Regulations & Licenses

Illinois smallmouth bass fishing regulations, including statewide size rules and the daily six fish creel limit.

Catch-and-release bass seasons on specific Illinois lakes protect spawning fish and improve long-term population health.

Illinois largemouth bass fishing regulations explain the statewide no minimum size rule and the six fish daily catch limit.

Illinois largemouth and smallmouth bass fishing regulations have no statewide minimum size limit, relying on specific water rules.

Illinois statewide bass regulations establish a daily catch limit of six fish to maintain healthy populations across local waters.

The Illinois Fishing Information Guide for 2026 to 2027 details state fishing laws, license requirements, and catch limits.

Every annual Illinois license expires on a set date, March 31st, whether bought in April, July or March, and an expired one can bring a citation.

Illinois annual fishing licenses operate from March first through the last day of February, expiring early regardless of purchase date.

Illinois sport fishing licenses expire on March 31, and new annual licenses go on sale starting on March 1, 2026.

New 2026 licenses go on sale March 1, 2026, but the fishing year does not begin until April 1, following a fixed cycle rather than a January start.