Gearing up for fishing in Illinois? Don't forget the license. Here's what you need to know

Chris Sims, Journal Star
Updated ·2 min read
An angler casts his fishing rod at sunrise.
An angler casts his fishing rod at sunrise.

It's that time of year to grab your tackle box and hit your favorite Illinois fishing hole.

Do you have a fishing license yet? Or do you even need one?

Let's take a look and see what the Illinois Department of Natural Resources says you need to fish in the state of Illinois.

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Do you need a fishing license in Illinois?

Yes, according to the Illinois DNR. However, there are a few exemptions based on age, disability or military status. Anyone declared legally disabled or blind is allowed to fish without a license, as well as active military personnel home on leave who entered the service from Illinois as an Illinois resident.

At what age do you need a fishing license in Illinois?

Anyone under the age of 16 is not required to have a fishing license.

How to get a fishing license online in Illinois?

License sales begin on March 1 each year and expire on March 31 of the following year. So, licenses purchased on or after March 1, 2023, will not expire until March 31, 2024.

Fishing licenses and stamps can be bought at www2.illinois.gov/dnr/. Boat and hunting licenses can also be purchased online.

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How much does a fishing license cost in Illinois?

According to the Illinois DNR, fees are subject to change and additional transaction fees may apply. Prices listed below include agent's fees:

  • Annual resident sport fishing license: $15 (qualifying resident veterans are half price)

  • Resident sport fishing 24-hour license: $5.50 (doesn't include salmon or trout privileges)

  • Nonresident sport fishing 24-hour license: $10.50 (doesn't include salmon or trout privileges)

  • Nonresident sport fishing, 3 days: $15.50

  • Annual nonresident sport fishing: $31.50

  • Resident sportsmen’s license: $26.25 (combined hunting and fishing licenses; qualifying resident veterans are half price)

  • Lake Michigan salmon stamp: $6.50 (licensed sport fishermen only)

  • Inland trout stamp: $6.50 (licensed sport fishermen only; all waters except Lake Michigan)

  • Resident lifetime sport fishing: $435

  • Resident lifetime combined: $765

How much is a senior license in Illinois?

According to the Illinois DNR, fees are subject to change and additional transaction fees may apply. Prices listed below include agent's fees:

  • Resident sport fishing, 65 years old and over: $7.75

  • Resident sport fishing, 75 years old and over: $1.50

  • Resident senior sportsmen’s license, 65 years old and over: $13.50 (combined hunting and fishing licenses)

  • Lake Michigan salmon stamp, resident 75 years and over: $0.50 (licensed sport fishermen only)

  • Inland trout stamp, resident 75 years and over: $0.50 (licensed sport fishermen only; all waters except Lake Michigan)

For more information on Illinois fishing regulations, visit dnr.illinois.gov.

Chris Sims is a digital producer for the Journal Star. Follow him on Twitter: @ChrisFSims.

This article originally appeared on Journal Star: Need an Illinois fishing license? Here's what you need to know