What You Pay for an Illinois Fishing License

An Illinois fishing license costs $19.99 for a one-year resident license if you are 16 or older and live in the state. A three-day license costs $9.99. Non-residents pay $39.99 for a one-year license or $24.99 for a five-day license. You buy these directly from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) website, by phone, or at authorized vendors like bait shops and sporting goods stores.

Some people do not need a license at all. Children under 16 can fish for free without one. Adults 65 and older who are Illinois residents also fish free. If you hold a current Illinois hunting license, you can fish without buying a separate fishing license. Military members on active duty get free fishing licenses if they show a valid military ID at the time of purchase.

Prices can change, so check the IDNR website before you buy to confirm the current cost. The license is valid for one year from the date you purchase it, not from January 1st.

Key Takeaways

  • A one-year Illinois resident fishing license costs $19.99; non-residents pay $39.99.
  • Children under 16 and residents 65 and older do not need to buy a license to fish.
  • You can purchase a license online through the IDNR website, by phone, or at bait and tackle shops throughout the state.
  • A three-day resident license costs $9.99 if you only want to fish for a short trip.
  • Your license is valid for one year from the purchase date, not the calendar year.

Where to Buy Your License

The easiest way to buy a license is online at the IDNR website. You can purchase it when ready and print it at home or have it sent to your phone. The process takes about five minutes and you can start fishing the same day.

If you prefer to buy in person, visit any authorized vendor. These include bait and tackle shops, sporting goods stores like Cabela's and Bass Pro Shops, and some Walmart and Kmart locations. Call ahead to confirm the vendor near you carries licenses, since not every store does.

You can also buy by phone by calling the IDNR directly. Have your payment method ready and your Illinois driver's license number if you are a resident.

Types of Licenses and Who Needs One

The one-year resident license is the most common choice and covers all freshwater and some saltwater fishing in Illinois for 12 months. The three-day license is cheaper and works if you are visiting or only fish occasionally. A one-day license does not exist in Illinois, so the three-day is the shortest option available.

Non-residents have the same options but at higher prices. A five-day non-resident license costs $24.99 and is useful if you are visiting from out of state for a week or less. The one-year non-resident license at $39.99 makes sense if you plan to fish in Illinois multiple times during the year.

You do not need a separate license to fish for certain species. Check the IDNR website for rules on trout, salmon, and other special fish — some have their own stamps or tags you must buy in addition to your base license.

What Your License Covers

Your Illinois fishing license lets you fish in all public waters in the state, including lakes, rivers, and ponds. It covers freshwater fish like bass, catfish, crappie, and bluegill. Some saltwater fishing in Lake Michigan is also covered, but rules vary by species and season.

The license does not cover private property. You still need the landowner's permission to fish on private land, even with a valid license. It also does not cover special permits for certain fish. If you want to fish for trout in designated trout streams, you may need to buy a trout stamp in addition to your base license.

Your license is personal to you. You cannot lend it to someone else or fish under someone else's license. Each person fishing must have their own license (unless they are exempt, like children under 16).

Exemptions and Free Fishing

Illinois residents who are 65 or older do not pay for a fishing license. You will need to show proof of age, such as a driver's license, when you fish. Children under 16 can fish free at any time without a license, as long as an adult is present.

Active-duty military members get free licenses. Show your military ID at the time of purchase, either online or at a vendor. Veterans and disabled veterans may also may have access to for discounts or free licenses — check the IDNR website for current veteran programs.

If you hold a current Illinois hunting license, you do not need to buy a separate fishing license. The hunting license covers both activities. This is a money-saver if you do both.

How to Check Your License Status

If you bought your license online, you should receive a confirmation email right away with your license number. Print that email or save it to your phone — you must show proof of your license when you fish. Some people take a photo of their printed license to keep on their phone.

If you bought in person at a vendor, you will receive a physical license card or a receipt that serves as proof. Keep it with you while fishing. If you lose it, you can reprint your license from the IDNR website if you have your confirmation number, or buy a replacement at any vendor.

You can also call the IDNR to confirm your license is active. Have your license number or driver's license number ready.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fish in Illinois with an out-of-state license?

No. You must have an Illinois license to fish in Illinois waters, even if you hold a valid license from another state. However, non-resident licenses are available for visitors, and a five-day license is cheaper than a full-year license if you are only in the state briefly.

Do I need a license to fish in a private pond?

You need the landowner's permission to fish on private property, but you do not need a state license if the pond is entirely on private land and does not connect to public waters. If you are unsure whether a pond is public or private, contact the IDNR or the local park district.

What happens if I fish without a license?

Fishing without a license in Illinois is a violation that can result in a fine. The amount varies, but fines start at $75 and can go higher depending on the violation. It is cheaper and easier to buy a license upfront than to deal with a citation.

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

You can purchase a license online or at a vendor and give the confirmation number or physical card to someone else, but the license must be registered to the person who will use it. That person may need to show ID when fishing to prove the license is theirs.

Does my license cover ice fishing?

Yes. The same fishing license covers ice fishing in winter. You do not need a separate license or permit for ice fishing, though some species may have special rules about how many you can keep or what size they must be.