The 2026 Illinois spring trout fishing season is set to open on Saturday, April 4th, at 58 ponds, lakes, and streams across the state, according to the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR).
For eager anglers, the spring catch-and-release fishing season is already underway at select trout sites. During this period, no trout may be kept, but starting April 4th, anglers will be able to keep trout, with a daily harvest limit of five fish per person.
In Wayne County, trout fishing will be available at the Sam Dale Lake State Fish and Wildlife Area, specifically at the Turkey Run Shelter Pond, as the regular trout pond continues to undergo rehabilitation. Directional signs will be posted to guide anglers to the temporary site. Additional regional trout fishing locations include Mount Vernon Game Farm Pond in Jefferson County, Beall Woods Lake at Beall Woods State Park in Wabash County, and Boston Pond at the Stephen A. Forbes State Recreation Area in Marion County.
Anglers are encouraged to check with individual sites for specific regulations and opening times, as not all locations participate in the catch-and-release season and not all sites open at 5 a.m. on opening day.
The Illinois Catchable Trout Program is funded by the sale of inland trout stamps, with the IDNR stocking more than 80,000 rainbow trout each spring and another 80,000 for the fall season, which begins in October.
The spring trout season provides an excellent opportunity for families to enjoy the outdoors. All anglers must possess a valid fishing license and an inland trout stamp, except those under 16, individuals who are blind or disabled, or Illinois residents on leave from active duty in the Armed Forces.
Fishing licenses and trout stamps can be purchased online using a credit card. For more information about trout seasons and other fishing opportunities in Illinois, visit ifishillinois.org.