The 2025 Illinois fall trout fishing season will open Saturday, October 18th, at 60 ponds, lakes, and streams throughout the state.
Early fall catch-and-release trout fishing will open at select sites on October 4th. No trout may be taken from any of the stocked sites until the season opens at 5 a.m. October 18th. The daily catch limit is five trout.
All anglers must have an Illinois fishing license and inland trout stamp which are available at IDNR license and permit locations, including many bait shops, sporting goods stores, and other retail outlets. Check the IDNR agent locator website for locations. The public can purchase fishing licenses and trout stamps online.
The Illinois Catchable Trout Program is funded by those who use the program through the sale of inland trout stamps. The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) stocks more than 80,000 rainbow trout each year in bodies of water where trout fishing is permitted during the fall season. An additional 80,000 trout are stocked for the spring season that begins each April.
For information about site regulations, anglers should contact individual sites that will be stocked with catchable-size trout. Anglers are reminded to check the opening time of the sites prior to the opening date.
The fall trout season offers opportunities for families to get outdoors and enjoy fishing. Resources are available for taking kids fishing online. For more information on trout seasons and other Illinois fishing opportunities, visit www.ifishillinois.org.