Springfield, IL – Illinois anglers can look forward to one of the state’s most popular outdoor traditions as the 2025 fall trout fishing season officially opens Saturday, Oct. 18. More than 60 ponds, lakes, and streams will be stocked with rainbow trout, offering fishing opportunities for both seasoned anglers and families looking to enjoy the outdoors.
According to the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR), early catch-and-release trout fishing will begin at select locations on Oct. 4. However, no trout may be harvested until the statewide season opens at 5 a.m. Oct. 18. Once open, the daily catch limit is five trout per person.
All anglers, regardless of age, must have a valid Illinois fishing license and an inland trout stamp to participate. These are available at IDNR-approved vendors, including bait shops, sporting goods stores, and retail outlets. Licenses and stamps may also be purchased online for convenience.
The fall trout program is funded entirely through the sale of inland trout stamps. Each year, IDNR stocks more than 80,000 rainbow trout for the fall season and an additional 80,000 for the spring season, which begins in April.
Trout are stocked at locations throughout Illinois, including Cook County Forest Preserve lakes, state parks, conservation areas, and university ponds. Popular northern Illinois locations include Axehead Lake in Cook County, Silver Lake in DuPage County, and Apple River in Jo Daviess County. Central Illinois anglers will find stocked waters at Kaufman Lake in Champaign, Rock Springs Pond in Macon County, and Weldon Springs State Park in De Witt County. Southern Illinois sites include Ferne Clyffe State Park Lake in Johnson County, Jones Lake in Saline County, and Beall Woods Lake in Wabash County.
Anglers are encouraged to check with individual sites for local rules and opening times, as some locations may have additional regulations. A full list of sites open for the fall season is available through the IDNR website.
The fall trout season is designed to offer family-friendly recreation and encourage more people to enjoy fishing. The IDNR provides resources online for parents interested in teaching children how to fish, including tips for equipment, safety, and fish handling.
In addition to celebrating fall fishing, IDNR is marking its centennial in 2025. Established in 1925 as the Illinois Department of Conservation, the agency today oversees nearly 400 sites statewide, ranging from state parks and historic sites to wildlife management and fisheries programs.
For more details on trout regulations, licenses, or site maps, visit www.ifishillinois.org or dnr.illinois.gov.
