2025 Fishing Regulations Guide Available

One of Illinois’ popular sportfish, the white crappie, graces the cover of the 2025 Illinois Fishing Information Guide. Found throughout Illinois’ lakes and rivers, the white crappie is an abundant species that provides superb fishing opportunities and are the star of many fish fries. Now is a great time to target white crappie as they move shallow to spawn. A simple jig paired with a minnow or soft plastic bait is a great option when targeting white crappie and can either be cast and retrieved or suspended under a bobber.

Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) Division of Fisheries staff updates the Illinois Fishing Information Guide each year to provide a comprehensive look at fishing in Illinois and to provide an updated summary of statewide and site-specific regulations organized by the body of water at which they apply. The new edition contains regulations that took effect on April 1, 2025 and runs through March 31, 2026.

Perusing a copy—electronic or paper—of the latest Illinois Fishing Information Guide can provide a wealth of valuable information on fishing regulations, places to fish and more. Page 1 of the guide includes a list highlighting some of the new changes to regulations. New this year are that changes to regulations, including site specific regulations, are highlighted in bold green. The option for a three-year fishing license is now available to anglers who wish to skip the need to purchase their license annually, and lifetime licenses are still available as well.

Big fish are always attention getters and in 2024 a new state record saugeye was caught. Check out Page 1 to read more about the new record.

The guide also includes some dates you’ll want to mark on your calendar, such as the dates of the annual Illinois Free Fishing Days, which in 2025 will occur Friday, June 13 through Monday, June 16. Free Fishing Days is a great time to introduce new anglers to what may become a lifetime activity.

The spread of invasive species continues to impact Illinois waterways. Aquatic plants such as Eurasian watermilfoil and hydrilla can easily be transported from one waterbody to another via boats, trailers and livewells. Once introduced, aquatic nuisance species can quickly spread, negatively affecting fishing and aquatic recreation. Information on aquatic nuisance species including their identification, reducing the chance of their spread and what to do if you observe a new sighting can be found on Page 1 and 77 of the guide.

“New to this edition of the guide is the Family Friendly Places to Fish section,” explained Mike McClelland, Chief of the IDNR Division of Fisheries. “This section starts on page 65 and highlights 12 locations throughout the state that provide amenities that make them particularly suited to fishing with children, young adults or adults who are learning to fish. These lakes and ponds typically feature ample shoreline fishing access, accessible piers, and may have nearby hiking trails, picnic areas or playgrounds.” Click here to find even more family friendly fishing locations.

If you are interested in topics such as fish stocking, fisheries surveys, pond management, and other fisheries related communications and updates, check out the I Fish Illinois website.

The annual regulation guide is available online. Anglers may also pick up a copy at various IDNR vendors where licenses are sold, such as bait shops, marinas, sporting goods stores and some gas stations.