The past couple years have seen some state fishing records shattered with as many as 7 record-breakers in a single year! Don't learn the hard way that your catch would have qualified for a state record! We have a listing of state record fish by species and directions for what to do if you think you've caught a state record fish , either by bow or hook and line.
So be sure to contact your biologist if you think you've caught a record holder This guide went into effect April 1, The guide is available in both English and Spanish. You can download a copy of the guide here: English Spanish Printed copies should now be available at your favorite outlet soon.
In its continuing efforts to further reduce the spread of Asian Carp in our waterways, IDNR has embarked on an exciting new initiative to improve the perception — and ultimately increase human consumption — of these healthy, delicious fish.
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Learn new fishing skills, boating resources, fishing etiquette, conservation and more. Get Licensed. Back Close. How to Fish. Freshwater Fishing. Fish Species Smallmouth Bass. Coho Salmon. Get A Fishing License Get started fishing today, purchase your fishing license online, check regulations and more. An Illinois fishing license grants you the legal ability to fish in Illinois, whether or not you are a resident. Generally, Illinois residents pay less for an Illinois fishing license than non-residents.
Commercial Illinois fishing licenses are sold separate from residential Illinois fishing licenses. Once you have your Illinois fishing license for the fishing year, it is also important that you review additional Illinois fishing laws, regulations and guidelines before fishing in Illinois. Senior citizens and young children may not have to buy an Illinois fishing license, or could receive a discount. It's important that you check either online or at your point of sale if you are subject to a discounted fishing license.
A: No. People exempt from purchasing fishing licenses are also exempt from purchasing a trout stamp. Q: Do non-resident children need a fishing license?
Non-resident anglers under 16 years of age may fish without a license. Q: Do Seniors get a free fishing license? A: Seniors who are residents of Illinois and are aged 65 and older receive a reduced fee for fishing and sport licenses. Q: Do I qualify for a free license based on my disability? A: In order for disabled or blind persons who are Illinois residents to fish without a license, the person must be able to show proof of disability in the form of one of the following:.
There is no disability fishing permit that you need. All you need is your disabled card from the Secretary of State, but you must have it with you when fishing.
Q: Am I exempt from purchasing a fishing license because I am in the military? A: Maybe. 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 fish without a license while on leave.
NOTE: In recognition of the services of Illinois resident veterans, the Department of Natural Resources will issue veterans a current fishing license, sportsmen's combination license or hunting license at one-half the current fee. Half-priced licenses are available to resident veterans of the U. Armed Forces after returning from service abroad, or mobilization by the President of the United States. Veterans must contact the Springfield office to obtain a half-priced license. Please call A: If you yourself are not participating in fishing, you do not.
However, if you plan to join the children and we encourage you to do so! Children under the age of 16 do not require a license. For some tips on taking your children fishing, see our Taking Kids Fishing section. Q: Do I have to have my physical license with me when I go fishing or can I just have a picture of it on my phone?
A: An electronic copy of the license is allowed. Q: Do I need a fishing license to fish my private pond located entirely on my property? Owners or tenants if they reside on the land may fish in waters on or flowing over their lands without a license.
This exemption does not apply to club and organizational lakes or lake developments. Guests must have a fishing license to fish the lake unless they meet any of the requirements exempting persons from needing a license - such as being under age 16, Illinois residents who are disabled or blind, or Illinois residents on leave from active duty in the Armed Forces.
Q: Do I need a fishing license to fish our subdivision's private lake? A: Yes. Many people believe that if they live in a subdivision with a lake, they are a landowner and exempt from having a fishing license.
This is not correct. Q: What is the bag limit and size limit on the different game fish species? A: Statewide regulations can be found on page 7 of the fishing regulations guide while site specific regulations can be found on pages of the guide. Q: Where can I find fishing reports?
A: Fishing reports can be found here: Illinois Fishing Reports. Q: How do I find out about boating rules on Illinois lakes? Q: What should I do if I catch a tagged fish? A: Angler participation is crucial to the success of our sport fish management, which depends on reports from anglers of recaptured fish with tags to assess fish movements, habitat use, and population size.
Returning tagged fish improves the quality of the data the research team can collect by making as many multiple captures of tagged fish as possible.
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