Illinois Fishing License (2026): Cost, Where to Buy & Rules
Issued by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources
How much is a fishing license in Illinois (IL)?
A resident annual Illinois fishing license costs $15.00, and a non-resident (out-of-state) annual license is $31.50. Illinois also offers short-term day passes for out-of-state visitors and discounted youth and senior licenses, all sold by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.
How does Illinois compare? See the 2026 fishing license cost by state price index.
🎫 Buy a Illinois Fishing License →Fishing in Illinois
Illinois covers a Great Lake, two major river systems and lakes in between. Chicago's Lake Michigan harbors salmon and trout, the Mississippi and Illinois rivers give up walleye, catfish and bass, and inland lakes hold largemouth, crappie and bluegill. The Shawnee country in the south adds smallmouth and scenic river fishing. It's a year-round warmwater state with a strong urban salmon fishery layered on top.
Illinois Fishing License Types & 2026 Prices
Resident Annual
Freshwater
$15.00
Non-Resident Annual
Freshwater
$31.50
Non-Resident 3-Day
Freshwater
$15.50
Senior (65+)
Freshwater
$7.75
IL resident 65–74
Super Senior (75+)
Freshwater
$1.50
IL resident 75+
Youth (under 16)
Free✅ Prices verified October 2026 from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. License fees can change year to year — confirm current rates with the agency before you buy.
Who needs a Illinois fishing license?
Most adult anglers need a license to fish in Illinois. Several groups are exempt or pay a reduced fee:
- Youth
- Children under 16 do not need a license. Residents and non-residents under 16 may fish without a license, and do not need a trout or salmon stamp.
- Seniors (65+)
- $7.75 resident annual sport fishing license for ages 65–74; $1.50 for residents 75 and older. (3-year versions: $22.25 for ages 65–74 / $3.50 for 75+.)
- Anglers with disabilities
- Illinois residents declared legally disabled or blind may fish without a license. They must show proof: a State disabled person I.D. card showing a Class 2 or Class 2A disability, or a veterans disability card.
- Veterans & military
- Resident and non-resident veterans who are at least 10% disabled with service-related disabilities, or who receive total disability pensions, may fish without a license. Illinois resident veterans who served abroad, or guard/reserve members who were mobilized, may buy a half-price fishing license ($7.75 annual) after prior IDNR certification. Illinois residents on active duty who entered the service from Illinois may fish without a license while on leave.
- Free fishing days (2026)
- June 19–22, 2026 (Friday through Monday, the third weekend in June) — no sport fishing license, salmon stamp or inland trout stamp required in state waters, including the Illinois portion of Lake Michigan.
Short-term day licenses are available for visitors and occasional anglers. Always confirm the current rules with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources before heading out. ✅ Exemptions verified October 2026.
Where to buy a Illinois fishing license
Online (cheapest): buy directly from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources — that’s the cheapest option, with no third-party markup.
In person: most sporting goods retailers (Bass Pro Shops, Cabela’s, Walmart) and many tackle shops in Illinois also sell licenses.
Illinois Fishing Limits by Species (2026)
General statewide bag, size, and season limits for popular Illinois species.
| Species | Daily Bag | Min Size | Season |
|---|---|---|---|
| Largemouth BassStatewide general; site-specific limits on many lakes | 6 | 14" | Year-round |
| Walleye/SaugerCombined; IDNR statewide default 14-inch minimum, river-specific limits apply | 6 | 14" | Year-round |
| CrappieNo statewide limit; site-specific limits common | No limit | No limit | Year-round |
| Channel CatfishStatewide general limit | 6 | No limit | Year-round |
⚠️ Limits are general statewide references and change year to year — many lakes and rivers carry their own bag, size, and slot rules. Always confirm the current regulation for your specific water with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources before you keep a fish. Reviewed July 2026.
Illinois Fishing License FAQ
How much is a fishing license in Illinois?
A resident annual fishing license in Illinois costs $15.00, and a non-resident (out-of-state) annual license costs $31.50. Illinois also offers short-term (day) licenses for visitors, discounted youth and senior options. Licenses are sold by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.
How much is an out-of-state fishing license in Illinois?
An out-of-state (non-resident) annual fishing license in Illinois costs $31.50. For a shorter trip, Illinois also sells 3-Day licenses. Buy online from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources before you fish.
Do you need a fishing license in Illinois?
Yes. Illinois requires a fishing license to fish recreationally. Children under 16 are exempt. $7.75 resident annual sport fishing license for ages 65–74; $1.50 for residents 75 and older. (3-year versions: $22.25 for ages 65–74 / $3.50 for 75+.) Always confirm current rules with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources before you fish.
Where do you buy a Illinois fishing license?
Buy directly from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources online — that's the cheapest option (no third-party markup). You can also buy at most sporting-goods retailers and many tackle shops in Illinois.
Fishing licenses in nearby states
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