Illinois Spring Trout Fishing Season Opens April 4 Across State

SPRINGFIELD — The Illinois spring trout fishing season will open April 4th at 58 ponds, lakes, and streams across the state. The Illinois Department of Natural Resources said more than 80,000 rainbow trout are stocked each year in waters where fishing is permitted, with an additional 80,000 planned for the fall season. An early catch and release season began March 21 at select locations, with no trout allowed to be kept until the regular season opens. Anglers will be limited to five trout per day once the season begins, and no trout may be taken from stocked sites before the opening day. Northern Illinois locations include Mill Race Ponds in Belvidere in Boone County, the Hennepin Canal Parkway in Bureau County, Apple River at Apple River Canyon State Park in Jo Daviess County, Illinois and Michigan Canal Lock 14 in LaSalle County, Lake Mendota in Mendota, Pine Creek at White Pines Forest State Park in Ogle County, and Centennial Park Pond in Rock Falls in Whiteside County. Fishing licenses and inland trout stamps are required for most anglers and are available online.