Ahoy there, fellow anglers! Today, we’re going to talk about one of my favorite pastimes – trout fishing in Illinois! As someone who has been casting a line in the Land of Lincoln for over 2 decades, I have seen it all– from massive rainbows to elusive browns, and everything in between. So, sit back, grab a cold one, and let’s dive into the world of trout fishing!

TROUT FISHING SPOTS 

First things first, let’s talk about the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR).  They actually raise over 80,000 trout in places like state parks and certain lakes and ponds, then unload them into 58 ponds, lakes, and streams in Illinois (keep reading for the list of Cook and DuPage spots) where trout fishing is permitted during the spring fishing season.  The 2023 Illinois Spring Trout Fishing Season officially began Saturday, April 1st at 5:00 am.  

You’re probably wondering “where can I go trout fishing near me”?  While there are plenty of creeks, rivers, and lakes that are stocked with trout throughout the state, some areas are particularly productive. One of my go-to spots is the Rock River, which winds through northern Illinois and offers ample opportunities to catch brown and rainbow trout. The Kishwaukee River and Fox River are also popular spots in the same region, although they can be a bit more crowded during peak fishing season.

If you’re willing to venture a bit further south, the Mazonia/Braidwood State Fish and Wildlife Area is another excellent option. This expansive site features several lakes that are stocked with trout, as well as other game fish like bass and catfish. Another favorite of mine is the Mackinaw River, which runs through central Illinois and is known for its abundant trout population.  Here is the full list for Cook, Dupage, Will, and Kendal County: 

• Cook County: Axehead Lake, Cook County Forest Preserve District

• Cook County: Belleau, Cook County Forest Preserve District

• Cook County: Green Lake, Cook County Forest Preserve District

• Cook County: Horsetail Lake, Cook County Forest Preserve District

• Cook County: Sag Quarry East, Cook County Forest Preserve District

• Cook County: Wolf Lake, William W. Powers State Recreation Area, Chicago

• DuPage County: Grove Lake, DuPage County Forest Preserve District

• DuPage County: Pickerel Lake, DuPage County Forest Preserve District

• DuPage County: Silver Lake, DuPage County Forest Preserve District

• Kendall County: Big Lake at Silver Springs State Fish and Wildlife Area

  
  Check out our quick Best Fishing Spots In The ChicagoLand Area article for reel-y good specific recommendations in our area!
  

TROUT FISHING GEAR

Now, let’s talk about gear. As any seasoned angler knows, having the right equipment can make all the difference when it comes to landing a big one. When it comes to wild trout fishing in Illinois, I recommend using a 4-6 weight fly rod with a floating line. While some folks prefer using spinners or bait, I find that fly fishing allows for a more precise presentation and can be more enjoyable overall.

In terms of flies, there are a few go-to patterns that I always have in my box. For dry flies, I love using Elk Hair Caddis or Adams patterns in sizes 14-18. These flies mimic the small insects that trout feed on and are typically more successful during the warmer months when there is a lot of insect activity.

For stocked trout fishing, my bait recommendations are worms, minnows, small-sized spoons, and Powerbait brand Trout Bait!

TROUT FISHING TIPS

Let’s get to the good stuff – actually catching some trout!  To increase your chances of success, try experimenting with different flies and techniques. For example, if you’re not having any luck with a dry fly, switch to a nymph or streamer and see if that makes a difference. Additionally, try varying your retrieve speed and depth to find what works best for the given conditions.

One technique that has worked well for me in the past is Euro nymphing. This style of nymph fishing involves using a long leader and weighted flies and allows for a more direct connection to the fish. While it can take some practice to master, Euro nymphing can be incredibly effective in catching wary trout.

Of course, no fishing trip is complete without a few funny or memorable moments. I’ve had my fair share of mishaps and shenanigans over the years, from slipping and falling into the river to accidentally hooking a tree (or even myself) instead of a fish.

Illinois is home to a variety of trout species, including rainbow trout, brown trout, and brook trout. During this time, anglers are allowed to catch and keep a limited number of trout. However, there are some important rules and regulations to keep in mind to ensure that you're fishing within the law.

ILLINOIS FISHING REGULATIONS (TROUT)

First and foremost, you'll need to have a valid Illinois fishing license and an Inland Trout Stamp in order to fish for trout in the state. These can be purchased online through the Illinois Department of Natural Resources website or at various retailers throughout the state.

Once you have your license and stamp, it's important to know the daily creel limit for trout, which is the number of fish you're allowed to catch and keep in a single day. In Illinois, the daily creel limit for trout is five fish per angler, with no more than two of those fish being rainbow trout. This means that if you catch five fish, they can all be brown trout or brook trout, but you can only keep two rainbow trout.

It's also important to note the minimum size limit for trout in Illinois. Any trout caught must be at least nine inches long in order to be kept. If you catch a trout that's shorter than nine inches, you'll need to release it back into the water.

In addition to these regulations, there are also specific rules for fishing in certain areas. For example, some bodies of water may have different creel limits or size limits or may be closed to fishing during certain times of the year. It's important to check the regulations for the specific area you'll be fishing in before you head out.

One thing to keep in mind is that even though the spring trout fishing season runs from April through October, not all bodies of water are stocked at the same time. The IDNR typically releases a schedule of when and where trout will be stocked throughout the season, so be sure to check this schedule to ensure that you're fishing in an area that has been recently stocked.

CATCH AND RELEASE REGULATIONS

It's also worth noting that some areas may have different regulations for catch-and-release fishing. While anglers are generally allowed to catch and release as many fish as they want, there may be specific rules about the types of lures or hooks that can be used, or about how the fish should be handled before being released back into the water.

Overall, Illinois spring trout fishing season regulations are designed to ensure that anglers can enjoy the sport of fishing while also protecting the state's natural resources. By following these regulations, you can help preserve the fish populations in Illinois and ensure that future generations will be able to enjoy trout fishing as well. So grab your fishing pole, brush up on the Illinois fishing regulations, and get ready for a fun and educational day out on the water!