Select a state to find fishing and boating information:
Get A Fishing License
Get started fishing today, purchase your fishing license online, check regulations and more.
Register A Boat
Register your boat today. Learn how to register your vessel, boating laws and more.
⚠ Before you head to the water check the latest COVID-19 updates. We encourage you to follow CDC recommendations.
Home > Illinois > Fishing > Fishing License
Whether you want to fish for bluegill from the shores of Johnson Lake in Kewanee or troll for salmon on the waters of Lake Michigan, you will have to purchase an IL fishing license first. How much does a fishing license cost? This depends on the type of license you buy. There are a number of options depending on if you are a resident, non-resident, senior or veteran.
Once you have purchased your IL fishing license, make sure you read the fishing laws and regulations that apply in your local area. There are both statewide and site specific fishing rules that anglers are required to follow order to conserve fish populations now and for future generations of anglers.
How can you keep conservation in mind every time you go fishing? First, by following and understanding. Second, by practicing catch and release whenever possible. Anglers who practice catch and release return fish back into the waters where they were caught in order to encourage populations to thrive.
Illinois has its own set of fishing laws and regulations that need to be followed in order to protect their fish populations
Learn how you can start protecting our aquatic natural resources.
Additional resources and information can be found directly on the Illinois Department of Natural Resources site.
Do you like this content? Subscribe to our Newsletter and get all the information you need to learn, plan, and equip for your next fishing adventure.
NEWSLETTER SIGNUP
Sign-up to receive our monthly newsletter with interesting blogs about fishing and boating. Get fishing tips and tricks and read personal stories from anglers who live and breathe fishing and boating. Learn new fishing skills, boating resources, fishing etiquette, conservation and more.
Please complete the following fields to subscribe to our newsletter.
SUBSCRIBERS PREFERENCES
What information would you like?