Illinois Fishing Compliance Checklist
Source: Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR). Fees verified for 2026. Generated by FishFig — informational only, not legal advice.
1 · What license do you need?
| Angler | Annual fee |
|---|---|
| Resident | $15.00 |
| Non-resident | $31.50 |
Source: Illinois Department of Natural Resources — 2026 license fees (ExploreMoreIL). (2026). Verify the exact product and any one-day or short-term options with the agency.
2 · Size & bag limits
| 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. |
3 · Required stamps & report cards
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.
4 · Legal citations
- IL IDNR 2026 Illinois Fishing Regulations.
- IL IDNR 2026 Illinois Fishing Regulations.
- Illinois Department of Natural Resources — 2026 license fees (ExploreMoreIL). (2026)
Always confirm current fees, seasons, and closures with Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) before fishing. This checklist is a planning aid and may not reflect in-season changes.