmouth Bass 14 inch Minimum Length Limit
CYPRESS CREEK NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE-ALL PONDS U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service • Johnson/Pulaski/Union
All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1)
Channel Catsh 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Large or Smallmouth Bass 15 inch Minimum Length Limit
CYPRESS CREEK NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE-CACHE RIVER U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service • Johnson/Pulaski/Union
FROM RT. 37 TO RT. 51 IN ULLIN
All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1). No seines
23
Statewide Sportshing Regulations are enforced in addition to each area’s Site Specic Regulations
SITE SPECIFIC SPORTFISHING REGULATIONS
DAWSON LAKE & PARK PONDS Moraine View State Recreation Area • McLean
All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1). Sport shermen may take carp from boat by bow and arrow and bow
and arrow devices, but not within 150 feet of any developed recreation areas
Bluegill or Redear Sunsh 20 Fish Daily Harvest Limit with no more than 5 Fish greater than or equal to 8 inches
Channel Catsh 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Large or Smallmouth Bass 3 Fish Daily Harvest Limit with no more than 1 Fish greater than or equal to 15 inches and
2 Fish less than 15 inches
Walleye, Sauger, or Hybrid Walleye 15 inch Minimum Length Limit; 3 Fish Daily Harvest Limit with no more than 1 Fish greater than
or equal to 20 inches
White, Black, or Hybrid Crappie 15 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
DECATUR PARK DISTRICT PONDS Decatur Park District • Macon
(EXCEPT SEE FAIRVIEW PARK –DREAMLAND POND AND SPORTSMANS CLUB POND)
All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1)
Channel Catsh 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Large or Smallmouth Bass 14 inch Minimum Length Limit; 1 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
DEFIANCE LAKE Moraine Hills State Park • McHenry
All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1)
Channel Catsh 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Large or Smallmouth Bass 14 inch Minimum Length Limit; 3 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
DES PLAINES RIVER BASIN State of Illinois • Cook
(FORMER HOFFMAN DAM SITE TO 47TH STREET BRIDGE, INCLUDING TRIBUTARIES)
Channel Catsh 15 inch Minimum Length Limit; 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Large or Smallmouth Bass Catch and Release Fishing Only (9)
Northern Pike 30 inch Minimum Length Limit; 1 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Walleye, Sauger, or Hybrid Walleye 18 inch Minimum Length Limit; 1 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
White, Black, or Hybrid Crappie 10 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
DIAMOND LAKE Mundelein Park District • Lake
All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1)
Channel Catsh 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Large or Smallmouth Bass 15 inch Minimum Length Limit; 3 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Pure Muskellunge 48 inch Minimum Length Limit
DIETERICH PARK POND Village of Dieterich • Effingham
All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1)
Channel Catsh 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Large or Smallmouth Bass 15 inch Minimum Length Limit; 1 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
DOLAN LAKE Hamilton County State Fish & Wildlife Area • Hamilton
All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1)
Bluegill or Redear Sunsh 25 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Channel Catsh 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Large or Smallmouth Bass 18 inch Minimum Length Limit; 1 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
DONGOLA CITY RESERVOIR Village of Dongola • Union
All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1)
Channel Catsh 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Largemouth Bass 18 inch Minimum Length Limit; 1 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
DONNELLEY STATE FISH AND WILDLIFE AREA State of Illinois • Bureau
Recreational Use Restrictions Waterfowl Refuge or Hunting Area (12)
NOTE: EXPLANATIONS FOR NUMBERS CONTAINED IN PARENTHESIS ARE FOUND ON PAGE 12
24
Statewide Sportshing Regulations are enforced in addition to each area’s Site Specic Regulations
SITE SPECIFIC SPORTFISHING REGULATIONS
DOUBLE “T” STATE FISH AND WILDLIFE AREA State of Illinois • Fulton
Recreational Use Restrictions Waterfowl Refuge or Hunting Area (all use other than waterfowl hunting is prohibited from October 1
through the end of the central zone Canada goose season)
All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1). All live bait greater than 8 inches must be rigged with a quick set rig (4)
Blue or Channel Catsh 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Bluegill or Redear Sunsh 25 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Large or Smallmouth Bass 21 inch Minimum Length Limit; 1 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Pure Muskellunge 42 inch Minimum Length Limit
White, Black, or Hybrid Crappie 10 inch Minimum Length Limit; 25 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
DOUGLAS PARK LAGOON Chicago Park District • Cook
All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1)
Channel Catsh 4 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
DUPAGE COUNTY FOREST PRESERVE DISTRICT LAKES & PONDS Forest Preserve District of DuPage County • DuPage
All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1)
Bluegill or Redear Sunsh 25 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Channel Catsh 12 inch Minimum Length Limit; 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Large or Smallmouth Bass Protected Slot Length Limit with no possession of Fish greater than or equal to 14 inches and less than
18 inches; 4 Fish Daily Harvest Limit with no more than 1 Fish greater than or equal to 18 inches and 3
Fish less than 14 inches
Pure Muskellunge 48 inch Minimum Length Limit
Trout (Silver Lake) Fall Closed Season (7), Spring Closed Season (8)
Walleye, Sauger, or Hybrid Walleye 16 inch Minimum Length Limit; 3 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
White, Black, or Hybrid Crappie 15 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Yellow Perch 9 inch Minimum Length Limit; 5 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
DUPAGE RIVER – WEST BRANCH Forest Preserve District of DuPage County • DuPage
(BETWEEN THE FORMER DAM SITES LOCATED IN THE MCDOWELL GROVE FOREST PRESERVE AND THE WARRENVILLE GROVE FOREST PRESERVE)
Large or Smallmouth Bass Catch and Release Fishing Only (9)
DUQUOIN CITY LAKE City of DuQuoin • Perry
Bluegill or Redear Sunsh 25 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Channel Catsh 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Large or Smallmouth Bass 15 inch Minimum Length Limit; 3 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
White, Black, or Hybrid Crappie 25 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
DUQUOIN STATE FAIR GROUNDS – ALL LAKES AND PONDS State of Illinois • Perry
All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1)
Bluegill or Redear Sunsh 25 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Channel Catsh 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Large or Smallmouth Bass 3 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
EAST FORK LAKE City of Olney • Richland
All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1)
Bluegill or Redear Sunsh 25 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Channel Catsh 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Large or Smallmouth Bass 15 inch Minimum Length Limit
White, Black, or Hybrid Crappie 25 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
ED MADIGAN STATE PARK POND State of Illinois • Logan
All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1)
Bluegill or Redear Sunsh 25 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Channel Catsh 3 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Large or Smallmouth Bass 18 inch Minimum Length Limit; 1 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
ELDON HAZLET STATE PARK State of Illinois • Clinton
(SEE ALSO CARLYLE LAKE)
Recreational Use Restrictions Waterfowl Refuge or Hunting Area (12)
25
Statewide Sportshing Regulations are enforced in addition to each area’s Site Specic Regulations
SITE SPECIFIC SPORTFISHING REGULATIONS
ELLIOTT LAKE Wheaton Park District • DuPage
All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1)
Channel Catsh 3 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Large or Smallmouth Bass 15 inch Minimum Length Limit
EMBARRAS RIVER BOTTOMS STATE NATURAL AREA State of Illinois • Lawrence
All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1) (5)
EMIQUON PRESERVE – THOMPSON LAKE The Nature Conservancy • Fulton
All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1)
Bluegill, Redear, Pumpkinseed, Green,
Orangespotted Sunsh, or Hybrid Sunsh 25 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Channel Catsh 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Large or Smallmouth Bass 18 inch Minimum Length Limit; 1 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
White, Black, or Hybrid Crappie 9 inch Minimum Length Limit; 25 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
EVERGREEN LAKE City of Bloomington • McLean
All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1) (5). All live bait greater than 8 inches must be rigged with a quick set rig (4)
Large or Smallmouth Bass 15 inch Minimum Length Limit; 3 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Pure Muskellunge 48 inch Minimum Length Limit (10)
Walleye, Sauger, or Hybrid Walleye 18 inch Minimum Length Limit; 3 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
White, Black, or Hybrid Crappie 15 Fish Daily Harvest Limit with no more than 5 Fish greater than or equal to 10 inches
FAIRGROUNDS POND – FORT MASSAC STATE PARK State of Illinois • Massac
All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1)
Large or Smallmouth Bass 18 inch Minimum Length Limit; 1 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Trout Fall Closed Season (7), Spring Closed Season (8)
FAIRVIEW PARK – DREAMLAND POND Decatur Park District • Macon
Recreational Use Restrictions Only youth under 16 years of age permitted to sh, or persons participating in a
Decatur Park District or Illinois Department of Natural Resources sponsored shing program
All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1)
Channel Catsh 3 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Large or Smallmouth Bass 14 inch Minimum Length Limit; 1 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
FERNE CLYFFE LAKE Ferne Clyffe State Park • Johnson
All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1)
Channel Catsh 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Trout Fall Closed Season (7), Spring Closed Season (8)
FLATFOOT LAKE Cook County Forest Preserve District • Cook
All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1) (2)
Bluegill, Redear, or Pumpkinseed Sunsh 15 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Channel Catsh 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Large or Smallmouth Bass 14 inch Minimum Length Limit; 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
White, Black, or Hybrid Crappie 15 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
FLETCHER PARK POND City of Mt. Zion • Macon
All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1)
Bluegill or Redear Sunsh 5 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Channel Catsh 3 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Large or Smallmouth Bass 18 inch Minimum Length Limit; 1 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
FOLI PARK POND Village of Plano • Kendall
All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1)
Channel Catsh 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
26
Statewide Sportshing Regulations are enforced in addition to each area’s Site Specic Regulations
SITE SPECIFIC SPORTFISHING REGULATIONS
FORBES LAKE Stephen A. Forbes State Recreation Area • Marion
(INCLUDING FORBES LAKE TAILWATERS AND THAT PORTION OF LOST FORK CREEK WITHIN STEPHEN A. FORBES STATE RECREATION AREA)
Recreational Use Restrictions Waterfowl Refuge or Hunting Area (12)
All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1) (5)
Channel Catsh 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Large or Smallmouth Bass 14 inch Minimum Length Limit
Striped, White, or Hybrid Striped Bass 17 inch Minimum Length Limit; 3 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
White, Black, or Hybrid Crappie No Daily Harvest Limit with no more than 10 Fish greater than or equal to 8 inches
FORBES STATE RECREATION AREA PONDS Stephen A. Forbes State Recreation Area • Marion
All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1) (5)
Channel Catsh 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Large or Smallmouth Bass 14 inch Minimum Length Limit
Trout (Boston Pond) Fall Closed Season (7), Spring Closed Season (8)
FOREST PARK LAGOON City of Shelbyville • Shelby
All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1)
Channel Catsh 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Trout Fall Closed Season (7), Spring Closed Season (8)
FOUR LAKES Forest Preserves of Winnebago County • Winnebago
All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1)
Channel Catsh 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Large or Smallmouth Bass 14 inch Minimum Length Limit; 1 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Trout Fall Closed Season (7), Spring Closed Season (8)
FOX CHAIN O’LAKES State of Illinois • Lake/McHenry
(INCLUDING THE FOX RIVER SOUTH OF THE WISCONSIN-ILLINOIS BOUNDARY TO THE ALGONQUIN DAM AND THE NIPPERSINK CREEK UPSTREAM TO THE WILMOT ROAD BRIDGE)
All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1) on State Park property bordering the Fox River and Grass Lake.
All live bait greater than 8 inches must be rigged with a quick set rig (4)
Flathead Catsh 3 Fish Daily Harvest Limit with no more than 1 Fish greater than or equal to 28 inches and 2 Fish less
than 28 inches
Large or Smallmouth Bass 14 inch Minimum Length Limit (applies to Grass Lake and Nippersink Lake State Managed Blind Areas
Only); 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit of which no more than 3 can be Smallmouth Bass
Pure Muskellunge 48 inch Minimum Length Limit (10)
Smallmouth Bass All Fish must be immediately released between April 1 and June 15
Walleye, Sauger, or Hybrid Walleye 14 inch Minimum Length Limit; Protected Slot Length Limit with no possession of Fish greater than or
equal to 18 inches and less than 24 inches; 4 Fish Daily Harvest Limit with no more than 1 Fish greater
than or equal to 24 inches
FOX CREEK STATE FISH & WILDLIFE AREA State of Illinois • Richland/Wayne
All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1) (5)
FOX RIDGE STATE PARK State of Illinois • Coles
(SEE ALSO HURRICANE POND, WILDERNESS POND AND RIDGE LAKE)
Recreational Use Restrictions Waterfowl Hunting or Refuge Area
FOX RIVER State of Illinois • Multiple
(ALGONQUIN DAM TO THE CONFLUENCE WITH THE ILLINOIS RIVER, INCLUDING TRIBUTARIES)
Flathead Catsh 3 Fish Daily Harvest Limit with no more than 1 Fish greater than or equal to 28 inches and 2 Fish less
than 28 inches
Smallmouth Bass 3 Fish Daily Harvest Limit with no more than 1 Fish greater than or equal to 12 inches and 2 Fish less
than 12 inches; All Smallmouth Bass must be immediately released between April 1 and June 15
FOX RIVER State of Illinois • McHenry
(AT MORAINE HILLS STATE PARK AND DAM AND ON BOLGER LOCK AND DAM PROPERTIES)
All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1)
27
Statewide Sportshing Regulations are enforced in addition to each area’s Site Specic Regulations
SITE SPECIFIC SPORTFISHING REGULATIONS
FOX RIVER MARINA Lake County Forest Preserve District • Lake
Recreational Use Restrictions Bank Fishing Only (in areas designated by Lake County Forest Preserve District)
All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1). Bullfrogs may not be taken by hand, gig, pitchfork, spear,
landing net or hook and line
FOX VALLEY PARK DISTRICT LAKES & PONDS Fox Valley Park District • Kane/DuPage
(EXCEPT SEE JERICHO LAKE AND EXCLUDING LAKE GREGORY)
All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1)
Channel Catsh 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Large or Smallmouth Bass 15 inch Minimum Length Limit; 3 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
FRANK HOLTEN LAKES Frank Holten State Park • St. Clair
All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1) (5)
Channel Catsh 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Large or Smallmouth Bass 14 inch Minimum Length Limit
Trout Fall Closed Season (7), Spring Closed Season (8)
FRANKLIN CREEK State of Illinois • Lee
(WITHIN THE BOUNDARIES OF FRANKLIN CREEK STATE NATURAL AREA)
All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1)
FRANKLIN CREEK MILL POND Franklin Creek State Park • Lee
All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1)
Large or Smallmouth Bass 15 inch Minimum Length Limit; 1 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
FULLER LAKE State of Illinois • Calhoun
Recreational Use Restrictions Waterfowl Refuge or Hunting Area (11)
FULTON COUNTY CAMPING AND RECREATION AREA WATERS Fulton County Board • Fulton
All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1). All live bait greater than 8 inches must be rigged with a quick set rig (4)
Bluegill or Redear Sunsh 25 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Channel Catsh 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Large or Smallmouth Bass Protected Slot Length Limit with no possession of Fish greater than or equal to 12 inches and less than
15 inches; 3 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Pure Muskellunge 42 inch Minimum Length Limit
GAGES LAKE Wildwood Park District • Lake
Large or Smallmouth Bass 15 inch Minimum Length Limit; 3 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Walleye, Sauger, or Hybrid Walleye 16 inch Minimum Length Limit; 3 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
GARFIELD PARK LAGOON Chicago Park District • Cook
All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1)
Channel Catsh 4 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
GERMANTOWN LAKE Village of Germantown • Clinton
All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1)
Bluegill or Redear Sunsh 15 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Channel Catsh 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Large or Smallmouth Bass 18 inch Minimum Length Limit; 1 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
GIANT CITY STATE PARK PONDS Giant City State Park • Jackson/Union
All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1)
Bluegill or Redear Sunsh 15 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Channel Catsh 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Largemouth Bass 15 inch Minimum Length Limit
28
Statewide Sportshing Regulations are enforced in addition to each area’s Site Specic Regulations
SITE SPECIFIC SPORTFISHING REGULATIONS
GILLESPIE NEW CITY LAKE City of Gillespie • Macoupin
All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1)
Channel Catsh 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Large or Smallmouth Bass Protected Slot Length Limit with no possession of Fish greater than or equal to 12 inches and less than
15 inches; 3 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
GILLESPIE OLD CITY LAKE City of Gillespie • Macoupin
All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1)
Channel Catsh 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Large or Smallmouth Bass 15 inch Minimum Length Limit; 3 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
GLADES 12 Mile Island Wildlife Management Area • Jersey
Recreational Use Restrictions Waterfowl Refuge or Hunting Area (11)
GLADSTONE LAKE Henderson County Conservation Area • Henderson
All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1)
Bluegill or Redear Sunsh 10 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Blue or Channel Catsh 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Large or Smallmouth Bass Protected Slot Length Limit with no possession of Fish greater than or equal to 12 inches and less than
15 inches; 3 Fish Daily Harvest Limit with no more than 1 Fish greater than or equal to 15 inches and 2
Fish less than 12 inches
Pure Muskellunge 48 inch Minimum Length Limit
GLEN O JONES STATE LAKE Saline County State Fish and Wildlife Area • Saline
All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1)
Channel Catsh 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Large or Smallmouth Bass Protected Slot Length Limit with no possession of Fish greater than or equal to 14 inches and less than
18 inches; 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit with no more than 1 Fish greater than or equal to 18 inches and 5
Fish less than 14 inches
GLEN O JONES TROUT POND Saline County State Fish and Wildlife Area • Saline
All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1)
Trout Fall Closed Season (7)
GLEN OAK LAGOON Peoria Park District • Peoria
All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1)
Channel Catsh 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
GLEN SHOALS LAKE City of Hillsboro • Montgomery
All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1) (5)
Channel Catsh 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Large or Smallmouth Bass 15 inch Minimum Length Limit; 3 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Striped, White, or Hybrid Striped Bass 17 inch Minimum Length Limit; 3 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
GODAR-DIAMOND/HURRICANE ISLAND WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA State of Illinois • Calhoun
Recreational Use Restrictions Waterfowl Refuge or Hunting Area (11)
GOMPERS PARK LAGOON Chicago Park District • Cook
All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1)
Channel Catsh 4 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
GORDON F. MOORE PARK LAKE City of Alton • Madison
All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1)
Bluegill or Redear Sunsh 25 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Channel Catsh 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Large or Smallmouth Bass 15 inch Minimum Length Limit; 3 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
29
Statewide Sportshing Regulations are enforced in addition to each area’s Site Specic Regulations
SITE SPECIFIC SPORTFISHING REGULATIONS
GOVERNOR BOND LAKE City of Greenville • Bond
All Fish All jugs must be attended at all times (3)
Large or Smallmouth Bass 15 inch Minimum Length Limit; 3 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Striped, White, or Hybrid Striped Bass 17 inch Minimum Length Limit; 3 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
White, Black, or Hybrid Crappie 25 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
GRAYSLAKE PARK DISTRICT City of Grayslake • Lake
(GRAYSLAKE AND PARK PONDS)
All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1)
Channel Catsh 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Large or Smallmouth Bass 15 inch Minimum Length Limit; 3 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
GREEN LAKE Cook County Forest Preserve District • Cook
All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1) (2)
Trout Fall Closed Season (7), Spring Closed Season (8)
GREENFIELD CITY LAKE City of Greenfield • Greene
All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1)
Bluegill or Redear Sunsh 25 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Channel Catsh 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Large or Smallmouth Bass Protected Slot Length Limit with no possession of Fish greater than or equal to 12 inches and less
than 15 inches; 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit with no more than 1 Fish greater than or equal to 15 inches
and 5 Fish less than 12 inches
HANOVER LAKE Apple River Canyon State Park • Jo Daviess
All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1)
Bluegill or Redear Sunsh 25 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Channel Catsh 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Large or Smallmouth Bass 14 inch Minimum Length Limit; 1 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
HARRISBURG NEW CITY RESERVOIR City of Harrisburg • Saline
All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1)
Channel Catsh 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Striped, White, or Hybrid Striped Bass 17 inch Minimum Length Limit; 3 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
HEIDECKE LAKE Heidecke Lake State Fish and Wildlife Area • Grundy
Recreational Use Restrictions Waterfowl Refuge or Hunting Area (13)
All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1). All live bait greater than 8 inches must be rigged with a quick set rig (4)
Channel Catsh 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Large or Smallmouth Bass Protected Slot Length Limit with no possession of Fish greater than or equal to 12 inches and less than
18 inches; 3 Fish Daily Harvest Limit with no more than 1 Fish greater than or equal to 18 inches and 2
Fish less than 12 inches
Pure Muskellunge 48 inch Minimum Length Limit
Striped, White, or Hybrid Striped Bass 10 Fish Daily Harvest Limit with no more than 3 Fish greater than or equal to 17 inches
Walleye, Sauger, or Hybrid Walleye 16 inch Minimum Length Limit; 3 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
White, Black, or Hybrid Crappie 15 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
HEILAND LAKES Kankakee River Valley Forest Preserve District • Kankakee
All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1)
Bluegill or Redear Sunsh 15 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Channel Catsh 3 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Large or Smallmouth Bass Protected Slot Length Limit with no possession of Fish greater than or equal to 12 inches and less than
15 inches; 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit with no more than 1 Fish greater than or equal to 15 inches
HELMBOLD SLOUGH State of Illinois • Calhoun
Recreational Use Restrictions Waterfowl Refuge or Hunting Area (11)
HENDERSON CREEK STATE FISH AND WILDLIFE AREA State of Illinois • Henderson
Recreational Use Restrictions Waterfowl Refuge or Hunting Area (12)
30
Statewide Sportshing Regulations are enforced in addition to each area’s Site Specic Regulations
SITE SPECIFIC SPORTFISHING REGULATIONS
HENNEPIN CANAL – MAINLINE & FEEDER Hennepin Canal Parkway State Park • Multiple
All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1). Jug shing is permitted from sunset to sunrise and carp and buffalo
may be taken by bow and arrow devices from May 1 through September 30; All jugs must have owner’s/
user’s name and complete address afxed
Large or Smallmouth Bass 14 inch Minimum Length Limit
Trout Fall Closed Season (7), Spring Closed Season (8)
HENNEPIN-HOPPER LAKES The Wetlands Initiative • Putnam
All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1). All live bait greater than 8 inches must be rigged with a quick set rig (4)
Channel Catsh 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Large or Smallmouth Bass 15 inch Minimum Length Limit; 3 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Pure Muskellunge 42 inch Minimum Length Limit
Walleye, Sauger, or Hybrid Walleye 18 inch Minimum Length Limit; 3 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
White, Black, or Hybrid Crappie 9 inch Minimum Length Limit; 25 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
HERITAGE QUARRIES City of Lemont • Cook
(GREAT LAKES QUARRY AND CONSUMERS QUARRY)
Bluegill or Redear Sunsh 15 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Large or Smallmouth Bass 14 inch Minimum Length Limit; 3 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
White, Black, or Hybrid Crappie 15 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
HERRIN LAKE #1 City of Herrin • Williamson
All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1)
Channel Catsh 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Large or Smallmouth Bass 15 inch Minimum Length Limit; 3 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
HEYWORTH CENTENNIAL LAKE City of Heyworth • McLean
All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1)
Channel Catsh 3 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Large or Smallmouth Bass 16 inch Minimum Length Limit; 1 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
HIDDEN SPRINGS STATE FOREST PONDS Hidden Springs State Forest • Shelby
All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1)
Bluegill or Redear Sunsh 10 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Channel Catsh 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Large or Smallmouth Bass 18 inch Minimum Length Limit; 1 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
HIGHLAND OLD CITY LAKE City of Highland • Madison
All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1)
Channel Catsh 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Large or Smallmouth Bass 15 inch Minimum Length Limit; 3 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Trout Fall Closed Season (7)
HILLSBORO OLD CITY LAKE City of Hillsboro • Montgomery
All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1)
Channel Catsh 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Large or Smallmouth Bass Protected Slot Length Limit with no possession of Fish greater than or equal to 12 inches and less than
15 inches; 3 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
HOMER GUTHRIE POND Eldon Hazlet State Park • Clinton
All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1)
Bluegill or Redear Sunsh 10 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Channel Catsh 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Large or Smallmouth Bass 18 inch Minimum Length Limit; 1 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
HOMER LAKE Champaign County Forest Preserve District • Champaign
All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1)
Channel Catsh 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Large or Smallmouth Bass 14 inch Minimum Length Limit
31
Statewide Sportshing Regulations are enforced in addition to each area’s Site Specic Regulations
SITE SPECIFIC SPORTFISHING REGULATIONS
HORMEL POND Donnelley/DePue State Fish and Wildlife Area • Bureau
All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1) (5)
Channel Catsh 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Large or Smallmouth Bass 14 inch Minimum Length Limit
HORSESHOE LAKE – ALEXANDER COUNTY Horseshoe Lake State Fish and Wildlife Area • Alexander
Recreational Use Restrictions Only trolling motors in refuge from October 15 through March 1
All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1) (5)
HORSESHOE LAKE – MADISON COUNTY Horseshoe Lake State Park • Madison
Recreational Use Restrictions Waterfowl Refuge or Hunting Area (11)
All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1) (5). Trotlines must be set within 300 feet from shore
Large or Smallmouth Bass 15 inch Minimum Length Limit; 3 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
White, Black, or Hybrid Crappie 25 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
HORSETAIL LAKE Cook County Forest Preserve District • Cook
All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1) (2)
Bluegill, Redear, or Pumpkinseed Sunsh 15 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Large or Smallmouth Bass 14 inch Minimum Length Limit; 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Trout Fall Closed Season (7), Spring Closed Season (8)
White, Black, or Hybrid Crappie 15 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
HORTON LAKE Nauvoo State Park • Hancock
All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1)
Channel Catsh 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Large or Smallmouth Bass 18 inch Minimum Length Limit; 1 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Trout Fall Closed Season (7); Early season Catch and Release Fishing is permitted (9)
Spring Closed Season (8); Early season Catch and Release Fishing is permitted (9)
HUMBOLT PARK LAGOON Chicago Park District • Cook
All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1)
Channel Catsh 4 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
HURRICANE POND Fox Ridge State Park • Coles
All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1)
Bluegill or Redear Sunsh 5 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Channel Catsh 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Large or Smallmouth Bass 18 inch Minimum Length Limit; 1 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
ILLINOIS & MICHIGAN CANAL State of Illinois • Grundy/LaSalle/Will
All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1)
Channel Catsh 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Large or Smallmouth Bass 15 inch Minimum Length Limit
Trout Fall Closed Season (7), Spring Closed Season (8)
ILLINOIS BEACH STATE PARK PONDS Adeline Jay Geo-Karis Illinois Beach State Park • Lake
(EXCEPT SEE SAND POND)
All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1)
Channel Catsh 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
ILLINOIS DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION LAKE State of Illinois • Sangamon
All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1)
Channel Catsh 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Large or Smallmouth Bass 15 inch Minimum Length Limit
Trout Fall Closed Season (7); Early season Catch and Release Fishing is permitted (9)
Spring Closed Season (8); Early season Catch and Release Fishing is permitted (9)
32
Statewide Sportshing Regulations are enforced in addition to each area’s Site Specic Regulations
SITE SPECIFIC SPORTFISHING REGULATIONS
ILLINOIS RIVER State of Illinois • Multiple
Large or Smallmouth Bass 12 inch Minimum Length Limit
ILLINOIS RIVER – POOL 26 State of Illinois • Calhoun
Recreational Use Restrictions Waterfowl Refuge or Hunting Area (11)
ILLINOIS RIVER – STARVED ROCK POOL State of Illinois • LaSalle
Large or Smallmouth Bass 18 inch Minimum Length Limit; 1 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
White, Black, or Hybrid Crappie 10 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
INDIAN BOUNDARY SOUTH POND Frankfort Square Park District • Will
All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1)
Channel Catsh 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
IROQUOIS & KANKAKEE RIVERS AND THEIR TRIBUTARIES State of Illinois • Multiple
Walleye, Sauger, or Hybrid Walleye 14 inch Minimum Length Limit; 3 Fish Daily Harvest Limit with no more than 1 Fish greater than or equal
to 18 inches
ISLAND POND Boone County Conservation District • Boone
All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1)
Channel Catsh 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Large or Smallmouth Bass 14 inch Minimum Length Limit; 1 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
JACKSON PARK LAGOON/COLUMBIA BASIN Chicago Park District • Cook
All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1)
Channel Catsh 4 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
JERICHO LAKE Fox Valley Park District • Kane
All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1)
Channel Catsh 3 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Large or Smallmouth Bass 15 inch Minimum Length Limit; 1 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
White, Black, or Hybrid Crappie 9 inch Minimum Length Limit; 15 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
JIM EDGAR/PANTHER CREEK STATE FISH AND WILDLIFE AREA – ALL LAKES AND PONDS
Jim Edgar/Panther Creek State Fish and Wildlife Area • Cass
(EXCEPT SEE DRAKE LAKE AND GRIDLEY ROAD LAKE)
All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1). All live bait greater than 8 inches must be rigged with a quick set rig (4)
Channel Catsh 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Large or Smallmouth Bass 15 inch Minimum Length Limit; 3 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Pure Muskellunge 48 inch Minimum Length Limit
JIM EDGAR/PANTHER CREEK STATE FISH AND WILDLIFE AREA – DRAKE LAKE
Jim Edgar/Panther Creek State Fish and Wildlife Area • Cass
All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1)
Bluegill or Redear Sunsh 10 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Channel Catsh 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Large or Smallmouth Bass 15 inch Minimum Length Limit; 3 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
JIM EDGAR/PANTHER CREEK STATE FISH AND WILDLIFE AREA – GRIDLEY ROAD LAKE
Jim Edgar/Panther Creek State Fish and Wildlife Area • Cass
All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1)
Channel Catsh 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Large or Smallmouth Bass 15 inch Minimum Length Limit; 3 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Trout Fall Closed Season (7); Early season Catch and Release Fishing is permitted (9)
Spring Closed Season (8); Early season Catch and Release Fishing is permitted (9)
33
Statewide Sportshing Regulations are enforced in addition to each area’s Site Specic Regulations
SITE SPECIFIC SPORTFISHING REGULATIONS
JOHNSON-SAUK TRAIL LAKE & POND Johnson-Sauk Trail State Recreation Area • Henry
All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1). All live bait greater than 8 inches must be rigged with a quick set rig (4)
Channel Catsh 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Large or Smallmouth Bass 14 inch Minimum Length Limit
JONES PARK LAKE City of East St. Louis • St. Clair
All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1)
Channel Catsh 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Trout Fall Closed Season (7), Spring Closed Season (8)
JUBILEE COLLEGE STATE PARK POND Jubilee College State Park • Peoria
All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1)
Channel Catsh 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Large or Smallmouth Bass 15 inch Minimum Length Limit; 1 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
KANE COUNTY FOREST PRESERVE DISTRICT LAKES AND PONDS Kane County Forest Preserve District • Kane
Bluegill 10 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Channel Catsh 3 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Largemouth Bass Protected Slot Length Limit with no possession of Fish greater than or equal to 14 inches and less than
18 inches; 4 Fish Daily Harvest Limit with no more than 1 Fish greater than or equal to 18 inches and 3
Fish less than 14 inches
Northern Pike 24 inch Minimum Length Limit; 1 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Smallmouth Bass Catch and Release Fishing Only (9)
White, Black, or Hybrid Crappie 10 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
KANKAKEE-IROQUOIS RIVERS AND THEIR TRIBUTARIES State of Illinois • Multiple
Walleye, Sauger, or Hybrid Walleye 14 inch Minimum Length Limit; 3 Fish Daily Harvest Limit with no more than 1 Fish greater than or equal
to 18 inches
KANKAKEE RIVER State of Illinois • Multiple
(FROM THE KANKAKEE DAM TO THE WILMINGTON DAM ON THE KANKAKEE RIVER, INCLUDING TRIBUTARIES)
Smallmouth Bass Protected Slot Length Limit with no possession of Fish greater than or equal to 12 inches and less than
18 inches; 3 Fish Daily Harvest Limit with no more than 1 Fish greater than or equal to 18 inches and 2
Fish less than 12 inches
KASKASKIA RIVER STATE FISH AND WILDLIFE AREA – DOZA CREEK State of Illinois • St. Clair
Recreational Use Restrictions Waterfowl Refuge or Hunting Area (12)
KENDALL CO. LAKE #1 Kendall County Forest Preserve District • Kendall
All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1)
Bluegill or Redear Sunsh 10 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Channel Catsh 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Large or Smallmouth Bass 14 inch Minimum Length Limit; 3 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
KENT CREEK State of Illinois • Winnebago
Trout Catch and Release Fishing Only (9)
KICKAPOO STATE PARK LAKES & PONDS Kickapoo State Recreational Area • Vermilion
(EXCEPT SEE CLEAR LAKE)
All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1)
Bluegill or Redear Sunsh 10 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Channel Catsh 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Large or Smallmouth Bass 3 Fish Daily Harvest Limit with no more than 1 Fish greater than or equal to 15 inches and 2 Fish less
than 15 inches
KINCAID CITY LAKE City of Kincaid • Christian
All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1) (5)
Channel Catsh 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Large or Smallmouth Bass 15 inch Minimum Length Limit
34
Statewide Sportshing Regulations are enforced in addition to each area’s Site Specic Regulations
SITE SPECIFIC SPORTFISHING REGULATIONS
KING PARK LAGOON City of Pittsfield • Pike
All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1)
Channel Catsh 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Trout Spring Closed Season (8)
KINKAID LAKE Kinkaid Lake State Fish and Wildlife Are • Jackson
All Fish All live bait greater than 8 inches must be rigged with a quick set rig (4)
Large or Smallmouth Bass 16 inch Minimum Length Limit; 3 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Pure Muskellunge 48 inch Minimum Length Limit (10)
White, Black, or Hybrid Crappie 15 Fish Daily Harvest Limit with no more than 10 Fish greater than or equal to 10 inches
KINMUNDY CITY LAKE City of Kinmundy • Marion
All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1) (5)
Channel Catsh 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Large or Smallmouth Bass 15 inch Minimum Length Limit
KINMUNDY RESERVOIR City of Kinmundy • Marion
All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1) (5)
Channel Catsh 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Largemouth Bass 15 inch Minimum Length Limit
KISHWAUKEE RIVER AND SOUTH BRANCH OF KISHWAUKEE RIVER AND TRIBUTARIES
State of Illinois • Multiple
Smallmouth Bass 14 inch Minimum Length Limit
LAKE ATWOOD McHenry County Conservation District • McHenry
All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1)
Channel Catsh 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Large or Smallmouth Bass 15 inch Minimum Length Limit; 1 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Trout Spring Closed Season (8)
LAKE BLOOMINGTON City of Bloomington • McLean
All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1)
Bluegill or Redear Sunsh 25 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Large or Smallmouth Bass 15 inch Minimum Length Limit; 3 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Striped, White, or Hybrid Striped Bass 10 Fish Daily Harvest Limit with no more than 3 Fish greater than or equal to 17 inches
Walleye 18 inch Minimum Length Limit; 3 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
White, Black, or Hybrid Crappie 15 Fish Daily Harvest Limit with no more than 5 Fish greater than or equal to 10 inches
LAKE CARLTON Morrison-Rockwood State Park • Whiteside
All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1). All live bait greater than 8 inches must be rigged with a quick set rig (4)
Channel Catsh 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Large or Smallmouth Bass 14 inch Minimum Length Limit; 1 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
White, Black, or Hybrid Crappie 25 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
LAKE CARLTON SILT BASIN State of Illinois • Whiteside
All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1)
Bluegill or Redear Sunsh 8 inch Minimum Length Limit; 10 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Large or Smallmouth Bass Catch and Release Fishing Only (9)
LAKE CHAMINWOOD Will County Forest Preserve District • Will
All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1)
Bluegill or Redear Sunsh 15 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Channel Catsh 3 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Large or Smallmouth Bass 18 inch Minimum Length Limit; 1 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
White, Black, or Hybrid Crappie 15 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
35
Statewide Sportshing Regulations are enforced in addition to each area’s Site Specic Regulations
SITE SPECIFIC SPORTFISHING REGULATIONS
LAKE CO. FOREST PRESERVE DISTRICT LAKES Lake County Forest Preserve District • Lake
(EXCLUDING INDEPENDENCE GROVE LAKE; EXCEPT SEE BANANA LAKE AND STERLING LAKE)
All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1)
Channel Catsh 3 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Large or Smallmouth Bass 15 inch Minimum Length Limit; 1 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Walleye, Sauger, or Hybrid Walleye 16 inch Minimum Length Limit; 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
LAKE DECATUR City of Decatur • Macon
INCLUDING ALL BOUNDARIES WITHIN THE CITY OF DECATUR FROM THE DAM TO THE SANGAMON RIVER AT MACON CO. HIGHWAY 25 (NORTH OAKLEY ROAD) AND THE AREA WEST OF
BALTIMORE AVE. DOES NOT INCLUDE THE TAILWATER
All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1) (2). Bullfrogs may not be taken by spear. Carp, buffalo, suckers and
carpsuckers may be taken by means of pitchfork and gigs (no bow and arrow devices)
Large or Smallmouth Bass 14 inch Minimum Length Limit
White, Black, or Hybrid Crappie 10 inch Minimum Length Limit; 10 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
LAKE DEPUE FISH AND WILDLIFE AREA State of Illinois • Bureau
Recreational Use Restrictions Waterfowl Refuge or Hunting Area (12)
LAKE EUREKA City of Eureka • Woodford
All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1)
Bluegill or Redear Sunsh 25 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Channel Catsh 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Large or Smallmouth Bass 18 inch Minimum Length Limit; 1 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
White, Black, or Hybrid Crappie 25 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
LAKE GEORGE Loud Thunder Forest Preserve • Rock Island
All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1). All live bait greater than 8 inches must be rigged with a quick set rig (4)
Channel Catsh 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Large or Smallmouth Bass 14 inch Minimum Length Limit
Striped, White, or Hybrid Striped Bass 17 inch Minimum Length Limit; 1 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
White, Black, or Hybrid Crappie 25 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
LAKE JACKSONVILLE City of Jacksonville • Morgan
All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1). Carp, buffalo, suckers and carpsuckers may be taken by means of
pitchfork and gigs (no bow and arrow devices)
Channel Catsh 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Large or Smallmouth Bass Protected Slot Length Limit with no possession of Fish greater than or equal to 14 inches and less than
18 inches; 3 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Striped, White, or Hybrid Striped Bass 17 inch Minimum Length Limit; 3 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
White, Black, or Hybrid Crappie 25 Fish Daily Harvest Limit with no more than 10 Fish greater than or equal to 10 inches
LAKE KA-HO (LAKES 1, 2, AND 3) Village of Lake Ka-Ho • Macoupin
All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1)
Bluegill or Redear Sunsh 10 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Channel Catsh 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Large or Smallmouth Bass 15 inch Minimum Length Limit; 3 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
LAKE KAKUSHA City of Mendota • LaSalle
All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1)
Channel Catsh 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Large or Smallmouth Bass 14 inch Minimum Length Limit; 3 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
White, Black, or Hybrid Crappie 25 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
LAKE LE-AQUA-NA Lake Le-Aqua-Na State Recreation Area • Stephenson
All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1)
Channel Catsh 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Large or Smallmouth Bass 14 inch Minimum Length Limit; 1 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
White, Black, or Hybrid Crappie 10 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
36
Statewide Sportshing Regulations are enforced in addition to each area’s Site Specic Regulations
SITE SPECIFIC SPORTFISHING REGULATIONS
LAKE LE-AQUA-NA KIDS ONLY FISHING POND Lake Le-Aqua-Na State Recreation Area • Stephenson
Recreational Use Restrictions Only youth under 16 years of age permitted to sh
All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1)
Bluegill, Redear, or Hybrid Sunsh 5 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Channel Catsh 1 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
LAKE LOAMI City of Loami • Sangamon
All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1)
Channel Catsh 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Large or Smallmouth Bass 15 inch Minimum Length Limit
LAKE LOU YAEGER City of Litchfield • Montgomery
All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1)
Channel Catsh 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Large or Smallmouth Bass 15 inch Minimum Length Limit; 3 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
LAKE MATTOON City of Mattoon • Coles/Cumberland/Shelby
All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1)
Channel Catsh 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Large or Smallmouth Bass 14 inch Minimum Length Limit
White, Black, or Hybrid Crappie 25 Fish Daily Harvest Limit with no more than 10 Fish greater than or equal to 10 inches
LAKE MENDOTA City of Mendota • LaSalle
All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1)
Channel Catsh 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Large or Smallmouth Bass Protected Slot Length Limit with no possession of Fish greater than or equal to 12 inches and less than
15 inches; 3 Fish Daily Harvest Limit with no more than 1 Fish greater than or equal to 15 inches and 2
Fish less than 12 inches
Trout Spring Closed Season (8)
LAKE MICHIGAN (ILLINOIS PORTION) State of Illinois • Lake/Cook
All Fish All devices used for sport shing on Lake Michigan must be attended at all times
Lake Trout 2 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Lake Whitesh or Round Whitesh 12 Fish Daily Harvest Limit, singly or in the aggregate
Large or Smallmouth Bass 21 inch Minimum Length Limit; 1 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Trout and Salmon 10 inch Minimum Length Limit; 5 Fish Daily Harvest Limit, singly or in the aggregate, except for Lake Trout
Yellow Perch 15 Fish Daily Harvest Limit (6); Closed May 1 through June 15
LAKE MILLIKEN Des Plaines State Fish and Wildlife Area • Will
All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1)
Channel Catsh 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Large or Smallmouth Bass 15 inch Minimum Length Limit
Trout Spring Closed Season (8)
LAKE MINGO & KENNEKUK COVE PARK PONDS Vermilion County Conservation District • Vermilion
All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1). Sport shermen may take carp from boat by bow and arrow and bow
and arrow devices, but not within 150 feet of any developed recreation areas
Bluegill or Redear Sunsh 20 Fish Daily Harvest Limit with no more than 5 Fish greater than or equal to 8 inches
Channel Catsh 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Large or Smallmouth Bass 3 Fish Daily Harvest Limit with no more than 1 Fish greater than or equal to 15 inches and 2 Fish less
than 15 inches
White, Black, or Hybrid Crappie 9 inch Minimum Length Limit; 15 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
LAKE MURPHYSBORO Lake Murphysboro State Park • Jackson
All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1)
Channel Catsh 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Large or Smallmouth Bass 3 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
37
Statewide Sportshing Regulations are enforced in addition to each area’s Site Specic Regulations
SITE SPECIFIC SPORTFISHING REGULATIONS
LAKE NELLIE City of St. Elmo • Fayette
All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1) (5)
Channel Catsh 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Large or Smallmouth Bass 14 inch Minimum Length Limit; 3 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
LAKE OF THE WOODS & ELK’S POND Champaign County Forest Preserve District • Champaign
All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1). All live bait greater than 8 inches must be rigged with a quick set rig (4)
Bluegill or Redear Sunsh No Daily Harvest Limit with no more than 5 Fish greater than or equal to 7 inches
Channel Catsh 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Large or Smallmouth Bass 15 inch Minimum Length Limit; 1 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Trout Spring Closed Season (8)
LAKE OWEN Hazek Crest Park District • Cook
All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1)
Channel Catsh 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
LAKE PARADISE City of Mattoon • Coles
All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1)
Bluegill or Redear Sunsh 20 Fish Daily Harvest Limit with no more than 3 Fish greater than or equal to 8 inches
Channel Catsh 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Large or Smallmouth Bass 14 inch Minimum Length Limit
LAKE SARA City of Effingham • Effingham
All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1) (5)
Large or Smallmouth Bass Protected Slot Length Limit with no possession of Fish greater than or equal to 15 inches
and less than 18 inches
White, Black, or Hybrid Crappie 25 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
LAKE SHELBYVILLE U.S. Army Corps of Engineers • Moultrie/Shelby
(INCLUDING ITS TRIBUTARY STREAMS AND THOSE PORTIONS OF THE WEST OKAW AND KASKASKIA RIVERS TO THE EXTENT OF THE LAKE SHELBYVILLE PROJECT BOUNDARIES – INCLUDING
PARTS OF THE LAKE SHELBYVILLE STATE FISH AND WILDLIFE AREA, EXCEPT SEE PROJECT PONDS)
Recreational Use Restrictions During the regular waterfowl season, no bank or boat shing shall be permitted on the Kaskaskia River
from the Strickland Boat Access north to the Illinois Central Railroad Bridge from one half hour before
sunrise to 1 p.m.
All Fish All live bait greater than 8 inches must be rigged with a quick set rig (4)
Large or Smallmouth Bass 14 inch Minimum Length Limit
Pure Muskellunge 48 inch Minimum Length Limit (10)
Striped Bass 32 inch Minimum Length Limit; 2 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
White, Black, or Hybrid Crappie 15 Fish Daily Harvest Limit with no more than 10 Fish greater than or equal to 10 inches and 5 Fish less
than 10 inches
LAKE SHELBYVILLE PROJECT PONDS U.S. Army Corps of Engineers • Moultrie/Shelby
(EXCEPT SEE WOODS LAKE), AND LAKE SHELBYVILLE STATE FISH AND WILDLIFE AREA PONDS
Recreational Use Restrictions Waterfowl Refuge or Hunting Area (12)
All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1)
Channel Catsh 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Large or Smallmouth Bass 14 inch Minimum Length Limit
White, Black, or Hybrid Crappie 15 Fish Daily Harvest Limit with no more than 10 Fish greater than or equal to 10 inches and 5 Fish less
than 10 inches
LAKE SHERMERVILLE Northbrook Park District • Cook
All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1)
Bluegill or Redear Sunsh 15 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Channel Catsh 3 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Large or Smallmouth Bass 15 inch Minimum Length Limit; 1 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
White, Black, or Hybrid Crappie 15 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
LAKE SINNISSIPPI State of Illinois • Whiteside
Recreational Use Restrictions Waterfowl Refuge or Hunting Area (12)
38
Statewide Sportshing Regulations are enforced in addition to each area’s Site Specic Regulations
SITE SPECIFIC SPORTFISHING REGULATIONS
LAKE SPRINGFIELD City of Springfield • Sangamon
All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1) (5)
Large or Smallmouth Bass 15 inch Minimum Length Limit
White, Black, or Hybrid Crappie 10 inch Minimum Length Limit; 10 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
LAKE STOREY City of Galesburg • Knox
All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1) (5). All live bait greater than 8 inches must be rigged with a quick set rig (4)
Blue or Channel Catsh 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Bluegill or Redear Sunsh 25 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Large or Smallmouth Bass Protected Slot Length Limit with no possession of Fish greater than or equal to 12 inches and less than
18 inches; 3 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Pure Muskellunge 42 inch Minimum Length Limit
Walleye, Sauger, or Hybrid Walleye 3 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
LAKE STRINI Village of Romeoville • Will
All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1)
Channel Catsh 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Trout Fall Closed Season (7)
LAKE SULE Flagg-Rochelle Park District • Ogle
All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1). All live bait greater than 8 inches must be rigged with a quick set rig (4)
Bluegill or Redear Sunsh 5 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Channel Catsh 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Large or Smallmouth Bass 14 inch Minimum Length Limit; 1 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Pure Muskellunge 36 inch Minimum Length Limit
White, Black, or Hybrid Crappie 10 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
LAKE TAYLORVILLE City of Taylorville • Christian
Large or Smallmouth Bass 15 inch Minimum Length Limit
White, Black, or Hybrid Crappie 25 Fish Daily Harvest Limit with no more than 10 Fish greater than or equal to 10 inches
LAKE VERMILION Vermilion County Conservation District • Vermilion
All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1). Sport shermen may harvest carp, carpsuckers, buffalo, gar, bown, and
suckers by pitchfork, gigs, bow and arrow or bow and arrow devices north of Boiling Springs Road, but not
within 300 feet around wetland boardwalk. Trotline and jug shing allowed north of Boiling Springs Road
Large or Smallmouth Bass 15 inch Minimum Length Limit
White, Black, or Hybrid Crappie 9 inch Minimum Length Limit; 15 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
LAKE VICTORIA City of South Beloit • Winnebago
All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1)
Channel Catsh 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Large or Smallmouth Bass 14 inch Minimum Length Limit; 1 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
LAKE WILLIAMSVILLE Village of Williamsville • Sangamon
All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1)
Channel Catsh 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
LAKEWOOD PARK Morton Park District • Tazewell
All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1)
Bluegill or Redear Sunsh 25 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Channel Catsh 3 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Large or Smallmouth Bass 18 inch Minimum Length Limit; 1 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
LASALLE COOLING LAKE LaSalle Lake State Fish and Wildlife Area • LaSalle
Recreational Use Restrictions Waterfowl refuge or hunting area; site regulations apply
All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1)
Large or Smallmouth Bass 18 inch Minimum Length Limit; 1 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Striped, White, or Hybrid Striped Bass 10 Fish Daily Harvest Limit with no more than 3 Fish greater than or equal to 17 inches
NOTE: EXPLANATIONS FOR NUMBERS CONTAINED IN PARENTHESIS ARE FOUND ON PAGE 12
39
Statewide Sportshing Regulations are enforced in addition to each area’s Site Specic Regulations
SITE SPECIFIC SPORTFISHING REGULATIONS
LEVINGS LAKE Rockford Park District • Winnebago
All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1)
Channel Catsh 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Large or Smallmouth Bass 14 inch Minimum Length Limit; 1 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
LINCOLN LOG CABIN POND Lincoln Log Cabin Historical Site • Coles
All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1)
Channel Catsh 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Large or Smallmouth Bass 15 inch Minimum Length Limit; 1 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
LINCOLN PARK NORTH LAGOON Chicago Park District • Cook
Recreational Use Restrictions Closed to Fishing
LINCOLN PARK SOUTH LAGOON Chicago Park District • Cook
Recreational Use Restrictions Closed to Fishing
LINCOLN TRAIL LAKE Lincoln Trail State Park • Clark
All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1)
Bluegill or Redear Sunsh 25 Fish Daily Harvest Limit with no more than 5 Fish greater than or equal to 9 inches
Channel Catsh 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Large or Smallmouth Bass Protected Slot Length Limit with no possession of Fish greater than or equal to 14 inches and less than
18 inches; 4 Fish Daily Harvest Limit with no more than 1 Fish greater than or equal to 18 inches
White, Black, or Hybrid Crappie 25 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
LITCHFIELD CITY LAKE City of Litchfield • Montgomery
Large or Smallmouth Bass 3 Fish Daily Harvest Limit with no more than 1 Fish greater than or equal to 15 inches
and 2 Fish less than 15 inches
White, Black, or Hybrid Crappie 15 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
LITTLE CASTERS POND Boone County Conservation District • Boone
All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1)
Channel Catsh 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Large or Smallmouth Bass 14 inch Minimum Length Limit; 1 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
MACKINAW PONDS 1 & 2 Mackinaw River State Fish and Wildlife Area • Tazewell
Bluegill or Redear Sunsh 5 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Large or Smallmouth Bass 15 inch Minimum Length Limit; 1 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
MACON COUNTY CONSERVATION DISTRICT PONDS Macon County Conservation District • Macon
(EXCEPT SEE ROCK SPRINGS POND AND ROCK SPRINGS BIKE TRAIL POND)
All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1)
MAPLE LAKE Cook County Forest Preserve District • Cook
All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1) (2)
Bluegill, Redear, or Pumpkinseed Sunsh 15 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Channel Catsh 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Large or Smallmouth Bass 14 inch Minimum Length Limit; 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
White, Black, or Hybrid Crappie 15 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
MARINE HERITAGE LAKE Village of Marine • Madison
All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1)
Bluegill or Redear Sunsh 25 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Channel Catsh 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Large or Smallmouth Bass 15 inch Minimum Length Limit; 3 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
MARISSA CITY LAKE City of Marissa • St. Clair
All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1)
Channel Catsh 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
40
Statewide Sportshing Regulations are enforced in addition to each area’s Site Specic Regulations
SITE SPECIFIC SPORTFISHING REGULATIONS
MARQUETTE PARK LAGOON Chicago Park District • Cook
All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1)
Channel Catsh 4 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
MARSHALL COUNTY STATE FISH AND WILDLIFE AREA Marshall County State Fish and Wildlife Area • Marshall
(FISHING DITCH)
Recreational Use Restrictions Waterfowl Refuge or Hunting Area (12)
All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1)
Large or Smallmouth Bass 12 inch Minimum Length Limit
MARSHALL COUNTY STATE FISH AND WILDLIFE AREA – SPARLAND UNIT
Marshall County State Fish and Wildlife Area • Marshall
Recreational Use Restrictions Waterfowl Refuge or Hunting Area (12)
MASCOUTAH RESERVOIR City of Mascoutah • St. Clair
All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1)
Channel Catsh 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Large or Smallmouth Bass 15 inch Minimum Length Limit; 3 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
MATTHIESSEN LAKE Matthiessen State Park • LaSalle
All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1)
Bluegill or Redear Sunsh 10 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Channel Catsh 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Large or Smallmouth Bass 14 inch Minimum Length Limit
MAUTINO STATE FISH AND WILDLIFE AREA State of Illinois • Bureau
All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1). Sport shermen may harvest carp, buffalo, suckers and gar by bow and
arrow or bow and arrow devices, gigs or spears from May 1 through August 31
Bluegill or Redear Sunsh 10 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Channel Catsh 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Large or Smallmouth Bass 14 inch Minimum Length Limit; 1 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
MAUVAISE TERRE/MORGAN LAKE City of Jacksonville • Morgan
All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1) (5)
Large or Smallmouth Bass 15 inch Minimum Length Limit
Trout Fall Closed Season (7); Early season Catch and Release Fishing is Permitted (9)
Spring Closed Season (8); Early season Catch and Release Fishing is Permitted (9)
MAZONIA LAKES & PONDS Mazonia State Fish and Wildlife Area • Grundy/Kankakee/Will
(EXCEPT SEE MONSTER LAKE AND PONDEROSA LAKE)
Recreational Use Restrictions Waterfowl Refuge or Hunting Area (12)
All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1)
Channel Catsh 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Large or Smallmouth Bass 15 inch Minimum Length Limit; 3 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
White, Black, or Hybrid Crappie 10 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
MCCULLOM LAKE City of McHenry • McHenry
All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1)
Bluegill or Redear Sunsh 25 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Channel Catsh 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Large or Smallmouth Bass 15 inch Minimum Length Limit; 1 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
MCKINLEY PARK LAGOON Chicago Park District • Cook
All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1)
Channel Catsh 4 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
41
Statewide Sportshing Regulations are enforced in addition to each area’s Site Specic Regulations
SITE SPECIFIC SPORTFISHING REGULATIONS
MCLEANSBORO CITY LAKES City of McLeansboro • Hamilton
All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1)
Channel Catsh 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Large or Smallmouth Bass 14 inch Minimum Length Limit
MECHANICSBURG PARK POND City of Mechanicsburg • Sangamon
All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1)
Channel Catsh 3 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Large or Smallmouth Bass 15 inch Minimum Length Limit; 3 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
MEREDOSIA LAKE – CASS COUNTY PORTION ONLY State of Illinois • Cass
(MEANDERED WATERS ONLY)
Recreational Use Restrictions Waterfowl Refuge or Hunting Area (12). All boat trafc is prohibited from operating on meandered waters
(except non motorized boats may be used to assist in the retrieval of waterfowl shot from private land)
from the period from one week before waterfowl season opens until the season closes; hunting and/or
any other activity is prohibited during the period from one week before waterfowl season opens until the
season closes.
MERMET STATE LAKE Mermet Lake State Fish and Wildlife Area • Massac
Recreational Use Restrictions Waterfowl Refuge or Hunting Area (12)
All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1) (5)
Channel Catsh 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Large or Smallmouth Bass 16 inch Minimum Length Limit; 3 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
White, Black, or Hybrid Crappie 25 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
MIDDLE FORK FOREST PRESERVE PONDS Champaign County Forest Preserve District • Champaign
(EMERALD POND, CYPRESS POND, AND WILLOW POND)
All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1)
Bluegill or Redear Sunsh 10 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Channel Catsh 3 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Large or Smallmouth Bass 15 inch Minimum Length Limit; 1 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
MIDDLE FORK OF THE VERMILION RIVER Kickapoo State Recreation Area & Middle Fork State Fish & Wildlife Area • Vermilion
All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1)
MILL CREEK LAKE Clark County Park District • Clark
All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1). All live bait greater than 8 inches must be rigged with a quick set rig (4)
Channel Catsh 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Large or Smallmouth Bass 5 Fish Daily Harvest Limit with no more than 1 Fish greater than or equal to 15 inches and 4 Fish less
than 15 inches
Pure Muskellunge 42 inch Minimum Length Limit
White, Black, or Hybrid Crappie 25 Fish Daily Harvest Limit with no more than 2 Fish greater than or equal to 12 inches
MILL RACE PONDS Belvidere Park District • Boone
All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1)
Channel Catsh 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Trout Spring Closed Season (8)
MILLER PARK LAKE Bloomington Park District • McLean
All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1)
Channel Catsh 3 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Large or Smallmouth Bass 15 inch Minimum Length Limit; 3 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Trout Spring Closed Season (8)
MINERAL SPRINGS PARK LAGOON City of Pekin • Tazewell
All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1)
Channel Catsh 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Trout Fall Closed Season (7)
42
Statewide Sportshing Regulations are enforced in addition to each area’s Site Specic Regulations
SITE SPECIFIC SPORTFISHING REGULATIONS
MISSISSIPPI RIVER (BETWEEN IL & IA) State of Illinois • Multiple
Recreational Use Restrictions Spring Lake in Carroll County is closed to shing during the 7 days prior to the regular duck season and
during the regular duck and Canada goose season except in areas posted as open to shing.
All Fish While Trolling, sport sherman must not use more than 2 poles and each pole must not have more
than 2 hooks or lures
Bluegill or Pumpkinseed Sunsh 25 Fish Daily Harvest Limit, singly or in aggregate
Large or Smallmouth Bass 14 inch Minimum Length Limit; 5 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Northern Pike 5 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Paddlesh 33 inch (Eye to Fork) Maximum Length Limit (all Paddlesh greater than or equal to 33 inches must be
immediately released back to the Mississippi River); 2 Fish Daily Harvest Limit. Snagging for Paddlesh
is permitted from one half hour before sunrise to one half hour after sunset daily, March 1 through April 15
within a 500 yard downstream limit below locks and dams on the Mississippi River between Illinois and
Iowa. No sorting allowed. Once the Daily Harvest Limit of Paddlesh has been reached, snagging must
cease. Paddlesh may be released at the angler’s discretion once they are included in the Daily Harvest
Limit. Gaffs may not be used to land Paddlesh
Rock Bass 25 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Striped, White, Yellow, or Hybrid
Striped Bass 25 Fish Daily Harvest Limit; Statewide regulation limiting daily harvest to 3 Fish greater than or equal to
17 inches is not in effect on the Mississippi River between Illinois and Iowa
Walleye 15 inch Minimum Length Limit; Protected Slot Length Limit with no possession of Fish greater than or
equal to 20 inches and less than 27 inches
Walleye or Sauger 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit with no more than 1 Fish greater than or equal to 27 inches
White, Black, or Hybrid Crappie 25 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Yellow Perch 25 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
MISSISSIPPI RIVER (BETWEEN IL & MO) State of Illinois • Multiple
All Nongame Species Combined 100 Total Fish Daily Harvest Limit (Excludes endangered and threatened species and the following game
species: Crappie, Channel/Blue/Flathead Catsh, Rock Bass, Warmouth, White/Yellow/Striped/Hybrid
Striped Bass, Trout, Largemouth/Smallmouth/Spotted Bass, Muskellunge, Northern Pike, Chain/Grass
Pickerel, Walleye, Sauger, Paddlesh)
Recreational Use Restrictions Boating prohibited on refuge area (Ellis Bay) immediately upstream of Melvin Price Lock and Dam 26
overow dike from October 15-April 15
Blue or Channel Catsh 20 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Flathead Catsh 10 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Largemouth, Smallmouth, or Spotted Bass 12 inch Minimum Length Limit; 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Northern Pike 1 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Paddlesh 24 inch (Eye to Fork) Minimum Length Limit; 2 Fish Daily Harvest Limit Snagging for Paddlesh is
permitted from September 15 through December 15 and March 15 through May 15 within a 300 yard
downstream limit below locks and dams on the Mississippi River between Illinois and Missouri except
for the Chain of Rocks low water dam at Chouteau Island, also known as Dam 27 at the Chain of Rocks
(Madison County) where no snagging is permitted Sorting is permitted; every Paddlesh greater than or
equal to 24 inches eye to fork length must be taken into immediate possession and included in the Daily
Harvest Limit; Paddlesh less than 24 inches eye to fork length must be to returned immediately to the
water; once the Daily Harvest Limit of Paddlesh has been reached, snagging must cease. Gaffs may not
be used to land Paddlesh
Striped, White, Yellow, or Hybrid
Striped Bass 30 Fish Daily Harvest Limit; Statewide regulation limiting daily harvest to 3 Fish greater than or equal to
17 inches is not in effect on the Mississippi River between Illinois and Iowa
Walleye or Sauger 14 inch Minimum Length Limit; 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
White, Black, or Hybrid Crappie 30 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
MISSISSIPPI RIVER POOLS 16, 17, 18, 21, 22, 24 State of Illinois • Multiple
Recreational Use Restrictions Waterfowl Refuge or Hunting Area (12)
MISSISSIPPI RIVER POOLS 25 AND 26 State of Illinois • Multiple
Recreational Use Restrictions Waterfowl Refuge or Hunting Area (11)
MONEE RESERVOIR Will County Forest Preserve District • Will
All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1)
Channel Catsh 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Large or Smallmouth Bass 15 inch Minimum Length Limit; 1 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
White, Black, or Hybrid Crappie 15 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
NOTE: EXPLANATIONS FOR NUMBERS CONTAINED IN PARENTHESIS ARE FOUND ON PAGE 12
43
Statewide Sportshing Regulations are enforced in addition to each area’s Site Specic Regulations
SITE SPECIFIC SPORTFISHING REGULATIONS
MONSTER LAKE Mazonia State Fish and Wildlife Area • Kankakee
All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1)
Channel Catsh 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Large or Smallmouth Bass 15 inch Minimum Length Limit; 3 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Walleye, Sauger, or Hybrid Walleye 14 inch Minimum Length Limit; Protected Slot Length Limit with no possession of Fish greater than or
equal to 18 inches and less than 24 inches; 4 Fish Daily Harvest Limit with no more than 1 Fish greater
than or equal to 24 inches
White, Black, or Hybrid Crappie 10 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
MONTROSE LAKE City of Montrose • Cumberland
All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1)
Bluegill or Redear Sunsh 20 Fish Daily Harvest Limit with no more than 3 Fish greater than or equal to 8 inches
Channel Catsh 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Large or Smallmouth Bass 14 inch Minimum Length Limit
MORGAN LAKE/MAUVAISE TERRE City of Jacksonville • Morgan
All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1) (5)
Large or Smallmouth Bass 15 inch Minimum Length Limit
Trout Fall Closed Season (7); Early season Catch and Release Fishing is permitted (9)
Spring Closed Season (8); Early season Catch and Release Fishing is permitted (9)
MT. OLIVE CITY LAKES (OLD and NEW) City of Mt. Olive • Macoupin
All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1)
Channel Catsh 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Large or Smallmouth Bass 15 inch Minimum Length Limit; 3 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
MT. PULASKI PARK DISTRICT LAKE Mt. Pulaski Park District • Logan
All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1)
Channel Catsh 3 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Large or Smallmouth Bass 18 inch Minimum Length Limit; 1 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
MT. STERLING LAKE City of Mt. Sterling • Brown
All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1)
Channel Catsh 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Large or Smallmouth Bass Protected Slot Length Limit with no possession of Fish greater than or equal to 12 inches
and less than 15 inches
MT. VERNON CITY PARK LAKE City of Mt. Vernon • Jefferson
All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1) (5)
Channel Catsh 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Large or Smallmouth Bass 15 inch Minimum Length Limit; 3 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
MT. VERNON GAME FARM POND Mt. Vernon Game Farm • Jefferson
All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1)
Trout Fall Closed Season (7), Spring Closed Season (8)
MUNDELEIN PARK DISTRICT PONDS City of Mundelein • Lake
All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1)
Channel Catsh 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Large or Smallmouth Bass 15 inch Minimum Length Limit; 3 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
NASHVILLE CITY RESERVOIR City of Nashville • Washington
All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1)
Channel Catsh 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Large or Smallmouth Bass 18 inch Minimum Length Limit; 1 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
44
Statewide Sportshing Regulations are enforced in addition to each area’s Site Specic Regulations
SITE SPECIFIC SPORTFISHING REGULATIONS
NEWTON LAKE Newton Lake State Fish and Wildlife Area • Jasper
Recreational Use Restrictions The cold water (East) arm of Newton Lake shall be closed daily from one half hour before sunrise
until 1:00 p.m. to all shing and boat trafc except for legal waterfowl hunters during waterfowl season
commencing with regular duck season through the close of the Canada goose and regular duck season.
Lake closed to shing during First and Second Firearm Deer Seasons. Fishing tournaments prohibited
from June 1 through August 31 (both dates inclusive)
All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1) (5)
Large or Smallmouth Bass 18 inch Minimum Length Limit; 3 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
White, Black, or Hybrid Crappie 10 inch Minimum Length Limit; 10 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
NORRIS CITY RESERVOIR City of Norris City • White
All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1)
Channel Catsh 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Large or Smallmouth Bass 15 inch Minimum Length Limit
OAKLAND CITY LAKE City of Oakland • Coles
All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1)
Channel Catsh 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Large or Smallmouth Bass 14 inch Minimum Length Limit
OBLONG LAKE Village of Oblong • Crawford
All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1)
Channel Catsh 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Large or Smallmouth Bass 15 inch Minimum Length Limit; 3 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
OHIO RIVER (BETWEEN IL & KY) State of Illinois • Multiple
Large or Smallmouth Bass 12 inch Minimum Length Limit
Northern Pike 24 inch Minimum Length Limit; 3 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Pure Muskellunge or Tiger Muskie 36 inch Minimum Length Limit; 1 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Striped, White, Yellow, or Hybrid
Striped Bass 30 Fish Daily Harvest Limit, singly or in the aggregate, with no more than 4 Fish greater than
or equal to 15 inches
Walleye, Sauger, or Hybrid Walleye 14 inch Minimum Length Limit; 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
White, Black, or Hybrid Crappie 30 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
OHIO RIVER (BETWEEN IL & KY) & WABASH RIVER (BETWEEN IL & IN) State of Illinois • Multiple
Blue or Flathead Catsh 13 inch Minimum Length Limit; No Daily Harvest Limit for Fish greater than or equal to 13 inches and less
than 35 inches; 1 Fish Daily Harvest Limit for Fish greater than or equal to 35 inches
Channel Catsh 13 inch Minimum Length Limit; No Daily Harvest Limit for Fish greater than or equal to 13 inches and less
than 28 inches; 1 Fish Daily Harvest Limit for Fish greater than or equal to 28 inches
OHIO RIVER – SMITHLAND POOL TRIBUTARY STREAMS State of Illinois • Multiple
(IN POPE/HARDIN/GALLATIN COUNTIES, EXCLUDING WABASH RIVER AND SALINE RIVER ABOVE ROUTE 1 BRIDGE)
Large or Smallmouth Bass 12 inch Minimum Length Limit
OLSON LAKE Rock Cut State Park • Winnebago
All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1)
Channel Catsh 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Large or Smallmouth Bass 14 inch Minimum Length Limit; 1 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
OMAHA CITY RESERVOIR Village of Omaha • Gallatin
All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1)
Channel Catsh 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Large or Smallmouth Bass 14 inch Minimum Length Limit
OMAHA TOWNSHIP RESERVOIR Omaha Township • Gallatin
All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1)
Channel Catsh 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Large or Smallmouth Bass 14 inch Minimum Length Limit
45
Statewide Sportshing Regulations are enforced in addition to each area’s Site Specic Regulations
SITE SPECIFIC SPORTFISHING REGULATIONS
OPEKA LAKE Des Plaines Park District • Cook
All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1)
Bluegill, Pumpkinseed, or Hybrid Sunsh 15 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Large or Smallmouth Bass 15 inch Minimum Length Limit; 1 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
White, Black, or Hybrid Crappie 15 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
OTTER LAKE Otter Lake Water Commission • Macoupin
All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1) (5). All live bait greater than 8 inches must be rigged with a quick set rig (4)
Channel Catsh 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Large or Smallmouth Bass 15 inch Minimum Length Limit; 3 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Pure Muskellunge 48 inch Minimum Length Limit (10)
Striped, White, or Hybrid Striped Bass 10 Fish Daily Harvest Limit with no more than 3 Fish greater than or equal to 17 inches
PALMISANO POND/STEARNS PARK QUARRY Chicago Park District • Cook
All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1). Catch and Release Fishing Only (9)
PALMYRA – MODESTO WATER COMMISSION LAKE Palmyra/Modesto Water Commission • Macoupin
All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1)
Channel Catsh 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Large or Smallmouth Bass 15 inch Minimum Length Limit; 3 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
PANA LAKE City of Pana • Shelby/Christian
All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1). All live bait greater than 8 inches must be rigged with a quick set rig (4)
Channel Catsh 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Large or Smallmouth Bass 14 inch Minimum Length Limit
Pure Muskellunge 48 inch Minimum Length Limit
PARIS EAST & WEST LAKES City of Paris • Edgar
All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1) (5)
Channel Catsh 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Large or Smallmouth Bass 14 inch Minimum Length Limit
PATRIOT’S PARK LAKE Kingsbury Park District • Bond
All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1)
Channel Catsh 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Large or Smallmouth Bass 15 inch Minimum Length Limit; 3 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Trout Fall Closed Season (7)
PEABODY RIVER KING, PIT #3 LAKES AND PONDS Peabody River King State Fish and Wildlife Area • St. Clair
(EXCEPT SEE WILLOW LAKE)
All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1) (5)
Channel Catsh 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Large or Smallmouth Bass 15 inch Minimum Length Limit; 3 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
White, Black, or Hybrid Crappie 9 inch Minimum Length Limit; 25 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
PECATONICA RIVER AND TRIBUTARIES State of Illinois • Winnebago/Stephenson
Smallmouth Bass 14 inch Minimum Length Limit
PERRY FARM POND Bourbonnais Park District • Kankakee
All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1)
Channel Catsh 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
PIASA State of Illinois • Madison/Jersey
Recreational Use Restrictions Waterfowl Refuge or Hunting Area (11)
46
Statewide Sportshing Regulations are enforced in addition to each area’s Site Specic Regulations
SITE SPECIFIC SPORTFISHING REGULATIONS
PIERCE LAKE Rock Cut State Park • Winnebago
All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1). All live bait greater than 8 inches must be rigged with a quick set rig (4).
Sport shermen may take carp, buffalo, suckers and gar by bow and arrow or bow and arrow devices,
gigs or spears during May and June
Channel Catsh 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Large or Smallmouth Bass 15 inch Minimum Length Limit; 1 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Pure Muskellunge 48 inch Minimum Length Limit (10)
White, Black, or Hybrid Crappie 25 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
PINCKNEYVILLE CITY LAKE City of Pinckneyville • Perry
Large or Smallmouth Bass 18 inch Minimum Length Limit; 1 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
PINE CREEK State of Illinois • Ogle
(WITHIN THE BOUNDARIES OF WHITE PINES FOREST STATE PARK)
All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1)
Smallmouth Bass 14 inch Minimum Length Limit
Trout Fall Closed Season (7); Early season Catch and Release Fishing is permitted (9)
Spring Closed Season (8); Early season Catch and Release Fishing is permitted (9)
PINE LAKE Village of University Park • Will
All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1)
Channel Catsh 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Largemouth Bass 15 inch Minimum Length Limit
PISCASAW CREEK State of Illinois • McHenry
Smallmouth Bass 14 inch Minimum Length Limit
Trout Spring Closed Season (8)
PITTSFIELD LAKE City of Pittsfield • Pike
All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1). Sport shermen may take carp, buffalo, suckers and gar by bow
and arrow or bow and arrow devices, gigs or spears during May and June
Channel Catsh 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Large or Smallmouth Bass 14 inch Minimum Length Limit
Striped, White, or Hybrid Striped Bass 17 inch Minimum Length Limit; 3 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
PITTSFIELD LAKE BALL PARK POND City of Pittsfield • Pike
All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1)
Bluegill or Redear Sunsh 10 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Channel Catsh 3 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Largemouth Bass 15 inch Minimum Length Limit; 3 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
POCAHONTAS PARK PONDS City of Pocahontas • Bond
All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1)
Channel Catsh 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Largemouth Bass 15 inch Minimum Length Limit; 3 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
PONDEROSA LAKE Mazonia State Fish and Wildlife Area • Kankakee
Recreational Use Restrictions Waterfowl Refuge or Hunting Area (12)
All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1)
Bluegill or Redear Sunsh 10 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Channel Catsh 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Large or Smallmouth Bass 15 inch Minimum Length Limit; 3 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
White, Black, or Hybrid Crappie 10 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
POWERTON LAKE Powerton Lake State Fish and Wildlife Area • Tazewell
Recreational Use Restrictions Powerton Lake shall be closed to boat trafc except for legal waterfowl hunters from one week prior to
regular waterfowl season to February 15, and closed to all unauthorized entry during regular Canada
goose and duck season.
All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1)
Blue, Channel, or Flathead Catsh 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit with no more than 1 Fish greater than or equal to 35 inches
Large or Smallmouth Bass 18 inch Minimum Length Limit; 1 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Striped, White, or Hybrid Striped Bass 10 Fish Daily Harvest Limit with no more than 3 Fish greater than or equal to 17 inches
Walleye, Sauger, or Hybrid Walleye 18 inch Minimum Length Limit; 3 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
47
Statewide Sportshing Regulations are enforced in addition to each area’s Site Specic Regulations
SITE SPECIFIC SPORTFISHING REGULATIONS
PROSPECT PARK POND City of Moline • Rock Island
All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1)
Trout Fall Closed Season (7), Spring Closed Season (8)
PYRAMID STATE PARK LAKES & PONDS Pyramid State Park • Perry
(EXCLUDING CAPTAIN, DENMARK, GALUM AND EAST CONANT AREAS)
All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1) (5)
Bluegill or Redear Sunsh 25 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Channel Catsh 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
White, Black, or Hybrid Crappie 25 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
PYRAMID STATE RECREATION AREA State of Illinois • Perry
BLUE WING LAKE, GREEN WING LAKE, GOLDENEYE LAKE AND MALLARD LAKE
Recreational Use Restrictions Waterfowl Refuge or Hunting Area (from November 1 through February 28/29 shing is permitted in
designated areas only, and shing hours are from one half hour before sunrise to 2 p.m.).
All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1) (5). All live bait greater than 8 inches must be rigged with a quick set rig (4)
Bluegill or Redear Sunsh 25 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Channel Catsh 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Pure Muskellunge 48 inch Minimum Length Limit
White, Black, or Hybrid Crappie 25 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
PYRAMID STATE RECREATION AREA State of Illinois • Perry
CAPTAIN, DENMARK, GALUM, AND EAST CONANT AREAS (EXCEPT BLUE WING, GREEN WING, GOLDENEYE, AND MALLARD LAKES)
Recreational Use Restrictions Waterfowl Refuge or Hunting Area (all use other than waterfowl hunting prohibited from November 1
through February 28/29)
All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1) (5). All live bait greater than 8 inches must be rigged with a quick set rig (4)
Bluegill or Redear Sunsh 25 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Channel Catsh 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Pure Muskellunge 48 inch Minimum Length Limit
White, Black, or Hybrid Crappie 25 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
RACCOON LAKE City of Centralia • Marion
All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1)
Channel Catsh 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Large or Smallmouth Bass 15 inch Minimum Length Limit
RAMSEY LAKE Ramsey Lake State Recreational Area • Fayette
All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1)
Bluegill or Redear Sunsh 25 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Channel Catsh 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Large or Smallmouth Bass 14 inch Minimum Length Limit
White, Black, or Hybrid Crappie 9 inch Minimum Length Limit; 10 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
RAMSEY LAKE STATE RECREATIONAL AREA PONDS Ramsey Lake State Recreational Area • Fayette
All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1)
Channel Catsh 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Large or Smallmouth Bass 14 inch Minimum Length Limit
RANDOLPH COUNTY LAKE Randolph County State Recreation Area • Randolph
All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1)
Channel Catsh 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Large or Smallmouth Bass 14 inch Minimum Length Limit; 3 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Trout Fall Closed Season (7)
RED HILLS LAKE Red Hills State Park • Lawrence
All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1)
Channel Catsh 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Large or Smallmouth Bass 15 inch Minimum Length Limit
48
Statewide Sportshing Regulations are enforced in addition to each area’s Site Specic Regulations
SITE SPECIFIC SPORTFISHING REGULATIONS
NOTE: EXPLANATIONS FOR NUMBERS CONTAINED IN PARENTHESIS ARE FOUND ON PAGE 12
RED’S LANDING WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA State of Illinois • Calhoun
Recreational Use Restrictions Waterfowl Refuge or Hunting Area (11) (Access to walk-in area closed 7 days prior to duck season)
REDWING SLOUGH/DEER LAKE State of Illinois • Lake
Recreational Use Restrictions Waterfowl Refuge or Hunting Area (12)
REND LAKE U.S. Army Corps of Engineers • Franklin/Jefferson
INCLUDING ITS TRIBUTARY STREAMS AND THOSE PORTIONS OF THE BIG MUDDY AND CASEY FORK RIVERS UP TO THE REND LAKE PROJECT BOUNDARIES, DOES NOT INCLUDE TAILWATERS
(EXCEPT SEE REND LAKE PROJECT PONDS AND REND LAKE TAILWATERS)
Recreational Use Restrictions Waterfowl Refuge or Hunting Area (12)
Channel Catsh All jugs must be attended at all times (3)
Large or Smallmouth Bass 14 inch Minimum Length Limit
Striped, White, Yellow, or Hybrid
Striped Bass 20 Fish Daily Harvest Limit with no more than 3 Fish greater than or equal to 17 inches
White, Black, or Hybrid Crappie 25 Fish Daily Harvest Limit with no more than 10 Fish greater than or equal to 10 inches
REND LAKE PROJECT PONDS U.S. Army Corps of Engineers • Franklin/Jefferson
JACKIE BRANCH POND, INA N. BORROW PIT, GREEN HERON POND, NORTH MARCUM CAMPGROUND POND, AND CATFISH COVE POND
All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1)
Bluegill or Redear Sunsh 10 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Channel Catsh 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Large or Smallmouth Bass 14 inch Minimum Length Limit; 1 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
REND LAKE TAILWATERS U.S. Army Corps of Engineers • Franklin
(BIG MUDDY RIVER WITHIN 1000 YARDS DOWNSTREAM OF THE REND LAKE DAM AND SPILLWAY)
All Fish Sport shermen may not use a minnow seine, cast net, or shad scoop for bait collecting
RICE LAKE STATE FISH AND WILDLIFE AREA State of Illinois • Fulton
Recreational Use Restrictions Waterfowl Refuge or Hunting Area (12)
All Fish Sport shermen may harvest carp, buffalo, suckers and gar by bow and arrow or bow and arrow devices,
gigs or spears from May 1 through August 31
Large or Smallmouth Bass 12 inch Minimum Length Limit
RIDGE LAKE Fox Ridge State Park • Coles
Recreational Use Restrictions Bank shing is prohibited. Boat shing is permitted May 1 through August 31 during the hours of 2:00 p.m.
to 8:00 p.m. See site for additional regulations and exact opening and closing dates
All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1)
Channel Catsh 14 inch Minimum Length Limit
Large or Smallmouth Bass 14 inch Minimum Length Limit
RIIS PARK LAGOON Chicago Park District • Cook
All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1)
Channel Catsh 4 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
RIPRAP LANDING State of Illinois • Calhoun
Recreational Use Restrictions Waterfowl Refuge or Hunting Area (11)
RIVER BEND FOREST PRESERVE LAKES Champaign County Forest Preserve District • Champaign
(SUNSET LAKE AND SHADOW LAKE)
All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1)
Bluegill or Redear Sunsh 15 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Channel Catsh 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Large or Smallmouth Bass 3 Fish Daily Harvest Limit with no more than 1 Fish greater than or equal to 15 inches and 2 Fish less
than 15 inches
White, Black, or Hybrid Crappie 9 inch Minimum Length Limit; 10 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
49
Statewide Sportshing Regulations are enforced in addition to each area’s Site Specic Regulations
SITE SPECIFIC SPORTFISHING REGULATIONS
RIVERSIDE PARK LAGOON Moline Park District • Rock Island
All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1)
Channel Catsh 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
ROCHESTER PARK POND City of Rochester • Sangamon
All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1)
Bluegill or Redear Sunsh 10 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Channel Catsh 3 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Large or Smallmouth Bass 15 inch Minimum Length Limit; 3 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
ROCK CREEK State of Illinois • Kankakee
All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1)
Trout Fall Closed Season (7); Early season Catch and Release Fishing is permitted (9)
Spring Closed Season (8); Early season Catch and Release Fishing is permitted (9)
ROCK CUT KIDS FISHING POND Rock Cut State Park • Winnebago
Recreational Use Restrictions Only youth under 16 years of age permitted to sh
All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1)
Bluegill, Redear, or Hybrid Sunsh 5 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Channel Catsh 1 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
ROCK RIVER State of Illinois • Rock Island
(FROM THE SEARS AND STEEL DAM DOWNSTREAM TO CONFLUENCE OF THE MISSISSIPPI RIVER)
Walleye 15 inch Minimum Length Limit; Protected Slot Length Limit with no possession of Fish greater than or
equal to 20 inches and less than 27 inches
Walleye or Sauger 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit with no more than 1 Walleye greater than or equal to 27 inches
ROCK RIVER State of Illinois • Multiple
(WISCONSIN STATE LINE DOWNSTREAM TO CONFLUENCE OF THE MISSISSIPPI RIVER, INCLUDING TRIBUTARIES)
Smallmouth Bass 14 inch Minimum Length Limit
ROCK SPRINGS BIKE TRAIL POND Macon County Conservation District • Macon
All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1)
Channel Catsh 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Large or Smallmouth Bass 15 inch Minimum Length Limit; 1 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
ROCK SPRINGS POND Macon County Conservation District • Macon
All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1)
Channel Catsh 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Large or Smallmouth Bass 15 inch Minimum Length Limit; 1 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Trout Fall Closed Season (7), Spring Closed Season (8)
ROODHOUSE PARK LAKE City of Roodhouse • Greene
All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1)
Channel Catsh 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
ROSS LAKE Walnut Park District • Bureau
All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1)
Bluegill 10 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Channel Catsh 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Large or Smallmouth Bass 18 inch Minimum Length Limit; 1 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
ROUTE 154 DAY USE POND State of Illinois • Randolph
All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1)
Channel Catsh 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Large or Smallmouth Bass 15 inch Minimum Length Limit; 1 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
50
Statewide Sportshing Regulations are enforced in addition to each area’s Site Specic Regulations
SITE SPECIFIC SPORTFISHING REGULATIONS
NOTE: EXPLANATIONS FOR NUMBERS CONTAINED IN PARENTHESIS ARE FOUND ON PAGE 12
ROUTE 6 QUARRIES (EAST AND WEST) Will County Forest Preserve District • Will
All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1)
Bluegill or Redear Sunsh 15 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Channel Catsh 3 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Large or Smallmouth Bass 18 inch Minimum Length Limit; 1 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
SAG QUARRY EAST Cook County Forest Preserve District • Cook
All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1) (2)
Bluegill, Redear, or Pumpkinseed Sunsh 15 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Large or Smallmouth Bass 14 inch Minimum Length Limit; 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Trout Fall Closed Season (7), Spring Closed Season (8)
White, Black, or Hybrid Crappie 15 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
SAHARA WOODS STATE RECREATION AREA State of Illinois • Saline
All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1)
Bluegill or Redear Sunsh 15 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Channel Catsh 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Large or Smallmouth Bass 18 inch Minimum Length Limit; 1 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
White, Black, or Hybrid Crappie 15 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
SALEM RESERVOIR City of Salem • Marion
All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1) (5)
Channel Catsh 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Large or Smallmouth Bass 14 inch Minimum Length Limit
SAM DALE LAKE Sam Dale State Fish and Wildlife Area • Wayne
All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1) (5). All live bait greater than 8 inches must be rigged with a quick set rig (4)
Channel Catsh 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Large or Smallmouth Bass 14 inch Minimum Length Limit
Pure Muskellunge 48 inch Minimum Length Limit
SAM DALE TROUT POND Sam Dale State Fish and Wildlife Area • Wayne
All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1)
Channel Catsh 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Large or Smallmouth Bass 14 inch Minimum Length Limit
Trout Fall Closed Season (7), Spring Closed Season (8)
SAM PARR LAKE Sam Parr State Fish and Wildlife Area • Jasper
All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1) (5)
Channel Catsh 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Large or Smallmouth Bass 14 inch Minimum Length Limit
SAND POND Adeline Jay Geo-Karis Illinois Beach State Park • Lake
All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1)
Channel Catsh 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Large or Smallmouth Bass 15 inch Minimum Length Limit; 1 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Trout Fall Closed Season (7), Spring Closed Season (8)
SANGANOIS STATE FISH AND WILDLIFE AREA State of Illinois • Mason/Cass/Schuyler/Menard
Recreational Use Restrictions Waterfowl Refuge or Hunting Area (12). Walk-in only access for shing from the bank is permitted after
1:00 pm during duck season
Large or Smallmouth Bass 12 inch Minimum Length Limit
51
Statewide Sportshing Regulations are enforced in addition to each area’s Site Specic Regulations
SITE SPECIFIC SPORTFISHING REGULATIONS
SANGCHRIS LAKE Sangchris Lake State Park • Christian/Sangamon
Recreational Use Restrictions Waterfowl Refuge or Hunting Area (13). Bank shing along the dam shall be permitted. Fishing shall be
prohibited in the east and west arms of the lake during the period from 10 days prior to the duck season
through the end of the duck season. Fishing shall be prohibited in the west arm of the lake and the east
arm of the lake south of the power lines during that portion of the Canada goose season that follows the
duck season.
All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1). Sport shermen may take carp, buffalo, suckers and gar by bow and
arrow devices, gigs or spears (except during waterfowl season) but not within 200 yards of any developed
recreational areas
Large or Smallmouth Bass 15 inch Minimum Length Limit; 3 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
White, Black, or Hybrid Crappie 10 inch Minimum Length Limit; 10 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
SCHILLER POND Cook County Forest Preserve District • Cook
All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1) (2)
Bluegill, Redear, or Pumpkinseed Sunsh 15 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Channel Catsh 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Large or Smallmouth Bass 14 inch Minimum Length Limit; 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Trout Spring Closed Season (8)
White, Black, or Hybrid Crappie 15 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
SCHUY-RUSH LAKE City of Rushville • Schuyler
All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1)
Channel Catsh 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
White, Black, or Hybrid Crappie 25 Fish Daily Harvest Limit with no more than 10 Fish greater than or equal to 10 inches
SESSER CITY LAKE City of Sesser • Franklin
All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1)
Channel Catsh 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Large or Smallmouth Bass 18 inch Minimum Length Limit; 1 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
SHABBONA LAKE Shabbona Lake State Recreation Area • DeKalb
Recreational Use Restrictions No sport shing below dam to fence
All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1). All live bait greater than 8 inches must be rigged with a quick set rig (4).
Sport shermen may take carp, buffalo, suckers and gar by bow and arrow or bow and arrow devices,
gigs or spears, except when closed under site regulations and posted on site
Bluegill or Redear Sunsh 10 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Channel Catsh 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Large or Smallmouth Bass 14 inch Minimum Length Limit; 1 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Pure Muskellunge 48 inch Minimum Length Limit
Striped, White, or Hybrid Striped Bass 17 inch Minimum Length Limit; 3 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Walleye, Sauger, or Hybrid Walleye 18 inch Minimum Length Limit
White, Black, or Hybrid Crappie 10 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
SHAWNEE NATIONAL FOREST – LAKES AND PONDS LESS THAN 10 ACRES U.S. Forest Service • Multiple
All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1) (5)
Channel Catsh 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Largemouth, Smallmouth, or Spotted Bass 15 inch Minimum Length Limit
SHAWNEE NATIONAL FOREST – BAY CREEK LAKE #5 AND #8 U.S. Forest Service • Pope
(SUGAR CREEK LAKE)
All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1)
Channel Catsh 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Largemouth, Smallmouth, or Spotted Bass 15 inch Minimum Length Limit
SHAWNEE NATIONAL FOREST – DUTCHMAN LAKE U.S. Forest Service • Johnson
All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1)
Channel Catsh 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Largemouth, Smallmouth, or Spotted Bass 15 inch Minimum Length Limit
52
Statewide Sportshing Regulations are enforced in addition to each area’s Site Specic Regulations
SITE SPECIFIC SPORTFISHING REGULATIONS
SHAWNEE NATIONAL FOREST – LAKE GLENDALE U.S. Forest Service • Pope
All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1)
Channel Catsh 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Largemouth, Smallmouth, or Spotted Bass 15 inch Minimum Length Limit
SHAWNEE NATIONAL FOREST – LITTLE CACHE #1 U.S. Forest Service • Johnson
All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1)
Channel Catsh 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Large or Smallmouth Bass 15 inch Minimum Length Limit
SHAWNEE NATIONAL FOREST – ONE HORSE GAP LAKE U.S. Forest Service • Pope
All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1)
Channel Catsh 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Largemouth, Smallmouth, or Spotted Bass 15 inch Minimum Length Limit
SHAWNEE NATIONAL FOREST – POUNDS HOLLOW LAKE U.S. Forest Service • Gallatin
All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1)
Channel Catsh 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Largemouth, Smallmouth, or Spotted Bass 15 inch Minimum Length Limit
SHAWNEE NATIONAL FOREST – TECUMSEH LAKE U.S. Forest Service • Hardin
All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1)
Channel Catsh 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Largemouth, Smallmouth, or Spotted Bass 15 inch Minimum Length Limit
SHAWNEE NATIONAL FOREST – TURKEY BAYOU U.S. Forest Service • Jackson
All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1)
Channel Catsh 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Largemouth, Smallmouth, or Spotted Bass 15 inch Minimum Length Limit
SHAWNEE NATIONAL FOREST – WHOOPIE CAT LAKE U.S. Forest Service • Hardin
All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1)
Channel Catsh 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Largemouth, Smallmouth, or Spotted Bass 15 inch Minimum Length Limit
SHERMAN PARK LAGOON Chicago Park District • Cook
All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1)
Channel Catsh 4 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
SILOAM SPRINGS FAMILY FISHING POND Siloam Springs State Park • Adams
All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1)
Bluegill or Redear Sunsh 10 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Channel Catsh 3 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Largemouth Bass 15 inch Minimum Length Limit; 3 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
SILOAM SPRINGS LAKE Siloam Springs State Park • Adams
All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1). Sport shermen may take carp, buffalo, suckers and gar by bow and
arrow or bow and arrow devices, gigs or spears during May and June
Channel Catsh 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Large or Smallmouth Bass Protected Slot Length Limit with no possession of Fish greater than or equal to 12 inches and less than
15 inches
Trout Fall Closed Season (7); Early season Catch and Release Fishing is permitted (9)
Spring Closed Season (8); Early season Catch and Release Fishing is permitted (9)
53
Statewide Sportshing Regulations are enforced in addition to each area’s Site Specic Regulations
SITE SPECIFIC SPORTFISHING REGULATIONS
SILOAM SPRINGS STATE PARK – BUCKHORN UNIT WATERS Siloam Springs State Park • Brown
All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1)
Bluegill or Redear Sunsh 8 inch Minimum Length Limit; 10 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Channel Catsh 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Large or Smallmouth Bass 18 inch Minimum Length Limit; 1 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
SILVER LAKE City of Highland • Madison
Large or Smallmouth Bass 15 inch Minimum Length Limit; 3 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
SILVER SPRINGS STATE FISH AND WILDLIFE AREA - BIG LAKE AND AREA PONDS
State of Illinois • Kendall
All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1)
Channel Catsh 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Large or Smallmouth Bass 15 inch Minimum Length Limit
Trout Fall Closed Season (7) Spring Closed Season (8)
SKOKIE LAGOONS Cook County Forest Preserve District • Cook
(INCLUDING SKOKIE LAGOONS SPILLWAY AND SKOKIE RIVER DOWNSTREAM TO WILLOW ROAD)
All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1) (2)
Bluegill, Redear, or Pumpkinseed Sunsh 15 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Channel Catsh 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Large or Smallmouth Bass 14 inch Minimum Length Limit; 3 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Walleye, Sauger, or Hybrid Walleye 18 inch Minimum Length Limit; 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
White, Black, or Hybrid Crappie 15 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
SNAKEDEN HOLLOW STATE FISH AND WILDLIFE AREA – MCMASTER LAKE & OTHER SITE WATERS
State of Illinois • Knox
Recreational Use Restrictions Waterfowl Refuge or Hunting Area (all use other than waterfowl hunting prohibited from 14 days prior to
duck season through the end of the central zone Canada goose season)
All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1). All live bait greater than 8 inches must be rigged with a quick set rig (4)
Bluegill or Redear Sunsh 25 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Channel Catsh 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Large or Smallmouth Bass Protected Slot Length Limit with no possession of Fish greater than or equal to 14 inches and less than
18 inches; 3 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Pure Muskellunge Protected Slot Length Limit with 1 Fish greater than or equal to 36 inches and less than 42 inches or 1
Fish greater than or equal to 48 inches
Walleye, Sauger, or Hybrid Walleye 3 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
White, Black, or Hybrid Crappie 25 Fish Daily Harvest Limit with no more than 10 Fish greater than or equal to 10 inches
SOUTHWIND PARK POND Springfield Park District • Sangamon
All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1)
Trout Fall Closed Season (7), Spring Closed Season (8)
SPARTA NEW CITY RESERVOIR (NORTH) City of Sparta • Randolph
All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1)
Channel Catsh 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Large or Smallmouth Bass 15 inch Minimum Length Limit
SPARTA OLD CITY RESERVOIR (SOUTH) City of Sparta • Randolph
All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1)
Bluegill or Redear Sunsh 15 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Channel Catsh 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Large or Smallmouth Bass 15 inch Minimum Length Limit
SPARTA “T” LAKE City of Sparta • Randolph
All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1)
Bluegill or Redear Sunsh 8 inch Minimum Length Limit; 15 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Channel Catsh 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Large or Smallmouth Bass 15 inch Minimum Length Limit; 3 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
White, Black, or Hybrid Crappie 9 inch Minimum Length Limit; 10 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
54
Statewide Sportshing Regulations are enforced in addition to each area’s Site Specic Regulations
SITE SPECIFIC SPORTFISHING REGULATIONS
SPARTA WORLD SHOOTING AND RECREATIONAL COMPLEX LAKES State of Illinois • Randolph
(EXCEPT SEE DERBY LAKE)
All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1) (5)
Bluegill or Redear Sunsh 15 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Channel Catsh 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Large or Smallmouth Bass 18 inch Minimum Length Limit; 1 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
White, Black, or Hybrid Crappie 10 inch Minimum Length Limit; 10 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
SPARTA WORLD SHOOTING AND RECREATIONAL COMPLEX – DERBY LAKE State of Illinois • Randolph
All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1) (5)
Bluegill or Redear Sunsh 15 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Channel Catsh 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Large or Smallmouth Bass 18 inch Minimum Length Limit; 1 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Trout Fall Closed Season (7), Spring Closed Season (8)
White, Black, or Hybrid Crappie 10 inch Minimum Length Limit; 10 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
SPORTSMANS CLUB POND Decatur Park District • Macon
All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1)
Channel Catsh 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Large or Smallmouth Bass 14 inch Minimum Length Limit; 1 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Trout Spring Closed Season (8)
SPRING GROVE HATCHERY POND City of Spring Grove • McHenry
All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1)
Trout Fall Closed Season (7)
SPRING LAKE City of Macomb • McDonough
All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1) (5). All live bait greater than 8 inches must be rigged with a quick set rig (4)
Blue or Channel Catsh 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Large or Smallmouth Bass 15 inch Minimum Length Limit; 3 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Pure Muskellunge 42 inch Minimum Length Limit
Striped, White, or Hybrid Striped Bass 17 inch Minimum Length Limit; 3 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Walleye 18 inch Minimum Length Limit; 3 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
SPRING LAKES (NORTH AND SOUTH) Spring State Lake Fish and Wildlife Area • Tazewell
Recreational Use Restrictions Waterfowl Refuge or Hunting Area (12)
All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1) (5). All live bait greater than 8 inches must be rigged with a quick set rig (4)
Channel Catsh 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Large or Smallmouth Bass Protected Slot Length Limit with no possession of Fish greater than or equal to 12 inches and less than
18 inches; 3 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Pure Muskellunge 42 inch Minimum Length Limit
White, Black, or Hybrid Crappie 25 Fish Daily Harvest Limit with no more than 10 Fish greater than or equal to 10 inches
SPRING POND Flagg-Rochelle Park District • Ogle
All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1)
Large or Smallmouth Bass 14 inch Minimum Length Limit; 1 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
ST. ANNE VILLAGE POND Village of St. Anne • Kankakee
All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1)
Channel Catsh 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Largemouth Bass 15 inch Minimum Length Limit
STARVED ROCK STATE PARK State of Illinois • LaSalle
Recreational Use Restrictions Waterfowl Refuge or Hunting Area (12)
55
Statewide Sportshing Regulations are enforced in addition to each area’s Site Specic Regulations
SITE SPECIFIC SPORTFISHING REGULATIONS
STAUNTON CITY LAKE City of Staunton • Macoupin
All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1). All live bait greater than 8 inches must be rigged with a quick set rig (4)
Channel Catsh 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Large or Smallmouth Bass 15 inch Minimum Length Limit; 3 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
STERLING LAKE Lake County Forest Preserve District • Lake
All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1). All live bait greater than 8 inches must be rigged with a quick set rig (4)
Channel Catsh 3 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Large or Smallmouth Bass 15 inch Minimum Length Limit; 1 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Pure Muskellunge 48 inch Minimum Length Limit
Walleye, Sauger, or Hybrid Walleye 16 inch Minimum Length Limit; 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
STORM LAKE DeKalb Park District • DeKalb
All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1)
Channel Catsh 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Large or Smallmouth Bass 14 inch Minimum Length Limit; 1 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
STUMP LAKE WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA State of Illinois • Jersey
Recreational Use Restrictions Waterfowl Refuge or Hunting Area (11)
TAMPIER LAKE Cook County Forest Preserve District • Cook
All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1) (2)
Bluegill, Redear, or Pumpkinseed Sunsh 15 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Channel Catsh 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Large or Smallmouth Bass 14 inch Minimum Length Limit; 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Walleye, Sauger, or Hybrid Walleye 18 inch Minimum Length Limit; 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
White, Black, or Hybrid Crappie 15 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
TAYLORVILLE PARK DISTRICT POND Taylorville Park District • Christian
All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1)
Trout Fall Closed Season (7), Spring Closed Season (8)
TEN MILE CREEK LAKES Ten Mile Creek State Fish and Wildlife Area • Hamilton/Jefferson
Recreational Use Restrictions Waterfowl Refuge or Hunting Area (Areas designated as waterfowl rest areas are closed to all access
during the Canada goose season only)
All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1) (5)
Channel Catsh 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Large or Smallmouth Bass 3 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
THREE OAKS NORTH LAKE City of Crystal Lake • McHenry
All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1). Catch and Release Fishing Only (9)
THREE OAKS SOUTH LAKE City of Crystal Lake • McHenry
All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1). Catch and Release Fishing Only (9)
TILTON CITY LAKE City of Tilton • Vermilion
All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1)
Bluegill or Redear Sunsh 15 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Channel Catsh 3 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Large or Smallmouth Bass 15 inch Minimum Length Limit; 1 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
TOLEDO RESERVOIR City of Toledo • Cumberland
All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1)
Channel Catsh 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Large or Smallmouth Bass Protected Slot Length Limit with no possession of Fish greater than or equal to 12 inches and less than
15 inches; 3 Fish Daily Harvest Limit with no more than 1 Fish greater than or equal to 15 inches and 2
Fish less than 12 inches
NOTE: EXPLANATIONS FOR NUMBERS CONTAINED IN PARENTHESIS ARE FOUND ON PAGE 12
56
Statewide Sportshing Regulations are enforced in addition to each area’s Site Specic Regulations
SITE SPECIFIC SPORTFISHING REGULATIONS
TOWER LAKE/ST. ELMO SOUTH LAKE City of St. Elmo • Fayette
All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1)
Channel Catsh 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Large or Smallmouth Bass 14 inch Minimum Length Limit
TRI-TOWNSHIP PARK POND City of Troy • Madison
All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1)
Bluegill or Redear Sunsh 10 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Channel Catsh 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Large or Smallmouth Bass 15 inch Minimum Length Limit; 3 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
TURKEY BLUFF PONDS Turkey Bluffs State Fish and Wildlife Area • Randolph
All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1)
Channel Catsh 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Large or Smallmouth Bass 15 inch Minimum Length Limit; 1 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
TURNER LAKE Chain O’Lakes State Park • Lake
All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1)
Channel Catsh 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Large or Smallmouth Bass 15 inch Minimum Length Limit; 1 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
TURTLE LAKE/EAST LAKE RENWICK Will County Forest Preserve District • Will
All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1)
Bluegill or Redear Sunsh 15 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Channel Catsh 3 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Large or Smallmouth Bass 18 inch Minimum Length Limit; 1 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
TUSCOLA CITY LAKE City of Tuscola • Douglas
All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1)
Channel Catsh 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Large or Smallmouth Bass 14 inch Minimum Length Limit
UNION COUNTY STATE FISH AND WILDLIFE AREA – ALL LAKES AND PONDS State of Illinois • Union
Recreational Use Restrictions All shing and boat trafc prohibited from October 15 through the last day of February
All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1) (5)
VALLEY LAKE Wildwood Park District • Lake
All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1)
Channel Catsh 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Large or Smallmouth Bass 15 inch Minimum Length Limit; 3 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
VALMEYER LAKE Village of Valmeyer • Monroe
All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1)
Channel Catsh 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Large or Smallmouth Bass 15 inch Minimum Length Limit; 3 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
VANDALIA LAKE City of Vandalia • Fayette
All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1)
Channel Catsh 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Large or Smallmouth Bass 14 inch Minimum Length Limit
Striped, White, or Hybrid Striped Bass 17 inch Minimum Length Limit; 3 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
VAN HORN WOODS POND Plainfield Park District • Will
All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1)
Channel Catsh 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Large or Smallmouth Bass 15 inch Minimum Length Limit; 1 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Trout Fall Closed Season (7)
57
Statewide Sportshing Regulations are enforced in addition to each area’s Site Specic Regulations
SITE SPECIFIC SPORTFISHING REGULATIONS
VERNOR LAKE City of Olney • Richland
All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1)
Channel Catsh 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Large or Smallmouth Bass 14 inch Minimum Length Limit
VILLA GROVE EAST LAKE City of Villa Grove • Douglas
All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1)
Channel Catsh 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Large or Smallmouth Bass 14 inch Minimum Length Limit
VILLA GROVE WEST LAKE City of Villa Grove • Douglas
All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1)
Channel Catsh 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Large or Smallmouth Bass 18 inch Minimum Length Limit; 1 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Striped, White, or Hybrid Striped Bass 17 inch Minimum Length Limit; 1 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Trout Fall Closed Season (7)
WABASH RIVER (BETWEEN IL & IN) and OHIO RIVER (BETWEEN IL & KY) State of Illinois • Multiple
Blue or Flathead Catsh 13 inch Minimum Length Limit; No Daily Harvest Limit for Fish greater than or equal to 13 inches and less
than 35 inches; 1 Fish Daily Harvest Limit for Fish greater than or equal to 35 inches
Channel Catsh 13 inch Minimum Length Limit; No Daily Harvest Limit for Fish greater than or equal to 13 inches and less
than 28 inches; 1 Fish Daily Harvest Limit for Fish greater than or equal to 28 inches
WADDAMS CREEK State of Illinois • Stephenson
Trout Spring Closed Season (8)
WALNUT POINT LAKE Walnut Point State Park • Douglas
All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1)
Bluegill or Redear Sunsh 20 Fish Daily Harvest Limit with no more than 5 Fish greater than or equal to 8 inches
Channel Catsh 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Large or Smallmouth Bass Protected Slot Length Limit with no possession of Fish greater than or equal to 12 inches
and less than 15 inches
WALTON PARK LAKE City of Litchfield • Montgomery
All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1)
Channel Catsh 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Large or Smallmouth Bass 15 inch Minimum Length Limit; 3 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
WAMPUM LAKE Cook County Forest Preserve District • Cook
All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1) (2)
Bluegill, Redear, or Pumpkinseed Sunsh 15 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Large or Smallmouth Bass 14 inch Minimum Length Limit; 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
White, Black, or Hybrid Crappie 15 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
WASHINGTON COUNTY LAKE Washington County State Recreation Area • Washington
All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1) (5)
Channel Catsh 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Large or Smallmouth Bass Protected Slot Length Limit with no possession of Fish greater than or equal to 14 inches and less than
18 inches; 3 Fish Daily Harvest Limit with no more than 1 Fish greater than or equal to 18 inches and 2
Fish less than 14 inches
Striped, White, or Hybrid Striped Bass 17 inch Minimum Length Limit; 3 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
WASHINGTON PARK LAGOON Chicago Park District • Cook
All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1)
Channel Catsh 4 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
WASHINGTON PARK POND Springfield Park District • Sangamon
All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1)
Channel Catsh 3 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Trout Fall Closed Season (7), Spring Closed Season (8)
58
Statewide Sportshing Regulations are enforced in addition to each area’s Site Specic Regulations
SITE SPECIFIC SPORTFISHING REGULATIONS
WATSEKA CITY PONDS City of Watseka • Iroquois
(CLEMENTS POND, KAPERS POND, AND MUNICIPAL CENTER POND)
All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1)
Channel Catsh 3 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Large or Smallmouth Bass 15 inch Minimum Length Limit; 3 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
White, Black, or Hybrid Crappie 9 inch Minimum Length Limit; 10 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
WAVERLY LAKE City of Waverly • Morgan
All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1) (5)
Channel Catsh 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Large or Smallmouth Bass 15 inch Minimum Length Limit; 3 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
WEINBERG-KING PONDS Weinberg-King State Recreation Area • Schuyler
All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1)
Channel Catsh 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
WELDON SPRINGS LAKE Weldon Springs State Park • DeWitt
All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1)
Bluegill or Redear Sunsh 15 Fish Daily Harvest Limit with no more than 5 Fish greater than or equal to 7 inches
Channel Catsh 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Large or Smallmouth Bass 15 inch Minimum Length Limit; 1 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Trout Fall Closed Season (7), Spring Closed Season (8)
Walleye, Sauger, or Hybrid Walleye 15 inch Minimum Length Limit; 3 Fish Daily Harvest Limit with no more than 1 Fish greater than
or equal to 20 inches
WEST FRANKFORT NEW CITY LAKE City of West Frankfort • Franklin
All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1)
Channel Catsh 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Large or Smallmouth Bass 15 inch Minimum Length Limit; 3 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
WEST FRANKFORT OLD CITY LAKE City of West Frankfort • Franklin
All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1)
Channel Catsh 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Large or Smallmouth Bass 15 inch Minimum Length Limit; 3 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
WEST SALEM RESERVOIR Village of West Salem • Edwards
All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1)
Channel Catsh 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Large or Smallmouth Bass 14 inch Minimum Length Limit
WHALON LAKE Forest Preserve District of Will County • Will
All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1)
Bluegill or Redear Sunsh 15 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Channel Catsh 3 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Large or Smallmouth Bass 18 inch Minimum Length Limit; 1 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Walleye, Sauger, or Hybrid Walleye 16 inch Minimum Length Limit; 3 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
WHITE HALL CITY LAKE City of White Hall • Greene
All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1) (5)
Channel Catsh 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
WILDERNESS POND Fox Ridge State Park • Coles
All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1)
Bluegill or Redear Sunsh 5 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Channel Catsh 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Large or Smallmouth Bass 18 inch Minimum Length Limit; 1 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
59
Statewide Sportshing Regulations are enforced in addition to each area’s Site Specic Regulations
SITE SPECIFIC SPORTFISHING REGULATIONS
WILLIAM W. POWERS STATE RECREATION AREA State of Illinois • Cook
(SEE ALSO WOLF LAKE)
Recreational Use Restrictions Waterfowl Refuge or Hunting Area (12)
Trout Fall Closed Season (7), Spring Closed Season (8)
WILLOW LAKE Peabody River King State Fish and Wildlife Area • St. Clair
All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1)
Channel Catsh 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Large or Smallmouth Bass 15 inch Minimum Length Limit; 3 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Trout Fall Closed Season (7); Early season Catch and Release Fishing is permitted (9)
Spring Closed Season (8); Early season Catch and Release Fishing is permitted (9)
White, Black, or Hybrid Crappie 9 inch Minimum Length Limit; 25 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
WOLF LAKE William W. Powers State Recreation Area • Cook
Recreational Use Restrictions Waterfowl Refuge or Hunting Area (12)
All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1)
Channel Catsh 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Large or Smallmouth Bass 14 inch Minimum Length Limit; 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Trout Fall Closed Season (7), Spring Closed Season (8)
WOODFORD STATE FISH AND WILDLIFE AREA – FISHING DITCH
Woodford State Fish and Wildlife Area • Woodford
Recreational Use Restrictions Waterfowl Refuge or Hunting Area (12)
All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1)
Large or Smallmouth Bass 12 inch Minimum Length Limit
WOODLAWN POND Frankfort Square Park District • Will
All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1)
Channel Catsh 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Large or Smallmouth Bass 15 inch Minimum Length Limit; 1 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
WOODS LAKE U.S. Army Corps of Engineers • Moultrie
All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1)
Bluegill or Redear Sunsh 15 Fish Daily Harvest Limit with no more than 5 Fish greater than or equal to 8 inches
Channel Catsh 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Large or Smallmouth Bass Protected Slot Length Limit with no possession of Fish greater than or equal to 14 inches and less than
18 inches; 3 Fish Daily Harvest Limit with no more than 1 Fish greater than or equal to 18 inches and 2
Fish less than 14 inches
Striped, White, or Hybrid Striped Bass Catch and Release Fishing Only (9)
White, Black, or Hybrid Crappie 15 Fish Daily Harvest Limit with no more than 10 Fish greater than or equal to 10 inches and 5 Fish less
than 10 inches
WYMAN LAKE City of Sullivan • Moultrie
All Fish 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1)
Channel Catsh 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Large or Smallmouth Bass 15 inch Minimum Length Limit; 1 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Trout Spring Closed Season (8)
YELLOW CREEK State of Illinois • Stephenson
Trout Spring Closed Season (8)
NOTE: EXPLANATIONS FOR NUMBERS CONTAINED IN PARENTHESIS ARE FOUND ON PAGE 12
60
HOW TO MEASURE A FISH
61
COMMON ILLINOIS SPORT FISH
62
COMMON ILLINOIS SPORT FISH
63
Acres
Boat Fishing
Boat Rental
Ramps
Water Skiing
Motors*
Swimming
Camp/Picnic
Special Regs.
LM Bass
SM Bass
Bluegill
Crappie
Sunsh
Catsh
Bullhead
Carp
Yellow Perch
White Bass
Striped Bass
Northern Pike
Walleye/Sauger
Yellow Bass
Hybrid Striper
Trout
Muskellunge
Salmon
Warmouth
Smelt
Anderson Lake, Fulton Co. 1,364 X X X X X X X X X X X X X
Apple River X X X X
Argyle Lake, McDonough Co. 95 X X X NW X X X X X X X X X X X
Ashland New City Reservoir, Morgan Co. 10 X X E P X X X X X X
Baldwin Lake, Randolph Co. 2,018 X X 50 P X X X X X X X X X X X X X
Banner Marsh, Peoria Co. 1,200 X X 25 P X X X X X X X X X X
Baumann Lake, Winnebago Co. 26 P X X X X X
Beall Woods Lake, Wabash Co. 14 X X 0 X X X X X X X X
Beaver Dam, Macoupin Co. 57 X X X E X X X X X X X X X X
Beck Lake, Cook Co. 38 X X E X X X X X X X X X X X
Braidwood Lake, Will Co. 2,308 X X X X X X X X X X
Busse Lake, Cook Co. 590 X X X E X X X X X X X X X X X X
Carlyle Lake, Clinton,Fayette & Bond Cos. 24,580 X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X
Canton Lake, Fulton Co. 250 X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X
Cedar Lake, Jackson Co. 1,750 X X 10 X X X X X X X X X X
Citizen’s Lake, Warren Co. 27 X X E X X X X X X X X
Clinton Lake, DeWitt Co. 5,000 X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X
Coffeen Lake, Montgomery Co. 1,100 X X 25 X X X X X X X X X X
Crab Orchard Lake, Williamson Co. 6,965 X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X
Crab Orchard Visitor Pond,
Williamson Co. (walk-in only, no boats)
40 X X X X X X
Dawson Lake, McLean Co. 150 X X X NW X X X X X X X X X X X X
Deep Quarry Lake, DuPage Co. 40 X E X X X X X X X X X X
Deance Lake, McHenry Co. 47 X X E P X X X X X X X X X X
Des Plaines River X X X X X X
Devil’s Kitchen Lake, Williamson Co. 810 X X 10 X X X X X X X X X X X
Dolan Lake, Hamilton Co. 71 X X 10 X X X X X X X
DuPage River X X X X
Dutchman Lake, Johnson Co. 118 X X 10 X X X X X X X
East Fork Lake, Richland Co. 935 X X X X X X X X X X X X X X
Emiquon Preserve, Fulton Co. 4,000 X X E X X X X X X X X X X
Evergreen Lake, McLean Co. 925 X X X 10 X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X
Ferne Clyffe Lake, Johnson Co. 16 0 X X X X X X X X
Fox Chain O’Lakes, Lake/McHenry 7,110 X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X
Forbes Lake, Marion Co. 525 X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X
Four Lakes, Winnebago Co. 19 P X X X X X X X X X
Fox River X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X
Frank Holten Lakes, St.Clair Co. 180 X X 10 P X X X X X X X X X X
Gladstone Lake, Henderson Co. 27 X X E X X X X X X X X
Glenn Shoals Lake, Montgomery Co. 1,200 X X X X P X X X X X X X X
Governor Bond Lake, Bond Co. 775 X X A P X X X X X X X X X X
Heidecke Lake, Grundy Co. 1,955 X X X P X X X X X X X X X X X X X X
Hennepin Canal, Bureau Co. - X X NW X X X X X X X X X X X X
Hennepin-Hopper Lake 1,500 X X 0 X X X X X X X X X X
Herrick Lake, DuPage Co. 19 X X X X X X X X
Homer Lake, Champaign Co. 80 X X E X P X X X X X X X X X
Horseshoe Lake, Madison Co. 2,430 X X 50 X X X X X X X X X X
I&M Canal, Will/Grundy/LaSalle Co - X E X X X X X X X X X X
Jim Edgar/Panther Creek State
F& W Area, Gridley Lake, Cass Co.
25 X X NW P X X X X X
Prairie Lake, Cass Co. 210 X X X NW X X X X X X X X X
Drake Lake, Cass Co. 35 X X E P X X X X X
Johnson Sauk Lake, Henry Co. 58 X X X 0 X X X X X X X X X X X
Glen O Jones Lake, Saline Co. 105 X X 10 X X X X X X X
Kankakee River X X X X X X X X X
Kaskaskia River X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X
Kickapoo Lakes, Vermilion Co. 184 X X X E X X X X X X X X X X X X
Kinkaid City Reservoir, Christian Co. 31 X X P X X X X X
Kinkaid Lake, Jackson Co. 2,750 X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X
Kishwaukee River X X X X X X X X X
Lake Bloomington, McLean Co. 635 X X X 40 X X X X X X X X X X X X
Lake Carlton, Whiteside Co. 77 X X X NW X X X X X X X X X
Lake Chaminwood, Will Co. 48 X E P X X X X X X X X
Lake Charleston, Upper Side Channel, Coles Co. 346 X X NW P X X X X X X X X X X X X
Lake Chatauqua, Mason Co. 1,200 X X NW X X X X X X X
Lake Decatur, Macon Co. 3,093 X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X
Lake Eureka, Woodford Co. 30 X X E P X X X X X X X
Lake George, Rock Island Co. 167 X X X E X X X X X X X X X X X
Lake Le-Aqua-Na, Stephenson Co. 43 X X X 0 X X X X X X X X X X X
Lake Mattoon, Shelby/Cumberland 1,050 X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X
Lake Michigan, Cook/Lake Cos. 976,640 X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X
Lake Milliken, Will Co. 26 P X X X X X X X
Lake Mingo, Vermillion Co. 170 X X 10 P X X X X X X X X X X
Lake of Eqypt, Johnson Co. 2,400 X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X
Lake of the Woods, Champaign Co. 25 X X X P X X X X X X X X X
Lake Pittseld, Pike Co. 220 X X NW P X X X X X X X X
Lake Shelbyville, Shelby/Moultrie 11,100 X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X
Lake Springeld, Sangamon Co. 4,234 X X X X P X X X X X X X X X X
BODY OF WATER
PLACES TO FISH
64
SPECIAL REGULATIONS: Those lakes marked with an (X) in the Special Regulations column above have regulations which differ from the statewide regulations. Please check the Site
Specic Regulations section of this publication or as posted at each lake where applicable. All regulations and activities are subject to change.
*Lakes with a number listed in the 'motors' column have a h.p. limit of the size listed; X = motors of any size allowed, No Wake for larger motors, size posted at each site; O =no outboard
motors allowed; E = electric motors only, B = Electric motors only except for Monster, Eagle, & Ponderosa Lakes where outboards are allowed operated at No Wake; NW = motors of any
size allowed operating at No Wake speed; A = contact site for more information. P = Picnic Area Only
- Some disabled accessible shing facilities present.- Zebra mussels have been found in these waters.
Acres
Boat Fishing
Boat Rental
Ramps
Water Skiing
Motors*
Swimming
Camp/Picnic
Special Regs.
LM Bass
SM Bass
Bluegill
Crappie
Sunsh
Catsh
Bullhead
Carp
Yellow Perch
White Bass
Striped Bass
Northern Pike
Walleye/Sauger
Yellow Bass
Hybrid Striper
Trout
Muskellunge
Salmon
Warmouth
Smelt
Lake Storey, Knox Co. 133 X X X E X X X X X X X X X X X X
Lake Sule (seasonal) Ogle Co. 77 X X X P X X X X X X X X X X X
Lake Taylorville, Christian Co. 1286 X X X X X P X X X X X X X X X
Lake Vermillion, Vermillion Co. 666 X X X X P X X X X X X X X X
Lake Victoria, Winnebago Co. 16.5 X X P X X X X X X X X X X
LaSalle Lake, LaSalle Co. 2,050 X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X
Levings Lake, Winnebago Co. 25.5 X 0 X P X X X X X X X X X
Lincoln Trail Lake, Clark Co. 146 X X X 10 X X X X X X X X X
Little Grassy Lake, Williamson Co. 1,000 X X X 10 X X X X X X X X X X X
Lou Yaeger Lake, Montgomery Co. 1268 X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X
Mallard Lake, DuPage Co. 89 X X X X X X X X X X X
Maple Lake, Cook Co. 55 X X E X X X X X X X X X
Maple Lake, DuPage Co. 32 X X X X
Marshall County Lake, Marshall Co. 2,557 X X X X X X X X X X X X X X
Mautino State Fish & Wildlife Area,Bureau Co. 74.2 X X E P X X X X X X X
Mazonia Lakes, Grundy/Kankakee Cos. 576 X X B P X X X X X X X X
McCullom Lake, McHenry Co. 245 X X 10 X P X X X X X
McMaster Lake, Knox Co. 142 X X NW X X X X X X X X X X
Mechanicsburg Park Pond, Sangamon Co. 7 X X X X
Mermet Lake, Massac Co. 452 X X NW P X X X X X X X X
Mill Creek Lake, Clark Co. 811 X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X
Monee Reservoir, Will Co. 43 X E P X X X X X X
Mt. Pulaski Park District Pond, Logan Co. 20 X X X X
Lake Murphysboro, Jackson Co. 144 X X NW X X X X X X X X X
Newton Lake, Jasper Co. 1,750 X X 25 P X X X X X X X X X
North Branch Chicago River - Cook Co. X X X X
Olson Lake, Winnebago Co. 45 X 0 X X X X X X X X X X
Otter Lake, Macoupin Co. 765 X X X 115 X X X X X X X X X X X X X
Paris Twin Lakes, Edgar Co. 220 X X X X P X X X X X X X X X X X
Peabody River King Pit #3
Lakes and Ponds, St.Clair Co.
526 X X 10 P X X X X X X X X X X X X X X
Pecatonica River X X X X X X X X X X X
Pierce Lake, Winnebago Co. 162 X X X NW X X X X X X X X X X X X
Powerton Lake, Tazewell Co. 1,426 X X X X X X X X X X X X X X
Pyramid State Park Lakes, Perry Co. 1,500 X X NW X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X
Ramsey Lake, Fayette Co. 47 X X X E X X X X X X X X
Randolph County Lake, Randolph Co. 65 X X X NW X X X X X X X X X X X
Red Hills Lake, Lawrence Co. 40 X X E X X X X X X X X X X
Rend Lake, Franklin/Jefferson Cos. 18,900 X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X
Rice Lake, DuPage Co. 36 X X X X X X X
Rice Lake, Fulton Co. 1,383 X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X
Rock River X X X X NW X X X X X X X X X
Rock Run (Route 6 Quarries), Will Co. 82 X X E P X X X X X X X X
Saganashkee Slough, Cook Co. 325 X X E X X X X X X X X X X
Sahara Woods FWA, Saline Co. 275 X X X X X X X X
Sam Dale Lake, Wayne Co. 194 X X X 10 X X X X X X X X X X
Sam Parr Lake, Jasper Co. 180 X X 10 X X X X X X X X X
Sand Lake, Lake Co. 18 X X X X X
Sangamon River X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X
Sanganois Lakes, Cass Co. 1,550 X X 10 P X X X X X X X X X
Sangchris Lake, Christion Co. 2,165 X X 25 X X X X X X X X X X
Schuy-Rush Lake, Schuyler Co. 220 X X X P X X X X X X X X
Shabbona Lake, DeKalb Co. 319 X X X 10 X X X X X X X X X X X X X X
Siloam Springs Lake, Adams Co. 58 X X 0 X X X X X X X X X
Silver Lake, DuPage Co. 62 X X X E X X X X X X X X X X X
Silver Springs Lakes, Kendall Co. 21 X X X 0 P X X X X X X X X X X
Skokie Lagoons, Cook Co. 190 X X E X X X X X X X X X
Spring Creek Reservoir, DuPage Co. 49 X X X X X X X
Spring Lake, McDonough Co. 277 X X X NW X X X X X X X X X X X X X
Spring Lake (North), Tazewell Co. 578 X X X NW X X X X X X X X X X X
Spring Lake (South), Tazewell Co. 610 X X X NW X X X X X X X X X X X
Tampier Lake, Cook Co. 160 X X X E X X X X X X X X X X X X X X
Ten Mile Creek Lake, Jefferson/Hamilton Cos. 200 X X 10 X X X X X X
Turner Lake, Lake Co. 35 X 0 X X X X X X X
Walnut Point Lake, Douglas Co. 59 X X X E X X X X X X X X X
Wampum Lake, Cook Co. 35 X X X X X X X X X
Washington County Lake, Washington Co. 247 X X X 10 X X X X X X X X X X X
Weldon Springs Lake, Dewitt Co. 29 X X X E X X X X X X X X X X
Whalon Lake, Will Co. 81 X X E P X X X X X X X X X
Wolf Lake, Cook Co. 391 X X X NW P X X X X X X X X X X X
Woodford County Conservation
Area Lakes, Woodford Co.
2,790 X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X
BODY OF WATER
PLACES TO FISH
65
TOURNAMENT FISHING PERMIT
A Fishing Tournament Permit issued by the
Department of Natural Resources is required for
any shing tournament event. This includes Hook
and Line Fishing Tournaments and Bowshing
Tournaments that are held in any of the waters
listed in Section 810.45, Section 810.15(d); and in
any public owned or Department managed lake,
river, or stream in Illinois. Failure to obtain a Fish-
ing Tournament Permit or comply with the follow-
ing rules is a violation of Section 20-35 of the Fish
and Aquatic Life Code.
Fishing Tournament – an organized event, other
than a shing derby, where:
1) the event is sponsored or promoted by an
individual or organization;
2) participants compete for trophies, cash, prizes,
citation or other recognition for participation in
the event;
3) the event is conducted during a specied
time; and
4) twenty of more individuals participate in the
event OR an exemption to Statewide or
Site-Specic Regulations is requested.
Fishing Derby
– an organized event conducted
for children under the age of 16 who are attending
primary school, senior citizens (65 years old and
older), sport shermen with disabilities, or other
school-sanctioned groups when the principal
purpose is education or enjoyment, rather than
competition among sport shermen. Fishing
Tournament Permits are not required for a
shing derby.
The Fishing Tournament Permit received by the
applicant serves as the IDNR Site Activity Permit
for tournaments held at IDNR sites.
For events held at State sites, the tournament
director or organizer must submit a signed
Release, Waiver, and Indemnication form,
available from the Department, to the Site Super-
intendent prior to the event. In addition, the
tournament director or organizer prior to the event
must:
1) provide proof of liability insurance of
$1,000,000; or
2) require each participant to sign a liability waiver,
attached to the issued permit, and submit the
waiver(s) to the Department site ofce.
A copy of the Fishing Tournament Permit must
be in the possession of the director or organizer
at all times during the event.
Special Length Limit and/or Daily Harvest Limit
exemptions are allowed when requested on the
Fishing Tournament Permit application, approved
by the Department, and stated on the Fishing
Tournament Permit.
Exemptions to Site-Specic Regulations will only
be approved for:
1) catch, hold for weigh-in, and release Black
Bass Fishing Tournaments in Lake Michigan
(Illinois Portion) for which the Special Minimum
Length Limit will be 14 inches and the Daily
Harvest Limit will be 3 sh daily;
2) Youth-only catch, hold for weigh-in, and release
Black Bass Fishing Tournaments, for which the
Special Minimum Length Limit will be 12 inches
and the Daily Harvest Limit will be 5 sh per
boat. Youth-only is dened as 18 years old
and younger;
3) catch, hold for weigh-in, and release Muskie
Fishing Tournaments (all waters), provided all
sh are released unharmed immediately after a
quick weigh-in; and
4) catch, hold for weigh-in, and release Black
Bass Fishing Tournaments in the Mississippi
River (between Illinois and Iowa) and which are
permitted by the Iowa Department of Natural
Resources, for which the special Minimum
Length Limit will be 12 inches and the Daily
Harvest Limit will be 5 sh per boat.
Exemptions to the Statewide Daily Harvest Limit
will only be approved for sh held onboard a com-
mon release boat utilized immediately following a
catch, hold for weigh-in, and release tournament.
The application for a Fishing Tournament Permit
is available online at https://www.ishillinois.org.
Applications will be accepted beginning November
1st for the following calendar year. Applications
must be fully completed with all requested infor-
mation and received by the Department at least
30 days prior to the tournament.
The issuance or denial of a Fishing Tournament
Permit by the Department shall be based on the
following criteria:
1) The capability of the shery resource to absorb
the tournament with minimal impact to its
well-being.
2) The need for emergency protective procedures
to protect the sport sheries resources of the
State and the general health, safety and welfare
of the general public as provided for in Section
810.80.
3) The criteria and evaluation required for approv-
al of a Site Activity Permit, described in 17 Ill.
Adm. Code 110.4.
Appeals of denied permits must be made in writing
to the Department within 10 days after receipt of
the denial. Any supplemental information request-
ed must be included in the appeal.
Required provisions for holding, handling, and
releasing sh to protect sh health in catch, hold
for weigh-in, and release Hook and Line Fishing
Tournaments:
1) Tournament ofcials must be able to certify that
all boats will be required to possess a livewell
(except Muskie Fishing Tournaments) tted with
a functioning aerator and water pump.
2) Individual boats and sport shermen returning
their catches of sh back to a release site must
adhere to Daily Harvest Limits for the water-
body or the Special Daily Harvest Limit listed in
the Fishing Tournament Permit.
3) For catch, hold for weigh-in, and release Musk-
ie Fishing Tournaments, all boats must have a
sh cradle (made from netting) to temporarily
hold the muskie in the water while an ofcial
determines the length or weight of the sh prior
to release. Muskies may not be transported to a
weigh-in site.
4)
During the months of July and August, all
catch, hold for weigh-in, and release Black
Bass Fishing Tournaments must be off the
water between 1:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m.
Bowshing tournaments may be held in any of the
public waters open to bowshing listed in Section
810.45 or public waters listed in 810.15. Bow-
shing tournaments are subject to the following
additional rules:
1) All non-native species legal to take with bow-
shing methods from waters listed in Sections
810.15 and 810.45 have an unlimited daily
harvest limit however no possession of LIVE
Bighead Carp, Black Carp, Grass Carp, or Sil-
ver Carp is permitted.
2) No exemptions will be granted for the wanton
waste and sh abandonment provisions in
Section 810.14.
Special note for Fishing Tournaments held on
the Mississippi River between Illinois and Iowa –
an Iowa Fishing Tournament Permit is required
if also shing Iowa waters.
For a complete listing of rules for Fishing
Tournaments see https://dnr.illinois.gov/
content/dam/soi/en/web/dnr/adrules/
documents/17-810.pdf
66
ILLINOIS SPORT FISHING AWARDS PROGRAMS
(HOOK AND LINE OR BOW AND ARROW)
The Division of Fisheries offers several angler recognition awards for sh caught in Illinois waters either by hook and line or by bow and arrow.
First Fish, Big Fish, and Master Angler Awards are available at https://www.ishillinois.org. They may be downloaded and printed from a
personal computer.
Completed applications for either Hook and Line or Bow and Arrow State Record Fish awards must be sent to DNR Havana Field Headquarters,
Attn: Record Fish, 700 S. 10th Street, Havana, IL 62644. State Record Fish Awards are sent to anglers at the end of the shing season.
ILLINOIS BOW AND ARROW RECORD FISH
EligiblE Fish statE REcoRd (lbs) WatER body county datE shot
Common Carp 38 lbs 2 oz. Crab Orchard Lake Williamson 4/5/2013
Grass Carp (White Amur) 78 lbs 8oz Lake Minear Lake 6/5/2014
Bighead Carp 92 lbs 1.6 oz Private Logan 6/2/2023
Silver Carp 50 lbs 0 oz Private Pond Logan 6/2/2023
Buffalo (Bigmouth) 49 lbs 15 oz Mermet Lake Massac 3/20/2010
Buffalo (Smallmouth) 51 lbs Ohio River Pope 12/19/2013
Buffalo (Black) 59 lbs 12 oz Mermet Lake Massac 2/19/2014
Shortnose Gar 9 lbs. 6.2 oz. Carlyle Lake Clinton 5/22/2016
Longnose Gar 32 lb 3.2 oz Kaskaskia River St. Clair 9/14/2017
Spotted Gar 10 lbs 13.6 oz Kaskaskia River Clinton 5/22/2021
Bown (Dogsh) 14 lbs 1.1 oz Bluford Lake Jefferson 5/21/2021
Freshwater Drum 20 lbs 4 oz Sangchris Lake Christian 2/20/2023
Gizzard Shad 3 lb 2.2 oz Mississippi River Pool 13 JoDaviess 5/5/2016
Goldsh/Hybrid 4 lbs 6 oz Fox Chain of Lakes Lake 6/6/2015
Blue Catsh 31 lbs 14.4 oz Kaskaskia River Randolph 5/30/2019
Flathead Catsh 30 lbs 0 oz Illinois River Fulton 5/24/2018
www.ilconservation.org
DONATE to the Illinois Conservation Foundation (ICF)
when you renew your hunting and fishing license
2024 Privileges Expires March 31, 2025
67
BASS, Largemouth (IL) 13 lb./1 oz. 2/15/76 Stone Quarry Lk. LAKE
(NA) 22 lb./4 oz. 6/2/32 Montgomery Lk., GA
BASS. Rock (lL) 1 lb./10 oz. 5/5/87 Aux Sable Creek GRUNDY
(NA) 3 lb./0 oz. 8/1/74 York River, Ontario, CAN.
(NA) 3 lb./0 oz. 6/13/69 SuGar Creek, IN
BASS, Smallmouth (lL) 7 lb./3 oz. 10/14/19 Lake Michigan COOK
(NA) 11 lb./15 oz. 7/9/55 Dale Hollow Lake, TN
BASS, Spotted (lL) 7 lb./3.12 oz. 3/15/92 Strip Mine FULTON
(NA) 11 lb./3 oz. 2/21/15 New Bullards Bar Res, CA
BASS, Striped (lL) 31 lb./7oz. 5/23/94 Sangchris Lake CHRISTIAN
(NA) 69 lb./9 oz. 2/28/13 Black Warrior River, AL
BASS, Hybrid (lL) 21lb /7.2oz. 6/12/17 Lake Bloomington MCCLEAN
Striped (NA) 27 lb./5 oz. 4/24/97 Greer’s Ferry Lake, AR
BASS, White (lL) 4 lb./14 oz. 10/7/81 Kaskaskia River CLINTON
(NA) 6 lb./7 oz. 9/19/89 Saginaw Bay, MI
BASS, Yellow (lL) 2 lb./0 oz. 5/5/94 Farm Pond MADISON
(NA) 2 lb./8 oz. 4/12/00 Tennessee River, AL
BASS, Yellow Hybrid
(lL) 2 lb./.96 oz. 11/3/08 Rend Lake FRANKLIN
(NA) 2 lb./11 oz. 3/10/97 Sabine River, TX
BLUEGILL (lL) 3 lb./8 oz. 5/10/87 Farm Pond JASPER
(NA) 4 lb./12 oz. 4/9/50 Ketona Lake, AL
BOWFIN (lL) 16 lb./6 oz. 9/23/84 Rend Lake JEFFERSON
(lL) 16 lb./6 oz. 9/14/92 Bay Creek POPE
(NA) 21 lb./8 oz. 1/29/80 Forest Lake, SC
BUFFALO (lL) 48 lb./0 oz. 1936 Mississippi River ADAMS
(Bigmouth) (NA) 76 lb./8 oz. 6/21/13 Wisconsin River, WI
(Smallmouth) (NA) 88 lb./0 oz. 11/14/93 Lake Wylie, NC
BUFFALO, Black (lL) 23 lb./12 oz. 7/27/84 Rock River LEE
(NA) 63 lb./6 oz. 8/14/99 Mississippi River, IA
BULLHEAD, Black (lL) 5 lb./6 oz. 4/24/88 Strip Mine FULTON
(NA) 8 lb./15 oz. 8/19/87 Sturgis Pond, MI
BULLHEAD, Brown (lL) 3 lb/4.8oz. 5/8/17 Emiquon Lake FULTON
(NA) 7 lb./6 oz. 8/1/09 Mahopac Lake, NY
BULLHEAD, Yellow (lL) 5 lb./4 oz. 1955 Fox River KANE
(NA) 6 lb./4 oz. 5/25/08 Forest Lake, MA
BURBOT (lL) 11 lb/12.5 oz. 12/7/20 Lake Michigan COOK
(NA) 25 lb./2 oz. 3/27/10
Diefenbaker Lake, Saskatchewan, CAN
CARP, Bighead (lL) 72 lbs/ 9 oz.. 11/6/21 Humble Park Lagoon COOK
(NA) 90 lb./0 oz. 7/22/00 Kirby Lake, TX
CARP, Common (lL) 51 lb./0 oz. 5/1/94 Lake Hillcrest MADISON
(NA) 57 lb./13 oz. 6/19/83 Tidal Basin Washington, D.C.
CARP, Grass (lL) 74 lb./0 oz. 5/22/15 Lake Galena JO DAVIESS
(NA) 79 lb./0 oz. 4/12/11 Crescent Lake, IL
CATFISH, Blue (lL) 124 lb./0 oz. 5/21/05 Mississippi River MADISON
(NA) 124 lb./0 oz. 5/21/05 Mississippi River, IL
CATFISH, Channel (lL) 45 lb./4 oz. 2/7/87 Baldwin Lake ST. CLAIR
(NA) 58 lb./0 oz. 7/7/64 Santee Cooper Rsv., SC
CATFISH, Flathead (lL) 81 lb./6.4 oz. 8/29/15 Sangchris Lake CHRISTIAN
(NA) 123 lb./0 oz. 5/14/98 Elk City Rsvr., KS
CRAPPIE, Black (lL) 4 lb./8 oz. 5/15/76 Rend Lake FRANKLIN
(NA) 6 lb./0 oz. 11/28/69 Westwego Canal, LA
CRAPPIE, Hybrid (lL) 4 lb /8.8 oz. 3/28/17 Kinkaid Lake JACKSON
(NA) 2 lb./11 oz. 1/28/05 Shabbona Lake DEKALB
CRAPPIE, White (lL) 4 lb./7 oz. 4/8/73 Farm Pond MORGAN
(NA) 5 lb./3 oz. 7/31/57 Enid Dam, MS
DRUM, (lL) 38 lb./4 oz. 5/24/18 Clinton Lake DEWITT
Freshwater (NA) 54 lb./8 oz. 4/20/72 Nickajack Lake, TN
GAR, Longnose (lL) 22 lb./1 oz. 5/6/06 Ohio River MASSAC
(NA) 50 lb./5 oz. 7/30/54 Trinity River, TX
GAR, Shortnose (lL) 6 lb./15.2 oz. 5/27/18 Horseshoe Lake MADISON
COMMON
WEIGHT DATE
PLACE
COUNTY
NAME
CAUGHT
CAUGHT
COMMON WEIGHT DATE PLACE COUNTY
NAME CAUGHT CAUGHT
GAR, Spotted (lL) 8 lb./ 6.4 oz. 8/13/20 Kidd Lake Canal MONROE
(NA) 28 lb./8 oz. 3/4/87 Lake Seminole, FL
GOLDEYE (lL) 2 lb./1 oz. 7/26/98 Embarras River CUMBERLAND
(NA) 3 lb./13 oz. 8/9/87 Oahe Tailwater, SD
LAKE WHITEFISH (lL) 8 lb/4.0 oz. 6/29/18 Lake Michigan COOK
(NA) 15 lb./6 oz. 5/21/83 Webster Clear Lake, Ontario, CAN
MUSKELLUNGE (lL) 38 lb./8 oz. 4/20/02 Kaskaskia River SHELBY
(NA) 69 lb./11 oz. 10/20/49 Chippewa Flowage, WI
MUSKIE, Tiger (lL) 31 lb./3 oz. 8/6/04 Lake Will WILL
(NA) 51 lb./3 oz. 7/1919 Lake Vieux Desert, WI/MI
NORTHERN (lL) 1 lb./12.3 oz. 3/22/12 Little Vermillion River LA SALLE
HOGSUCKER (NA) 1 lb./12 oz. 3/17/04 Fox River, WI
NORTHERN PIKE (lL) 26 lb./15 oz. 11/9/89 Strip Mine Lake KANKAKEE
(NA) 46 lb./2 oz. 9/15/40 Sacandaga Rsvr., NY
PERCH, Yellow (lL) 2 lb./8.75 oz. 1/5/74 Arrowhead Club Lake WILL
(NA) 4 lb./3 oz. 5/1865 Bordentown, NJ
SALMON, Atlantic (lL) 18 lb./11.25 oz. 5/26/79 Lake Michigan COOK
(Inland) (NA) 22 lb./14 oz. 4/5/05 Jamaica Pond, MA
SALMON, Chinook (lL) 37 lb./0 oz. 8/7/76 Lake Michigan LAKE
(Inland) (NA) 44 lb./14 oz. 7/19/94 Lake Michigan, WI
SALMON, Coho (lL) 20 lb./9 oz. 5/24/72 Lake Michigan LAKE
(Inland) (NA) 33 lb./4 oz. 9/27/89 Salmon River, NY
SALMON, Pink (lL) 4 lbs./14.4 oz 8/4/2022 Lake Michigan LAKE
(Inland) (NA) 4 lb./0 oz. 8/28/01 Garden River, Ontario, CAN.
SAUGER (lL) 5 lb./12.5 oz. 7/30/67 Mississippi River JO DAVIESS
(NA) 8 lb./12 oz. 10/6/71 Lake Sakakawea, ND
SAUGER-WALLEYE, (lL) 9 lb./10.88 oz. 12/7/01 Evergreen Lake MCLEAN
Hybrid (NA) 15 lb./10 oz. 1/11/95 Ft. Peck Rsvr., MT
SHORTHEAD (lL) 4 lbs./12.8 oz. 4/9/21 Big Rock Creek KENDALL
REDHORSE (NA) 11 lb./5 oz. 5/21/83 Brunet River, WI
SILVER (lL) 6 lb./11.4 oz. 4/24/08 Fox River KANE
REDHORSE (NA) 14 lb./ 14 oz. 4/2/95 Pickwick Lake, AL
SKIPJACK (lL) 2 lb./8 oz. 12/28/13 Des Plaines River WILL
HERRING (NA) 3 lb./ 12 oz. 2/14/82 Goddard Watts Bar Lake, TN
STURGEON, (lL) 10 lbs./8.2 oz. 12/12/21 Rock River WHITESIDE
Shovelnose (NA) 8 lb./5.76 oz. 11/4/03 Rock River, IL
SUNFISH, Green (lL) 2 lb./1 oz. 6/28/81 Farm Pond DE WITT
(NA) 2 lb./2 oz. 6/18/71 Stockton Lake, MO
(NA) 2 lb./2 oz. 5/28/61 Cherokee Co. Pit, KS
SUNFISH, Hybrid (lL) 2 lb./9.4 oz. 9/20/05 Farm Pond HENRY
(NA) 2 lb./10 oz. 5/17/99 Farm Pond, KS
SUNFISH, (lL) 1.12 lb. 6/19/20 Hennepin Hooper PUTMAN
Pumpkinseed (NA) 2 lb./4 oz. 5/26/97 North Saluda River, SC
SUNFISH, Redear (lL) 3 lb./1.1 oz. 5/19/18 Beaver Lake GRUNDY
(NA) 5 lb./7.5 oz. 11/6/98 Diversion Canal, SC
TROUT, Brook (lL) 7 lb./5 oz. 11/3/98 Lake Michigan LAKE
(NA) 14 lb./8 oz. 7/1916 Nipigon River, Ontario, CAN
TROUT, Brown (lL) 36 lb./11.5 oz. 6/22/97 Lake Michigan COOK
(NA) 41 lb./8 oz. 7/16/10 Lake Michigan, WI
TROUT, Lake (lL) 39 lb./2.6 oz. 5/31/21 Lake Michigan COOK
(NA) 72 lb./4 oz. 8/19/95 Great Bear Lake, N.W.T. Canada
TROUT, Rainbow (lL) 31 lb./6.72 oz. 7/10/93 Lake Michigan LAKE
(Inland) (NA) 48 lb./0 oz. 9/5/09
Lake Diefenbaker, Saskatchewan, CAN
TROUT, Tiger (lL) 8 lb./12.5 oz. 6/26/77 Lake Michigan COOK
(NA) 20 lb./13 oz. 8/12/78 Lake Michigan, WI
WALLEYE (lL) 15 lb./1 oz. 3/11/12 Pecatonica River WINNEBAGO
(NA) 25 lb./0 oz. 8/1/60 Old Hickory Lake, TN
WARMOUTH (lL) 1 lb./13 oz. 5/22/71 Farm Pond CUMBERLAND
(NA) 2 lb./7 oz. 10/19/85 Yellow River, FL
Note: Illinois Record Fish are updated as new records are set. North American
Records are updated once a year when the new edition of the NFWFHOF is published.
*
North American Records from the 2019-20 Edition
National Fresh Water Fishing Hall of Fame (NFWFHOF)
ILLINOIS AND NORTH AMERICAN HOOK & LINE RECORD FISH
As of December 2023*
68
ILLINOIS LAKE STURGEON RECOVERY PROGRAM
Lake Sturgeon are a State-endangered sh species native to the Mississippi River
and its tributaries. Lake Sturgeon are currently under review for potential federal
listing by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). The Lake Sturgeon is endan-
gered in Illinois mainly due to the inability of the sh to reach upstream spawning
areas because of the construction of dams and the destruction of spawning areas
through channelization, siltation, impoundment and pollution. Excessive shing in
the late 1800s and early 1900s also contributed to the problem. Recovery and man-
agement of Lake Sturgeon is a complex, long-term effort, requiring basin-wide sup-
port from resource managers, hatchery staff, researchers, anglers, and conservation
leaders; however, with committed efforts this resource may be able to ourish for
future generations. In June 2023, the Missouri Department of Conservation offered
the Illinois Department of Natural Resources - Division of Fisheries a unique oppor-
tunity to acquire 11,000 Mississippi-strain juvenile Lake Sturgeon from the USFWS
Neosho National Fish Hatchery with the purpose to stock Lake Sturgeon in Illinois to
aid in this basin-wide recovery program. For more information about the Lake Stur-
geon Recovery Program in Illinois, visit IFISHILLINOIS.org.
Photo credit: Missouri Department of Conservation
Did you know there are three species of sturgeon in waters
of Illinois? With a maximum age of 150 years, the
state-
endangered Lake Sturgeon
is the largest of the three
species growing as large as 8 feet long and 300 pounds!
Lake Sturgeon are being caught more frequently by Illinois’
anglers as a result of state and federal recovery efforts.
Lake Sturgeon are a protected species and
MUST BE
RELEASED IMMEDIATELY.
The
state and federally-endangered Pallid Sturgeon
can live over 40 years and reach a size of 5 feet long and 65
pounds. Pallid Sturgeon are a protected species and
MUST
BE RELEASED IMMEDIATELY.
Shovelnose Sturgeon
is the smallest of the three
species, living over 20 years and rarely reach sizes over 30
inches and 5 pounds. Shovelnose Sturgeon support sport
sheries and a regulated commercial shery in designated
waters of Illinois.
Pallid Sturgeon, Shovelnose Sturgeon and their hybrids can be difcult to identify.
Lake SturgeonPallid Sturgeon Shovelnose Sturgeon
STURGEON IN ILLINOIS WATERS
69
CATCHABLE TROUT PROGRAM
Special Muskie Creel Survey
The Department of Natural Resources and the Illini Muskie Alliance are
co-sponsoring a Muskie Creel Survey for sport shermen catching any
size Muskie. Sport shermen can report their Muskie catch at the
following web address:
https://www.ishillinois.org/science/muskie_survey.php
The Illinois Department of Natural Resources reinstated its Catchable Trout Program in 1994. Var-
ious lakes and streams are annually stocked with catchable size (10-11 inches) trout in the spring
or fall. To legally harvest rainbow and/or brown trout from the Catchable Trout Program sites or any
inland waters of the state, licensed anglers also must have an Inland Trout Stamp. The statewide
Daily Harvest Limit is ve trout per angler.
At Catchable Trout Program sites, spring catchable trout opens at 5 a.m. on the rst Satur-
day of April and fall catchable trout opens at 5 a.m. on the 3rd Saturday of October. Anglers
may not harvest trout during the closed periods of March 15 until the spring opener or during Octo-
ber 1 until the fall opener. Anglers may utilize these waters for other species during the closed peri-
ods. The closed periods have been established to accommodate the stockings and let stocked sh
acclimate prior to the opening dates. The stocked trout can overwinter at some sites and anglers
may have the opportunity to harvest trout throughout the year, except for during the closed periods.
Select Catchable Trout Program locations are stocked early to provide an early catch
and release trout season that begins 2 weeks prior to the regular opening dates (see
www.ishillinois.org for locations). The early catch and release season is also listed for
these select waters in the Site Specic Sportshing Regulations portion of this regulation
digest. Anglers must immediately release any trout caught during the early catch and
release trout seasons.
Individuals wanting more information about the catchable trout program can contact the
Department of Natural Resources, Division of Fisheries, One Natural Resources Way, Springeld, IL 62702-1271; phone 217/782-6424,
TDD 217/782-9175. Anglers wanting more information about site regulations, access areas or boat rentals should contact
individual sites or visit the “I Fish Illinois” website: www.ishillinois.org.
BUY ILLINOIS FISHING LICENSES
FISH KILLS IN ILLINOIS LAKES AND PONDS
The sudden appearance of dead sh causes considerable
concern for lake or pond owners. The rst reaction to the
discovery of dead sh is to suspect pollution or poisoning of
the water body. However, most sh kills result from natural
occurrences, although the frequency and severity are occa-
sionally inuenced by humans. Few sh kill calls reported
to IDNR are caused from spills or illegal dumping of toxic
substances. Most sh kills occur when oxygen in the water
drops to low levels that are not suitable for sh survival.
Weather patterns, water temperature, depth, density of
aquatic plants and algae, naturally occurring viruses or bac-
teria or a combination can inuence a sh kill. Prolonged
cloudy weather, drought conditions, overcrowded sh pop-
ulations, excessive algal or other plant growths and high
water temperatures are the most common factors that trig-
ger sh kills. Contact your local District Fisheries Biologist
(https://www.ishillinois.org/FAQS/biologists.html) to discuss
what steps to take after a sh kill in your pond or lake and to
learn what you can do help your lake or pond avoid sh kills
in the future.
70
AQUATIC NUISANCE SPECIES
Bighead Carp
Silver Carp
Help Protect Your Fishing!
Many aquatic nuisance species (ANS), such as zebra mussels and Asian
Carp, have invaded lakes and rivers in Illinois.
These non-native species can negatively impact shing and other types
of water recreation.
Bighead and Silver Carp Watch
Bighead and Silver Carp (Asian Carp) are invasive sh spreading within the Mississippi River and Great Lakes regions causing harm to humans,
native sh and wildlife. Both species have low-set eyes and a large, upturned mouth, and may grow to be more than 60 lbs. and 4 ft.
Hydrilla WATCH
Hydrilla is a non-native plant invading
and causing harm to waters in nearby
states. It forms thick, submersed mats
that hinder shing and boating, and
harm sh and wildlife. Hydrilla looks
similar to native elodea, which is found
in many Illinois lakes and rivers. How-
ever, Hydrilla has whorls of 4 or more
spear-shaped
a
leaves around the stem
(native = 2-3), leaves with coarse teeth
a
along the edges (native = no teeth),
and bulb-like tubers
b
in the soil (native
= no tubers).
Photo credits: Illustration - UF/IFAS
Photo - Robert Vidéki
Effective January 1, 2013, the
Illinois Boat Registration and Safety Act has been amended to prevent
the spread of invasive aquatic
plants and animals by boats, trailers and vehicles. It is now illegal to enter
OR leave a
waterbody with aquatic plants and animals attached to your boat or trailer. Travel on Illinois
highways with aquatic plants or animals attached is also prohibited. Always Remove, Drain, and Dry to
comply with the new law!
You can help!
• Report new sightings – note exact
location, take a photo, freeze specimen
in a sealed plastic bag and call 1-877-STOP-
ANS (1-877-786-7267).
• Harvest bait only from uninfested waters.
• Dispose of bait in the trash.
• Know the rules – release of live Asian Carp
is prohibited in Illinois.
• Harvest and eat these tasty sh to help
reduce their numbers.
You can help!
Early detection of new populations of Hydrilla may limit the spread and
allow for its removal. Report new sightings of this plant – call 1-877-STOP-
ANS (1-877-786-7267).
For More Information…
On ANS: contact Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant at
(217) 333-6444 or visit www.iiseagrant.org
On harvesting, cleaning, and cooking Asian Carp: https://iiseagrant.
org/new-iisg-publication-asian-Carp-cuisine/
On recognizing and identifying Asian Carp: https://iiseagrant.org/
help-identify-invasive-species-with-iisgs-new-asian-carp-watch-card/
On recognizing and identifying Hydrilla:
https://iiseagrant.org/species-spotlight-hydrilla/
Juvenile Asian Carp may be difcult
to distinguish from local baitsh
species such as gizzard shad.
Bighead Carp Gizzard Shad
(native)
Silver Carp
FIGHT THE SPREAD OF AQUATIC INVADERS
REMOVE PLANTS, ANIMALS AND MUD FROM ALL EQUIPMENT.
DRAIN ALL WATER FROM YOUR BOAT AND GEAR.
DRY EVERYTHING THOROUGHLY WITH A TOWEL.
71
outdoor.wildlifeillinois.org
OutdoorIllinois Journal is a collaborative effort of people and institutions
led by the National Great Rivers Research and Education Center in Illinois.
Other organizations include the Illinois Department of Natural Resources,
Division of Wildlife Resources and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Wildlife
and Sport Fish Restoration. Funding for OutdoorIllinois Journal was made
available through Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration Project W-147-T and
the Illinois Wildlife Preservation Fund.
/livingwithwildlifeillinois
@livingwithwildlifeillinois
• People in Conservation • Aquatic
Organisms • How & Where to Recreate
• Hot Topics • Creature Features
• Habitat Management • Research
Journal
OutdoorIllinois Journal
Discover
The National
Great Rivers
The National Great Rivers
Re
search & Education C
enterResearch & Education Center
ILLINOIS
WILDLIFE &
FISH FUND
72
Calumet River, including Cal Sag
Channel, and Little Calumet River
from Cal Sag Channel to the Calu-
met River (PCBs)
Chicago River, North and South
Branches, North Shore Channel,
and Chicago Sanitary and Ship
Canal (PCBs)
Des Plaines River, Lockport to
Kankakee (PCBs)
Galena River (PCBs)
Herrin Lake #1 (PCBs)
Lake DePue (PCBs)
Lake Michigan (PCBs)
Lincoln Trail Lake (Hg)
Midlothian Reservoir (PCBs)
Mill Creek Lake (Hg)
Carp, Longer than 12”
Carp, Longer than 12”
Carp, Longer than 18”
Carp, Longer than 24”
Carp, all sizes
Channel Catfish, Longer than 24”
Channel Catfish, All sizes
Lake Trout, Longer than 30”
Largemouth Bass, 14” or Longer
Carp, Longer than 20”
Largemouth Bass, 19” or Longer
Illinois Water Body Do Not Eat
URBAN FISHING PROGRAM
WHO?
For children primarily but sport shermen of all ages can join in the fun.
WHAT?
Conservation oriented educational shing clinics free of charge.
WHERE?
Clinics are held at various sites in Chicago, Peoria, Alton, Bloomington, Cham-
paign, East St. Louis, Carbondale, Mt. Vernon, Springeld, Centralia, Decatur,
and Urbana.
WHEN?
Fishing clinics are held Monday through Friday, twice daily from the 1st week
of June through August.
WHY?
The purpose of these clinics is to teach sport shing ethics, sh ecology,
sh identication, shing techniques, and the proper care/preparation of
caught sh.
For more information call:
Chicago & Northeastern Illinois - (847) 294-4137
Northwestern Illinois - (815) 625-2903
Central Illinois - (217) 784-4730
Southern Illinois - (618) 786-3323
The Illinois Urban Fishing Program was launched in 1985 in Chicago, Illinois.
The program’s multiple objectives were (1) teach the sport of shing to all
age demographics, (2) enhance shing opportunities in densely populated
urban landscapes, and (3) seek to instill an appreciation and understanding of
natural resources. In 1994, the program was expanded state-wide and now
consists of the following three components:
1. Free summer shing clinics that include shing at nearby stocked ponds or
lagoons
2. School shing and non-shing education programs
3. Fishing and education programs at Scout and 4-H camps, city and state
parks, church camps, etc.
To enhance the shing experience, channel catsh and hybrid sunsh are
stocked at approximately 45 sites where shing clinics occur. Summer shing
clinics are held by DNR staff and trained volunteers. Our network of volun-
teers plays a pivotal role in the success of the program and as they typically
conduct over 250 shing clinics for close to 10,000 children and adults. Fish-
ing events outside of the summer clinics are hosted by DNR staff in addition to
non-shing Education Programs at schools and other settings during the year
to teach environmental education and an appreciation for natural resources,
and to promote summer shing programs. Collectively, around 2,000 shing
and non-shing events are conducted each year, involving nearly 100,000
participants.
The popular “Access to Fishing” rod and reel loaner program was established
in 1997 under the umbrella of the Urban Fishing Program. There are over 140
“Access to Fishing” loaner sites throughout Illinois, including libraries, park dis-
trict ofces, state parks, and even bait shops. The rods and reels are typically
borrowed roughly 14,000 times statewide by beginning anglers that may not
have shing gear. A list of Access to Fishing tackle loaner program locations
can be found here: https://www.ishillinois.org/programs/loaner.html.
ILLINOIS FISH AND YOUR HEALTH
Locally caught sh are a good source of lean protein and are often
rich in other nutrients such as omega-3 fatty acids, which may reduce
your risk for cardiovascular disease and are essential for childhood
development. Pregnant and nursing mothers can also pass omega-3s
to their infants in-utero and through breastmilk. In some Illinois waters,
chemicals such as polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and methylmercury
can build up in sh and can cause harm to people who eat them over
extended periods of time.
Illinois issues sh advisories for these waters to
help you plan what sport sh to eat and how often
they can be eaten. Advisories are not intended to
discourage you from eating sh but should be used
as a guide to eating sh low in contaminants. You
can access meal specic advice for Illinois water
bodies through the interactive sh advisory map here
or by using your phone to scan the QR code provided.
In addition to these advisories, a statewide methylmercury advisory
is in place for women who are or could someday become pregnant,
nursing mothers, and children younger than 15 years of age. The groups
included in the advisory may eat up to one meal per week of predatory
sh from any Illinois water body, unless special mercury advisories have
been issued. Special mercury advisories are based on site-specic sam-
pling data so they can be more restrictive than the statewide advisory. In
some cases, special mercury advisories also apply to men and women
beyond childbearing age.
You can reduce your exposure to chemicals
in sh by varying the type of sh you eat, opting
for younger, smaller sh, and following advisory
recommendations for Illinois waters. You can
also prepare sh in ways that reduce your expo-
sure to PCBs and other contaminants that build
up in fatty tissues of sh, such as by removing
skin and fatty areas and broiling, baking, or grill-
ing to allow fat to drip away.
These preparation methods will not reduce your exposure to meth-
ylmercury or other contaminants stored in the muscle tissue of sh. For
these contaminants, the only way to reduce your exposure is by limiting
the amount of contaminated sh eaten.
Though contaminant concentrations in Illinois sh have declined in
recent decades, there are some Illinois water bodies in which certain
sh should not be eaten. For a list of these water bodies, please
consult the table above.
For more information, contact the Illinois Department of Public Health
at 217-782-5830 or DPH.T[email protected], or visit the IDPH’s Fish
Advisories page to view the current sh advisories.
73
POINT SYSTEM
APPLICATION WITHIN ACTS
The point system applies to revocations/ sus-
pensions authorized under the following
conservation laws:
Fish and Aquatic Life Code
(515 ILCS 5)
Wildlife Code
(520 ILCS 5)
Endangered Species Protection Act
(520 ILCS 10)
Timber Buyers Licensing Act
(225 ILCS 735)
Ginseng Harvesting Act
(525 ILCS 20)
or any similar federal statutes or rules.
POINTS GROUPS
Each time a person is found guilty by a circuit
court of the State of Illinois (including super-
vision or conditional discharge) or by a U.S.
District Court in an Illinois District, the specific
number of points assigned to such violation
shall be charged against that person.
Petty Offense = 3 points
Class C Misdemeanor = 6 points
Class B Misdemeanor = 9 points
Class A Misdemeanor = 12 points
Class 4 Felony = 24 points
Class 3 Felony or higher = 60 points
Any violation committed during a period of
suspension = 60 points.
Group A
Wildlife Code, Endangered Species Pro-
tection Act (Wildlife) and Federal Offenses
(Wildlife)
Group B
Fish and Aquatic Life Code, Endangered
Species Protection Act (Aquatic Life) and
Federal Offenses (Aquatic Life)
Group C
Timber Buyers Licensing Act
Group D
Ginseng Harvesting Act, Endangered Spe-
cies Protection Act (Plants) and Federal
Offenses (Plants)
TYPES OF OFFENSES
Type I Offenses = those offenses related to commercial/
business activities covered under the Timber Buyer, Taxidermist,
Aquaculture, Fish Dealer, Minnow Dealer, Mussel Dealer, Game and
Game Bird Breeder, Wild Game Food Dealer, Fur Bearing
Animal Breeder, Fur Tanner or Migratory Waterfowl Hunting Area
licenses and permits
Type II Offenses = All other offenses related to activities covered
under licenses and permits. (Example: hunting, trapping, fishing,
etc.)
COMPUTATION OF SUSPENSION PERIODS
For Type I Offenses, any person who, within an 18 month period,
accumulates 13 or more points in a single group shall have all
licenses, permits and stamps relevant to engage in the activity
revoked, and the person’s privilege to engage in the activity shall be
suspended for a period of time that equals one month for each point
accumulated. All accumulated points shall remain in effect for 18
months from the date of arrest that resulted in the point accumula-
tion and shall not be removed or reduced by a period of suspension.
Any second or subsequent suspension imposed shall be served
consecutively to any earlier suspension.
For Type II Offenses, any person who, within a 36 month period
accumulates 13 or more points in a single group shall have all
licenses, permits and stamps relevant to that type and group
revoked, and the person’s privilege to engage in the activity
covered by the type and group shall be suspended for a period
of time that equals one month for each point accumulated. All
accumulated points shall remain in effect for 36 months from the
date of arrest that resulted in the point accumulation and shall not be
removed or reduced by a period of suspension. Any second or sub-
sequent suspension imposed shall be served consecutively to any
earlier suspension.
SINGLE INCIDENT RULE
The Single Incident Rule shall not be
applied in any cases where the highest level
violation is a Class A Misdemeanor or higher
(12 points or greater) or in cases where
violations occurred while the individual
was suspended.
In the event that multiple findings of guilt
are entered against an individual arising out
of a single incident or act, full points shall be
assessed only for the finding of guilt with
the high est point level with additional points
being assessed for the remaining findings of
guilt as follows:
Petty Offense = 1 point
Class C Misdemeanor = 2 points
Class B Misdemeanor = 3 points
POINT SYSTEM FOR REVOCATIONS/SUSPENSIONS
74
EXAMPLES:
A) Type I - Findings of Guilt for Separate Incidents: A person found guilty of violations of no taxidermy license and failure to keep proper
records (both Class B Misdemeanors, 9 points each) occurring on different dates is assessed the full 18 points, and revocation of taxidermy
license and suspension of taxidermy privileges only is imposed for a period of 18 months.
B) Type I - Findings of Guilt for a Single Incident: A person found guilty of the same violations as A) above (2 Class B Misdemeanors)
arising out of a single incident has no revocation/suspension imposed, with 12 points assessed (9+3).
C) Type II - Findings of Guilt for Separate Incidents: A person found guilty of unlawful possession of freshly killed Whitetail deer during
closed season (Class A Misdemeanor - 12 points) and taking an over limit of quail (Petty Offense - 3 points) has his/her hunting license,
trapping license, migratory waterfowl stamp, habitat stamp, deer/turkey permits, etc. revoked, and Type II privileges suspended in Group A for
a period of 15 months.
D) Type II - Findings of Guilt for a Single Incident
1) The person in C) above completes the 15 month suspension,
and two months later (less than 36 months from the date of the first
violation) again unlawfully possesses a freshly killed Whitetail deer
during closed season and is found guilty (12 points). This person’s
licenses are again revoked and privileges suspended for a period
of 27 months (15 + 12).
2) The person in C) above is found guilty of a violation under the
Wildlife Code that occurred during the time that his/her privileges
were suspended - 60 additional points are assessed and a
second suspension is imposed, to run consecutively after the
first suspension (15 + 60 = 75 months total).
1) A person found guilty of violations of taking game birds with a
rifle and no hunting license (Class A Misdemeanor and Petty
Offense) arising out of a single incident is assessed 15 points and
suspension imposed as described in C) above. The Single Incident
Rule does not apply to cases where the highest level violation
is a Class A Misdemeanor or higher.
2) A person found guilty of violations of taking deer without a permit
and no hunting license (Class B Misdemeanor and Petty Offense)
arising out of a single incident has no revocation/suspension
imposed, with 10 points assessed (9 + 1).
E) Imposition of Subsequent Suspensions
ADMINISTRATIVE ACTIONS AND ADDITIONAL PROVISIONS
The Department of Natural Resources may also hold an administrative hearing to revoke licenses/suspend privileges in certain egregious
cases, wherein a person has had a finding of guilt (including supervision or conditional discharge) in a circuit court of the State of Illinois or
by a U.S. District Court in an Illinois District, reGardless of whether or not sufficient points for suspension have been reached.
In addition, the Illinois Fish and Aquatic Life Code and Wildlife Code provisions reGarding the revocation of licenses/permits and suspension
of privileges also include the following: Any person whose license or permit has been revoked or his/her privileges suspended may not,
during the period of revocation/suspension 1) be in the company of any person engaged in the activity covered by the revocation/
suspension, or; 2) serve as a guide, outfitter or facilitator for any person who is engaged or prepared to engage in the activity covered by the
revocation/suspension, until such time as the period of revocation/suspension is completed and the appropriate licenses/permits have been
obtained.
REVOCATIONS/SUSPENSIONS IN OTHER STATES AND CANADA
It shall be unlawful for any person to be issued or obtain an Illinois license or permit or while in Illinois, engaged in any activity regulated by
the Illinois Fish and Aquatic Life Code or Wildlife Code during the time that person’s privileges to engage in the same or similar activities are
suspended or revoked by another state, by a federal agency or by a province of Canada.
PENALTIES FOR VIOLATIONS OF REVOCATIONS/SUSPENSIONS/DENIAL OF PRIVILEGE
Persons who violate the prohibitions of their revocation/suspension/denial of privileges shall be guilty of a Class A Misdemeanor with
penalties of up to 364 days jail time and up to $2500.00 in fines.
For more information, contact the Department of Natural Resources -
Office of Law Enforcement at (217) 782-6431, or visit www.dnr.illinois.gov
POINT SYSTEM FOR REVOCATIONS/SUSPENSIONS
75
BOUNDARY RIVERS SPORT FISHING
I FISH ILLINOIS WEBSITE
Illinois-Iowa
Ofcers of Illinois and Iowa will recognize and accept valid
sport shing licenses of either state when legally possessed
and used by hook-and-line sport shermen on the Mississippi
River proper forming a common boundary between Illinois and
Iowa, including its backwater lakes and sloughs contiguous
with the ow of waters in the main channel; provided that
you do not sh from or attach any device or equipment to
the main bank of the Mississippi under the jurisdiction of
the state where you are not licensed to sh. You can not
sh in any tributaries of the opposite state. You must conform
to the regulations of the state in which you are shing unless
the regulations of your licensing state are more restrictive,
then you must conform with the more restrictive regulations.
The center of the navigation channel is the boundary between
Illinois and Iowa. Tournaments shing Iowa waters must
have an Iowa shing tournament permit, even if launching
from the Illinois side of the river.
Illinois-Missouri
Ofcers of Illinois and Missouri will recognize and accept valid
sport shing licenses of either state when legally possessed
and used in the Mississippi River and its backwaters within the
boundary of Missouri adjacent to the state of Illinois. Persons
licensed in only one state may also sh in the other state’s
portion of any oxbow lakes through which the Illinois-
Missouri boundary passes, and may sh from or attach
any device or equipment to land under the jurisdiction of
the other state. Persons licensed in only one state may not
sh in tributaries of the Mississippi in the other state. Sport sh-
ermen shall comply with the regulations of the state in whose
waters they are shing unless the regulations of their licensing
state are more restrictive, then must comply with the more
restrictive regulations. The center of the navigation channel is
considered the boundary between Illinois and Missouri, except
in situations where it is clearly shown to be elsewhere.
Illinois-Kentucky
Each state will recognize the sport shing licenses and
appropriate permits of the other state on the main stem and
from the banks of the Ohio River, excluding embayments and
tributaries where the Ohio River forms the state boundary.
Embayments and tributaries shall be dened as a straight line
between opposite points where the tributary or embayment
connects with the main body of the Ohio River.
The shing regulations adopted by the state issuing a sport
shing license apply to the licenses when shing each state’s
respective waters, except that, all shermen shall conform with
the regulations of the state in which they are shing, unless the
regulations of the shermen’s licensing state are more restric-
tive, then the shermen must conform with the more restrictive
regulations. The regulations of the state where the sport shing
is occurring apply, if the licensee is shing from the bank.
Wildlife law enforcement ofcials of either state shall have
the right to inspect the licenses, harvest limits, creel limits, and
equipment of any person on the Ohio River subject to the laws
of either state.
Ofcers of Illinois and Kentucky will recognize and accept
valid sport shing licenses of either state when legally
possessed and used on the main stem of the Ohio River,
excluding embayments and tributaries.
Illinois-Indiana
Ofcers of Illinois and Indiana will recognize and accept valid
sport shing licenses of either state when legally possessed
and used on the Wabash River forming a common boundary
between Illinois and Indiana. Sport shermen shall not sh
on water beyond the natural and ordinary river banks of the
state in which they are not licensed to sh. Sport shermen
shall not sh from land attached to or taxed by the state in
which they are not licensed or sh in tributaries, bayous, or
backwaters of the state. Sport shermen must abide by the
laws of the state in which they are shing.
IFishIllinois.org is the one-stop, go-to website for all
sport fishermen fishing in Illinois waters!
From fishing reports to lake profile summaries to IDNR press
releases and opening notices, ifishillinois.org has everything
you need for a successful day out fishing on Illinois many
waterbodies, including:
• Fishing Reports
• Individual Lake Maps
• Information for over 250 lakes, streams and rivers in Illinois
• Fishing Regulations
• Angling Tips
• Illinois Sportfish Species Information
• Taking Kids Fishing
• Tournaments Application Information
• Locate your county biologist
• Tips for stocking your pond
• Angling awards and Fishing Records
• Catch-and-release guidelines
• Opening Day Notices
• IDNR Press Releases
Don’t forget to follow us on Facebook and Twitter for all the
latest information about Illinois angling!
76
Viral Hemorrhagic Septicemia (VHS) is a disease of sh caused by a virus previously unidentied in the Midwest. While it does not affect
humans, VHS can kill a substantial number of sh and has been spreading throughout the Great Lakes states.
Regulations have been implemented to slow the spread of this dangerous aquatic virus in Illinois. Sport shing and boating are both very popular
and important to the Illinois economy. The cooperation of anglers and boaters is essential in combating VHS.
The new regulations being implemented by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) regarding VHS that affect recreational sport
shermen and boaters include:
• Eliminating natural water from all equipment when leaving a body of water.
• Emptying and draining all bait buckets, livewells, baitwells, bilges, etc. or any other compartment capable of holding natural waters when
leaving a body of water.
• Live VHS-susceptible species (see below) must not be transported away from any waterbody. Anglers may harvest VHS-susceptible species
but may not transport those sh live from the waters where caught.
• Use of wild-trapped or caught shes from within the state as bait will be restricted to the waters where legally captured.
Fish Species Known to be Susceptible to VHS
While VHS is not known to be a threat to human health, sport shermen are still advised to wash their hands after handling sh and to cook
thoroughly any sh they plan to eat. If handling dead sh or sh that appear to be diseased, protective gloves should be worn.
VHS REGULATIONS
Monolament Can Kill
if not used or disposed of properly!
The tackle industry, recognizing a growing awareness and concern about lead in the environment, has begun to create steel, tin,
bismuth, or plastic sinkers. Consider using non-lead tackle when you go shing.
Here’s what you can do to help:
•
Ask local sporting good stores to stock non-lead shing tackle.
•
Spread the word by telling other sport shermen about the problem.
•
Dispose of old lead sinkers and jigs properly by locating a drop-off location.
LEAD TACKLE ADVISORY
MONOFILAMENT ADVISORY
The Illinois DNR would like to remind all sport shermen that the
improper use and disposal of shing line (a.k.a. monolament) can
have a dramatic impact on our wildlife. In addition to being an eye-
sore along our waterways, many shore birds, migratory birds, water-
fowl, and raptors have become entangled in monolament and died.
HOW ANIMALS COME IN CONTACT WITH MONOFILAMENT
There are a variety of ways animals encounter monolament.
Shore birds and waterfowl have been entangled in the litter
while wading or swimming. Raptors and sh-eating waterfowl
have ingested hooks and monolament from sh that broke the
line. Some migratory birds have used it as nesting material.
Starvation is the most common demise for animals
encountering monolament. The line wraps around the neck
or accumulates in the stomach, preventing the ingestion of food.
It can also immobilize the animals by wrapping around the legs,
or securing them to stationary objects.
HOW YOU CAN HELP
Help from all anglers is needed to reduce the amount of shing
line in the environment. By using common sense and respecting
our waterways, we can all help to reduce the risk of wildlife
related mortalities due to monolament.
•
Properly dispose of unused monolament in trash containers.
•
Use the appropriate test line for the desired sh and shing
technique.
•
Replace monolament yearly. Replacing your monolament
annually can reduce the chance of breaking the line.
•
Take the initiative while enjoying Illinois’ waters. Help
keep Illinois’ waterways clean by picking-up discarded mono-
lament and tackle along the shores. An ounce of
prevention is worth a pound of cure.
Black Crappie
Bluegill
Bluntnose Minnow
Brown Bullhead
Brown Trout
Burbot
Channel Catsh
Chinook Salmon
Emerald Shiner
Freshwater Drum
Gizzard Shad
Hybrid (Tiger) Muskie
Lake Whitesh
Largemouth Bass
Muskellunge
Shorthead Redhorse
Northern Pike
Pumpkinseed
Rainbow Trout
Rock Bass
Round Goby
Silver Redhorse
Smallmouth Bass
Spottail Shiner
Trout-Perch
Walleye
White Bass
White Perch
Yellow Perch
BC1
ROBERT H. TORSTENSON
FAMILY FOUNDATION
The Jared Burke Foundation was founded by 2021 Illinois Outdoor Hall of Fame inductee – John
Burke - in memory of his brother Jared Burke. The foundation provides positive outdoor experiences
for the disabled, disadvantaged, Veterans and First Responders. Check them out by scanning the QR
Code or visiting their Facebook.
www.facebook.com/JaredBurkeFoundation
