Fishing Tournament Frequently Asked Questions

APPLICATIONS

I have applied for my tournament; when can I expect to see approval?
Our goal is to have all tournaments reviewed within one week of receipt of an application. This approval is from the IDNR Division of Fisheries and, if it is a state-managed ramp/water body, the IDNR Lands Supervisor.
Reminder: If the body of water on which your tournament will take place is NOT state owned, you will need to contact the city site supervisor, forest preserve district, or Corp of Engineer supervisor to inquire if the facility is available on that date and if there are any fees for use.

I applied a month ago and my tournament is still in review. What should I do?
Please send us an email that includes your tournament ID number to ifishillinois@illinois.edu. We will do the follow up and get back to you.

My tournament has been denied and I want to talk to someone. Who should I call?
Please send us an email that includes your tournament ID number to ifishillinois@illinois.edu. We will contact the appropriate approver and pass along your contact information to them as well as their contact information to you. Appeals to denied permits must be made within 10 days of receipt of denial.

VIEW/EDIT TOURNAMENT PERMITS

I want someone else to be able to see my tournaments and enter results. How do I do that?
Your tournaments are attached to the email under which your account was created. In order for someone else to see your tournaments and enter results, you will need to give your sign on information to that person to sign in.
In other words, if you created your account under joefish@fishcast.net with the password ilovefish, and you applied for tournaments with that ID, in order for anyone to view or enter results on your behalf, you would need to give them this information:
Username: joefish@fishcast.net
Password: ilovefish

POSTING RESULTS

What if I don't have weights for individual fish, but just overall weight?
The system allows for this option. The IDNR requests that you list your top 3 fish for each tournament, however if that information is not available, you are able to simply list total weight.

Most (if not all) clubs and circuits deduct weight for any mortalities at weigh in. Do you want the gross weight or net weight of each tournament? Would documenting the number of dead fish be helpful?
Please provide the gross weight. That will give us the total number/pounds caught in the tourney. Documenting the number of fish mortalities is not particularly helpful given the careful handling at tournaments — we suspect that number is low. We are collaborating on a study regarding post-release mortality, which is more helpful for us to learn about.

I forgot to post my results and now I'm told I have to do that before I can apply for a new tournament. Why?
It is required by the IDNR that all tournament directors post their results. This information is used by the IDNR for the management of fisheries on the bodies of water where tournaments are being held and is quite invaluable information. We are happy you chose to host your tournament on Illinois waters. Once you have posted your results, you will be able to apply for 2023 tournaments.
If you are unable to get the results for your 2023 tournaments, please contact us at ifishillinois@illinois.edu

GENERAL QUESTIONS

Where do I send my proof of insurance?
Send your proof of insurance to the site office where your tournament is being held prior to your tournament date. Remember to have a copy on hand with you at the tournament, as well as a copy of your tournament approval email.
If you opt for the waiver, you can download that on our site and bring that with you to gather signatures onsite.

I forgot to apply for my tournament and my tournament is 10 days away. What do I do?
Applications must be received not less than 30 days prior to the first tournament date and must be filled out completely. Occasionally the IDNR is able to process tournaments that are less than 30 days away, but consideration is given on a first-come, first-serve basis. If your tournament is less than 30 days away, fill out an application and you will be notified if it gets approved.

What if I hold a tournament without an application on file?
Failure to acquire a permit before holding a tournament, as required in subsection (a), is a petty offense pursuant to Section 20-35 of the Fish and Aquatic Life Code and a citation will be issued to the tournament director or organizer. If no director or organizer can be identified by the Department, all participants of the tournament will receive a citation.

Can I request a creel exemption?
No. Site-specific harvest, possession, or creel limits listed in Section 810.45 cannot be exempted or exceed the statewide harvest, possession, or creel limits for any fish species.
Note: The only exemption is for black bass tournaments on Lake Michigan and youth-sanctioned tournaments.