ILLINOIS RIVER: Trout
The Illinois River is open for trout fishing using flies and lures only. Only adipose fin clipped rainbow trout may be retained. All wild rainbow and cutthroat trout must be released unharmed. Consult the fishing regulations for more information and locations open to fishing as the East Fork and West Fork Illinois are closed to angling. Last updated 5/27/25.
ILLINOIS RIVER: Closed to all angling until May 22
Anglers can legally fish for trout on the mainstem Illinois beginning May 22nd.
Annual smolt and spawner protection closure. Last updated 4/10/25.