The Illinois Department of Natural Resources has announced that springtime is prime time for trout fishing, with the 2024 Illinois spring trout fishing season set to kick off on Saturday, April 6 at 58 watering holes across the state. Starting from 5 a.m. on the dot, anglers can get their daily dose with a harvest limit of five trout each, as reported by Illinois state officials.
Before you get too trigger-happy with your fishing rod, there's a catch-and-release teaser starting March 23 at select sites, where you can try your luck, but you gotta toss back what you hook. That is until the official season gets underway, where anglers can keep their catches from April 6, the Illinois government site confirms. But remember, from March 15 until the season's opening bell, if you’re caught trying to sneak a trout early, you'll face the music with citations.
Fueling the fish frenzy, the Illinois Catchable Trout Program is tossing more than 80,000 rainbow trout into the state's lakes and streams, all thanks to fishing aficionados buying up those inland trout stamps. Two trots of trout – one for the spring and another for the autumn season which kicks in October – means there's plenty of fish to be had.
Reel in the changes though, because there's a bit of a switcheroo happening in Macon and Wayne Counties. Over at Macon County, the trout train is stopping at Rock Springs Cattail Pond, leaving Sportsman's Club Pond fishing for compliments, and in Wayne County, the Turkey Run Shelter Pond is the new hotspot while Sam Dale's usual pond gets a facelift, signs will guide anglers to the new location, Don't get lost now.
For the wayward or the newbies, each stocking site has its own rulebook, so best to check in with them before you plan your trout expedition. Keep in mind, not all venues are participating in the catch-and-release hoopla and not every spot opens its gates at 5 a.m. on opening day. So, don't be the early bird who gets wormed out of a good fishing spot.
The spring trout season is not just about nabbing the big one—it's about families and friends getting a slice of the great outdoors. If you're planning to bring the kiddos along or need some fishing tips, resources are available online. And just a heads-up: if you're planning to have your trout and eat it too before April 6, make sure your fishing license and inland trout stamp are up to snuff unless you're under 16, blind, disabled, or a home-on-leave Illinois resident from the Armed Forces. Get licensed to thrill by visiting ifishillinois.org for more deets.
