Ask The Times: Illinois fishing license age
There are Federal, State, and Local fishing rules that anglers are required to adhere to conserve and preserve fish populations for future generations. For the individuals looking for an offshore close proximity fishing, you may want to look into Clinton Lake located in the southern region of Illinois. This long 7.5-mile lake offers incredible populations of fish and includes the largemouth bass, crappie, walleye, striped bass, white bass, and catfish. The average depth is only 15 feet, so many of the fish are close, and you’ll be able to see them.
Learn new fishing skills, boating resources, fishing etiquette, conservation and more. Card that is available from the Secretary of State through the driver’s license examining station. Card must show a Class 2 or Class 2A disability and only applies to Illinois residents. All individuals who are 16 and over are required to have a fishing license. All youth who are below 16 may fish without a license. The conservation of the fish population is a significant concern.
Species such as the walleye, sauger, and saugeye have a limit of 6 per day and must be measured at a minimum of 14 inches long. A fishing trip is much more than just going to catch fish. We all need to take the time to bring our children outside and teach them about taking ownership in caring for the natural environment. Help our Illinois youth get excited about fishing—if you can pass on your knowledge, you will be continuing a great tradition of exploring Illinois lakes and rivers.
There is nothing in the Illinois Fish Code that prohibits the use of legally taken bluegill or sunfish as bait for another species of fish. Please note that there isn’t any Illinois disability permit needed, have the disability card above for permission to fish. The annual license and sportsmen’s license are half price for qualifying resident veterans. Also, you don’t need a license to fish on one of the state’s Free Fishing Days. Each year, the Department of Natural Resources will announce these days.
A license is required for fishing in all Illinois waters, including lakes, reservoirs, rivers and streams. Licenses are not required for anglers who are under the age of 16, blind or disabled anglers, or residents on active military service. The State of Illinois has some of the best fishing grounds across the whole country. It boasts of more than a million acres of water in the form of lakes, crystal-clear small lakes, rivers, and ponds. Lake Michigan is famous for trolling salmon, whereas Cedar Lake has the best bass fisheries in terms of numbers.
Download our Common Sport Fish Guide and refer to our Fish Species A-Z webpage. It is tough for beginner anglers to know how to take a fish off the hook. Encourage kids to closely observe and help out until they feel they are ready to handle a fish and not get poked by spines. Morning trips are best as the fish usually bite better and it is not too hot.
For methods and equipment, there are specific guidelines and limitations to follow. Only in tournaments, you might be able to cull with a catch and release rule. Snagging and bowfishing have strict guidelines, so refer to the Illinois fishing guideline for more details.
A social security number will be required of all US citizens for the purposes of obtaining an Illinois license. Learn how to register your vessel, boating laws and more. It is everyone’s responsibility to protect the outdoors. Do not throw gum wrappers, sandwich wrappers, soda cans, bait containers or any other trash in the water. Pack your trash out or dispose of it in a park garbage can.
This water area has a Clinton Lake State Recreation Area nearby for campers with over 300 campsites for your trip. If you plan to join your children, you’ll need a fishing license because you are over the age of 16. If your children are all under 16, they may fish without a license and under your supervision. Children who are under 16 do not need a trout stamp to fish for trout. Individuals exempt from fishing licenses aren’t required to have a trout stamp.
Dion Liriano is a 51-year-old American zookeeper who has retired from the business. He was once a highly successful director of the Zoo and Aquarium, but he has since hung up his gloves and moved on to other ventures. Dion's passion for animals began at a young age, when he would help his father care for their family pets. This love grew exponentially when he started working at the zoo; Dion quickly became one of the most experienced keepers in the business. He credits his success to the relationships he built with both staff and animals over the years.