Illinois Fishing License & Regulations
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Not legal advice. FishFig is an informational guide. License fees, size/bag limits, and seasons change yearly and vary by water, species, and zone. Always confirm the current rule with the state agency (linked on every regulations page) before you buy a license or keep fish. When in doubt, check the official source.
Illinois — License & Regulations
Agency: Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR)
| Resident annual fee | $15.00 (2026) |
|---|---|
| Non-resident annual fee | $31.50 |
| Source | Illinois Department of Natural Resources — 2026 license fees (ExploreMoreIL). |
Size & bag limits (representative)
| Species | Min size | Bag limit | Citation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Largemouth & Smallmouth Bass | — | 6 | IL IDNR 2026 Illinois Fishing Regulations. |
| Channel Catfish | — | 6 | IL IDNR 2026 Illinois Fishing Regulations. |
IL IDNR 2026: resident annual sport fishing $15; senior (65–74) $7.75; nonresident $31.50. Inland Trout Stamp $6.50 and Lake Michigan Salmon Stamp $6.50 required for those species. License year Mar 1–Mar 31.