iFISHILLINOIS
Illinois Department of Natural Resources
Division of Fisheries
Your official source for Illinois fishing information
2026 Tournament Applications Accepted
Applications for 2026 opened November 1st, 2025
As of November 1, 2025, fishing tournament organizers can apply to the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) for 2026 fishing tournament permits. All permits applications and approvals are done online at the IDNR Tournament Permitting System. As a reminder, if your tournament includes fewer than 20 participants, you do not need to have an IDNR Fishing Tournament Permit but must contact the IDNR Site directly to confirm your tournament date at that IDNR Site.
Applications are reviewed on a "first come, first served" basis. Last year, we had over 2500 applications for fishing tournaments in Illinois!
Site Note: No tournaments can be held on Spring Lake South for 2026 as it will be closed due to a road project.
Illinois Fall Trout Season
Come and get 'em!
The 2025 Illinois Fall Trout Fishing Season opened in October at ponds, lakes, and streams throughout the state.
Though the weather delayed some stocking plans, all but 14 waterbodies were stocked by opening day, with the rest being stocked by the following week.
All anglers who fish for trout during the fall and the spring, including those who participate in the early catch-and-release season, must have an Illinois fishing license and inland trout stamp. See here for a complete list of stocked sites.
