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Springtime is fishing time: Get
your Illinois 2026 fishing license now
[March 04, 2026]
SPRINGFIELD
– Illinois fishing licenses – among the most affordable in the
nation – are now on sale for the 2026 season. Illinois fishing
licenses and stamps for 2026 are available for purchase online and
at department-authorized vendors.
A standard, non-discounted resident fishing license costs $15.
Licenses for the 2025 season remain valid through March 31. Anglers
16 and older must have a valid fishing license in Illinois.
Exemptions apply to active-duty military personnel and people with
disabilities.
When anglers purchase a fishing license, they support conservation,
education and economic activity across the state. Purchases help
enhance outdoor recreation opportunities statewide and ensure future
generations can enjoy Illinois’ aquatic resources.
“Quality fishing opportunities depend on the support of anglers, and
that starts with buying a fishing license,” said Mike McClelland,
chief of fisheries for the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.
“When anglers buy a license, they help support sport fishing,
hatcheries and habitat improvements for people across Illinois, now
and in the future.”
IDNR’s Division of Fisheries is funded primarily through the sale of
fishing licenses and associated stamps. Key fisheries programs
supported by license and stamp sales include research, fisheries
management, hatchery operations, invasive species prevention,
outdoor education and other initiatives.
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Additional support
comes from the Sport Fish Restoration Program of 1950,
administered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The program
distributes funding to states through federal excise taxes on
fishing equipment, motorboat fuel and related outdoor
accessories. Funding allocations are based on land area and each
state’s fishing license sales.
For more information about fishing in Illinois visit
ifishillinois.org.
To review license
and stamp fees, visit the IDNR website. The current
Illinois fishing regulations guide is also available online.
[IDNR]
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