Illinois fall trout stocking delayed due to warmer temperatures

The stocking of catchable trout for the fall season is on hold until water temperatures are more suitable for the trout, the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) announced today, October 8th. Unusually warm weather in Illinois this fall has delayed the cooling of lakes and ponds across the state.

Trout stocked in waters warmer than 68 degrees could experience high mortality. IDNR will stock the early catch-and-release sites as soon as water temperatures cool. Sites are expected to be stocked by Oct. 31.

While the official opening date for the fall trout season remains Saturday, October 18th, anglers should be aware that trout will not be present at many sites on opening day. The stocking delay also has affected the early-season catch-and-release opportunities at sites statewide.

IDNR biologists are monitoring water temperatures statewide, and stocking will proceed as soon as conditions allow. Once temperatures decline, IDNR hatchery staff will begin deliveries, incorporating the early-season fish into the regular fall stocking schedule.

All anglers who participate in trout fishing must have an Illinois fishing license and inland trout stamp, which are available at IDNR license and permit locations, including many bait shops, sporting goods stores and other retail outlets. Check the IDNR website for locations at https://www.exploremoreil.com/agentlocator.

Fishing licenses and trout stamps also can be purchased by using a credit card online at https://www.exploremoreil.com/

IDNR reinstated its Catchable Trout Program in 1994. The program is funded in part by those who use the program through the sale of inland trout stamps. IDNR stocks more than 80,000 rainbow trout each year in bodies of water where trout fishing is permitted during the fall season. An additional 80,000 trout are stocked for the spring season, which begins each April.

Site Note: IDNR fisheries biologists have drained the trout pond at the Mount Vernon Game Farm as part of a renovation project to remove the build up of naturally occurring silt and vegetation that can degrade fish habitat and fish communities and result in poor fishing conditions. This project will likely last through the winter and when work is completed the pond will be restored and restocked. The 2025 fall catchable trout stocking has been moved to the Veteran's Memorial Park pond in Mount Vernon Illinois as a result.

 

2025 Illinois Fall Trout Locations

(* Denotes sites open for catch-and-release early fall seaon fishing)

North Region

Central Region

South Region