What an Illinois fishing license costs

An Illinois fishing license for residents costs $19.99 for a one-year license. Non-residents pay $39.99 for the same period. If you want a three-day non-resident license, the cost is $24.99. Illinois also sells a one-day non-resident license for $9.99, which is useful if you are visiting for a short trip.

These prices cover freshwater fishing in Illinois public waters. If you plan to fish in Lake Michigan, you will need a separate Lake Michigan stamp, which costs $10 for residents and $15 for non-residents. The stamp is added to your base license, not sold alone.

Senior residents (age 65 and older) and disabled residents pay $7.99 for a one-year license. Children under 16 do not need a license to fish in Illinois, though they must follow all other fishing rules.

Key Takeaways

  • Illinois resident fishing licenses cost $19.99 per year, and non-resident licenses cost $39.99 per year.
  • Non-residents can buy shorter licenses: three days for $24.99 or one day for $9.99.
  • A Lake Michigan stamp costs $10 for residents and $15 for non-residents and must be added to your base license.
  • You can buy a license online through the Illinois Department of Natural Resources website, by phone, or at authorized retailers across the state.
  • Children under 16 do not need a license, and seniors 65 and older pay a reduced rate of $7.99.

Where to buy your license in Illinois

The fastest way to buy a license is online through the Illinois Department of Natural Resources website. You can purchase and print your license when ready, and it is valid right away. You will need a valid driver's license or state ID number to complete the purchase online.

You can also call the Illinois Department of Natural Resources at 217-782-6302 to buy a license over the phone. They accept credit and debit cards. If you prefer to buy in person, thousands of retailers across Illinois sell licenses, including Walmart, Dick's Sporting Goods, Cabela's, and local bait and tackle shops. Call ahead to confirm the retailer near you has licenses in stock.

Mail-in purchases are also an option if you send a check or money order to the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, though this takes longer and you cannot fish until your license arrives.

How long your license lasts

A one-year resident or non-resident license runs from January 1 to December 31 of that calendar year. If you buy a license in June, it remains valid through December 31 of that same year — you do not get a full year from the purchase date. This means buying early in the year gives you more fishing time for the same price.

Non-resident three-day and one-day licenses are counted from the day you buy them. A three-day license purchased on a Friday is valid through Sunday. A one-day license is valid only for the calendar day you purchase it.

What your license covers

Your Illinois fishing license covers freshwater fishing in all public waters throughout the state, including rivers, lakes, and ponds. It does not cover private property — you must have the landowner's permission to fish on private land, even with a valid license.

The license does not include special permits for certain fish species. If you want to fish for trout in designated trout streams, you need a separate trout stamp, which costs $12.99 for residents and $17.99 for non-residents. Salmon and steelhead fishing in Lake Michigan requires an additional salmon and steelhead stamp ($10 for residents, $15 for non-residents).

Your license also does not cover commercial fishing or selling your catch. It is for personal use only.

Replacing a lost or damaged license

If your license is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can get a replacement through the Illinois Department of Natural Resources website or by calling 217-782-6302. A replacement costs $5. You will need to provide your driver's license number and the original purchase date if you remember it.

Replacements are issued when ready online or within a few business days by mail. If you buy online, you can print your replacement right away and fish the same day.

Fishing rules you need to know

Having a license is only the first step. Illinois has specific rules about what you can catch, how many, and when. Daily catch limits vary by species — for example, you can keep up to 5 largemouth bass per day, but only 1 muskellunge. Some waters have different limits, so check the Illinois Department of Natural Resources website for the specific water you plan to fish.

Certain fish species have minimum size requirements. Largemouth bass must be at least 12 inches long, and walleye must be at least 15 inches. Fishing seasons also vary — some species are open year-round, while others have closed seasons. Trout season, for instance, runs from early January through early October in most areas.

You must carry your license with you while fishing. A printed copy or a digital copy on your phone both count as proof. If a conservation officer asks to see it, you must show it when ready.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fish without a license if I am visiting Illinois for just one day?

No, you need a license even for one day of fishing. Non-residents can buy a one-day license for $9.99, which is the cheapest option for a short visit. You can purchase it online and fish the same day.

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

Your base license covers all freshwater fish species. However, certain species require additional stamps: trout ($12.99), salmon and steelhead in Lake Michigan ($10), and Lake Michigan fishing itself ($10 or $15 depending on residency). Your base license alone does not cover these.

What happens if I fish without a valid license?

Fishing without a license is a violation of Illinois law. Penalties include fines and possible confiscation of your fishing equipment. The exact penalty depends on the circumstances and whether it is a first or repeat offense.

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

Yes, you can buy a license online or at a retailer and give it to someone else. The person receiving the license will need to provide their own driver's license or ID number if buying online, so it is often easier to give them a gift card or the money to purchase it themselves.

Does my Illinois license work in other states?

No, your Illinois license is valid only in Illinois. If you fish in another state, you must purchase that state's license. Some states offer reciprocal agreements with Illinois, but you still need a separate license for each state.