The 2023 Illinois spring trout fishing season will open on Saturday, April 1st, at 58 different waterways throughout Illinois. An early opportunity at selected sites for catch and release will open on March 18th. The IDNR stocks more than 80,000 rainbow trout each year in bodies of water where trout fishing is permitted during the spring season. 80,000 will also be added in the fall. The Illinois Catchable Trout Program receives funding support from those who use the program through the sale of Inland Trout Stamps.
For the 2023 spring trout season, no trout may be taken from March 13th, until the season opens at 5 AM on April 1st. If found harvesting trout before the opening will be issued a citation. All anglers must have a fishing license and an Inland Trout Stamp unless they are under the age of 16, blind, or disabled, or are an Illinois resident on leave from active duty in the Armed Forces. The daily limit is five trout.
Some areas where trout are able to be found include Manners Park in Christian County, Wyman Lake in Sullivan, and Forest Park Lagoon in Shelbyville. For more information on trout seasons and other Illinois fishing opportunities, check the website at www.ifishillinois.org. Fishing licenses and trout stamps can be purchased online at www.exploremoreil.com.
