What Illinois fishing licenses cost

An Illinois resident fishing license costs $19.99 for one year. A three-day license costs $9.99. A one-day license costs $7.99. Non-residents pay $39.99 for a year-long license, $24.99 for a three-day license, and $14.99 for a one-day license.

These prices are set by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources and have remained stable, though the department can adjust them. Prices do not vary by county or region within Illinois — you pay the same amount whether you fish in Lake Michigan or the Wabash River.

You can buy a license online through the Illinois DNR website, by phone at 217-782-6424, or in person at bait and tackle shops, sporting goods stores, and some Walmart locations. Online purchase is fastest and takes effect when ready. In-person purchases at retail locations may take a few minutes while the seller processes the transaction.

Key Takeaways

  • Illinois resident licenses cost $19.99 per year, $9.99 for three days, or $7.99 for one day.
  • Non-resident licenses cost $39.99 per year, $24.99 for three days, or $14.99 for one day.
  • You can purchase online through the Illinois DNR website, by phone, or at retail locations like bait shops and sporting goods stores.
  • Your license becomes active when ready when purchased online and covers the calendar year or your chosen time period.

Who needs a license in Illinois

Anyone 16 years old or older must have a valid fishing license to fish in Illinois public waters. This includes lakes, rivers, ponds, and reservoirs managed by the state. The license requirement applies whether you fish from shore, a boat, or wade into the water.

Children under 16 do not need a license. Residents of other states who are visiting Illinois must purchase a non-resident license unless they hold a reciprocal agreement with their home state — a small number of states have reciprocal fishing agreements with Illinois, meaning residents of those states can fish in Illinois without a license. Check the Illinois DNR website to see if your state has this agreement.

Resident versus non-resident pricing

Illinois charges different prices depending on whether you live in the state. To be classified as a resident, you must have lived in Illinois for at least 30 consecutive days when ready before you purchase your license. Military members stationed in Illinois are considered residents for licensing purposes.

Non-residents include anyone who does not meet the 30-day residency requirement. This covers tourists, people visiting family, and people who recently moved to Illinois but have not yet completed the 30-day window. Non-resident licenses cost roughly double the resident price across all time periods.

What your license covers

An Illinois fishing license allows you to fish for most freshwater species, including bass, catfish, bluegill, crappie, and pike. It does not cover trout fishing in designated trout streams — trout require a separate trout stamp that costs $12.99 for residents and $12.99 for non-residents. You must carry both your base license and the trout stamp when fishing for trout.

Your license also does not cover fishing in private waters on someone else's property. If you fish on private land, you need the landowner's permission but not a state license. Commercial fishing, netting, and spearfishing require different permits and are not covered by a standard recreational license.

How long your license lasts

A year-long license runs from January 1 through December 31 of the calendar year you purchase it. If you buy a license on June 15, it remains valid through December 31 of that year — you do not get a full 12 months from your purchase date. This means buying a license late in the year is cheaper per month of use, but you will need to renew in January.

Three-day and one-day licenses begin on the day you purchase them and run for the number of days stated. A three-day license purchased on a Monday is valid Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday. A one-day license is valid only on the day of purchase.

Where to buy your license

The fastest route is the Illinois DNR website at www2.illinois.gov/dnr. You can purchase and print your license when ready, or have it sent to your email. You do not need to print it — the DNR accepts a digital copy on your phone.

You can also call the Illinois DNR at 217-782-6424 during business hours. A staff member will process your purchase over the phone and mail the license to you, which takes five to seven business days.

Retail locations include bait and tackle shops, Cabela's, Bass Pro Shops, Walmart sporting goods departments, and some local hardware stores. Call ahead to confirm the store carries licenses, since not all locations in a chain do. Retail staff can issue your license on the spot, though you may wait in line.

What to bring when you fish

You must carry your license with you whenever you fish. If you purchased online and printed it, bring the printed copy. If you have a digital copy on your phone, that counts — the DNR does not require a physical document. If you purchased by phone and are waiting for the mailed copy, contact the DNR to request a temporary license number you can write down and carry.

Illinois Department of Natural Resources officers check licenses during routine patrols. Fishing without a valid license or without your license on you can result in a fine. The penalty varies but typically ranges from $75 to $500 depending on the violation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fish in Illinois with a license from another state?

No, unless your state has a reciprocal agreement with Illinois. Most states do not. Check the Illinois DNR website to see if your home state is listed. If it is not, you must purchase an Illinois license to fish legally in the state.

Do I need a separate license for each type of fish?

No. One license covers all freshwater species except trout. Trout requires an additional stamp. You do not need separate licenses for bass, catfish, bluegill, or any other non-trout species.

What happens if I lose my license?

Contact the Illinois DNR at 217-782-6424 and provide your purchase information. They can issue a replacement or provide a temporary license number. There is no additional charge for a replacement.

Can I buy a license for someone else as a gift?

Yes. You can purchase a license online or by phone using the recipient's information, or buy a gift card at a retail location that sells licenses. The recipient can then use the card to purchase their own license at the time and duration they choose.

Do senior citizens get a discount on fishing licenses?

Illinois does not offer a reduced-price senior license. All residents pay the same price regardless of age, as long as they are 16 or older. Disabled veterans may be may be able to access for a free license — contact the Illinois DNR to learn whether you may have access to.