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If you plan a fishing trip to Illinois, the first step is getting your Illinois Fishing License. Fortunately, the process is relatively straightforward.
You only need proof of residency, identification, and an Illinois Sport Fishing stamp.
Several types of Illinois sport fishing licenses are also available for different kinds of anglers, so make sure to pick the one that best fits your needs.
This post will cover everything you need to know to obtain a valid fishing license, including any special regulations or restrictions you want to know about before hitting the water.
Table of Contents
Who Needs a Fishing License in Illinois
| IL Fishing License Requirements | Resident Age | Non-Resident Age | Resident Blind or Disabled Person | Resident Active duty, Armed Forces Members |
| 16+ | 16+ | Not Required | Not Required |
Illinois residents may obtain a sport fishing license after residing there for 30 days. Licenses expire on March 31 each year.
What Age Do You Need an Illinois Fishing License?
Residents
Illinois fishing license age requirement for residents is 16 and up.
People declared legally disabled or blind and owners or tenants on their own land are exempt from needing a license.
Active duty Armed Forces members, who entered service from Illinois and are also residents, are allowed to fish without a license while on leave.
Half-priced sport fishing and sportsman’s licenses are available to U.S. Armed Forces resident veterans returning from service abroad or mobilization by the President of the United States.
Non-residents
Non-residents under 16 years of age are exempt from needing a license.
All other fishermen from out of state must purchase an Illinois non-resident fishing license before fishing (except in licensed fee fishing areas or on boundary rivers).
Lastly, non-residents holding licenses from states bordering Illinois are not required to have an Illinois out-of-state fishing license to fish on the Illinois side of rivers adjoining the licensing state.
Combo Fishing/Hunting License
| Hunting and Fishing Combination Licenses | Price |
| Resident Sportsmen’s Combination Hunting/Fishing Lifetime License | $765.00 |
| Resident Senior Sportsmen’s Combination Hunting/Fishing License | $13.50 |
| Resident Sportsmen’s Combination Hunting/Fishing License | $26.25 |
| Resident Veteran Sportsmen’s Combination Hunting/Fishing License (Prior Certification Required) | $13.50 |
A State of Illinois Hunting and Fishing Combination License is a license that allows the holder to hunt and fish in Illinois in accordance with the state’s regulations. The license includes all hunting and fishing privileges, including archery.
Trout Stamp
In the state of Illinois, anyone over the age of 16 is required to have a Trout Stamp to fish for trout.
Children under 16 are exempt and do not need a Trout Stamp. Other individuals exempt from fishing licenses also do not need a Trout Stamp.
Lake Michigan Salmon Stamp
A stamp is necessary if you plan to fish for Salmon in Lake Michigan. This stamp allows anglers to do so.
How to Buy an Illinois Fishing License
The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (DNR) offers three different ways that people can purchase fishing licenses. Online, in person, at a licensed vendor, or over the phone.
You will need to have the approved forms of ID to be able to make the purchase.
For resident anglers, you will need the following documents:
- Proof of residency (bank statement or utility bill)
- Illinois Driver’s License or ID
- Social Security Card
To renew an Illinois Resident license, all you need is your previous IDNR license.
Non-residents looking to get a fishing license in Illinois will need to present the following items:
- Previous IDNR license (if applicable)
- Resident state driver’s license
- Social security card
Online
To purchase an Illinois fishing license online, you first need to create an account on Explore More Illinois website. Fill out the short application, and finish the ordering process.
Licenses ordered online are able to be reprinted from the angler’s account anytime for free.
Local Retailers
You can also buy an Illinois DNR fishing license in person from a local licensed vendor.
By Phone
Lastly, you can purchase your fishing license over the phone by calling 1-866-716-6550.
How Much is a Fishing License in Illinois?
| IL fishing license & Price | |
| Fishing License Illinois Resident | |
| Resident Commercial Fishing Device License Tags A | $3.50 |
| Resident Commercial Fishing Device License Tags B | $18.50 |
| Resident Commercial Roe Dealer License | $500.50 |
| Resident Commercial Roe Harvester License | $250.00 |
| Resident Fishing License | $15.00 |
| Resident Initial Commercial Fishing License | $60.50 |
| Resident Lifetime Fishing License | $435.00 |
| Resident Lifetime Sportsmen’s Combination Hunting/Fishing License | $765.00 |
| Resident Mussel Dealer License | $300.50 |
| Resident Only Mussel License | $50.50 |
| Resident Retail Aquatic Life Dealer License | $10.50 |
| Resident Retail Minnow Dealer License | $5.50 |
| Resident Fishing Senior License | $7.75 |
| Resident Senior Sportsmen’s Combination Hunting/Fishing License | $13.50 |
| Resident Sport Fishing License (24 hour) | $5.50 |
| Resident Sportsmen’s Combination Hunting/Fishing License | $26.25 |
| Resident Super Senior Fishing License | $1.50 |
| Resident Super Senior Inland Trout Stamp | $0.50 |
| Resident Super Senior Lake Michigan Salmon Stamp | $0.50 |
| Resident Super Senior Sportsman Combo Hunting License and Fishing License | $2.75 |
| Resident Veteran Fishing License (Prior Certification Required) | $7.75 |
| Resident Veteran Sportsmen’s Combination Hunting/Fishing License (Prior Certification Required) | $13.50 |
| Resident Wholesale Aquatic Life Dealer License | $50.50 |
| Resident Wholesale Minnow Dealer License | $25.50 |
| Fishing License Illinois Non-Resident | |
| Non-Resident Aquatic Life Dealer License | $100.75 |
| Non-Resident Commercial Fishing Device Tags A | $6.50 |
| Non-Resident Commercial Fishing Device Tags B | $36.50 |
| Non-Resident Commercial Roe Dealer License | $1,500.50 |
| Non-Resident Commercial Roe Harvester License | $3,500.00 |
| Non-Resident Fishing License | $31.50 |
| Non-Resident Fishing License (3 day) | $15.50 |
| Non-Resident Initial Commercial Fishing License | $300.50 |
| Non-Resident Mussel Dealer License | $2,500.75 |
| Non-Resident Sport Fishing License (24 hour) | $10.50 |
| Special Stamps and Licenses | |
| Electronic Inland Trout Stamp | $6.50 |
| Electronic Lake Michigan Salmon Stamp | $6.50 |
| Interstate Minnow Dealer License | $500.00 |
Free Fishing Day
Free fishing days are designated days in the year where both residents and non-residents are able to fish without a license. These days typically take place in the early summer.
Anyone will be able to legally fish in any waters within the jurisdiction of the state of Illinois, including the Illinois portion of Lake Michigan, without having to possess a sport fishing license.
Fee Fishing Areas
Daily fee fishing areas are defined as any privately owned bodies of water. Controlled, operated, or managed for fishing and utilized by anglers who pay a daily fee, either directly or indirectly.
A sport fishing license and Inland Trout Stamp are not required to fish in an Illinois Department of Natural Resources licensed daily fee fishing area.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can you fish in Illinois without a license?
You can fish in Illinois without a license under the following circumstances:
– You are under the age of 16
– You are a blind or disabled resident
– A Resident on active military service
– Fishing on a fee fishing area
– Fishing on private property
– Fishing during a free fishing day
Additionally, a Trout Stamp is not necessary for anyone who falls into any of these categories.
How do I get a free fishing license in Illinois?
You can get a free fishing license in Illinois if you are a resident who has a disability or a person on active duty in the Armed Forces.
What do I need to get a fishing license in Illinois?
What you need to get a fishing license in Illinois is dependent on whether or not it is your first time purchasing a fishing license and whether or not you’re a resident.
– Proof of residency (bank statement or utility bill)
– Illinois Driver’s License or ID
– Social Security Card
For Illinois Resident license renewals, all you need is your previous IDNR license.
If you are not a resident of Illinois looking to get your license, you will need the following items:
– Previous IDNR license (if applicable)
– Resident state driver’s license
– Social security card
Can I get an Illinois fishing license at Walmart?
You can get an Illinois fishing license from Walmart or any licensed vendor.
Final Thoughts
While it can be fun to do your part by setting out with your tackle box and hoping for success, it’s important to remember that you need to get an Illinois Fishing License if you plan to fish within its borders.
Not only does this help ensure the fisheries remain healthy and vibrant, but it also helps fund conservation efforts in the area. im
So, once you’ve gotten your Illinois fishing license, be sure to download our lure cheat sheet to always know the perfect lure to throw, no matter where you’re fishing.