The 2023 fall trout season officially begins Saturday, Oct. 21. But before anglers search for that perfect spot to cast their lines, the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) will give water temperature updates and remind anglers there are rules to follow.
Due to warm weather, anglers could see delays in early stockings for the season. As a result of the weather, the early catch-and-release season, scheduled to start Saturday, Oct. 7, will be stocked later due to warmer water temperatures.
Trout stocked in waters warmer than 70 degrees experience higher mortality rates. Once the waters cool, the IDNR will begin supplying the early sites. The IDNR’s fishing website will provide water temperature updates.
Until the regular fall season opens at 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 21, Trouts cannot be taken from stocked sites. Anglers are reminded to check opening times for their favorite places before the open date.
The IDNR has announced a daily catch limit of five trout. All anglers must have an Illinois fishing license and an inland trout stamp, available at IDNR license and permit locations. The locations offer bait shops, sporting goods stores, and other retail outlets.
IDNR reinstated its Catchable Trout Program in 1994. The program is partly funded by those who use the program through the sale of inland trout stamps.
The IDNR raises over 80,000 trout in places like state parks and certain lakes and ponds, then unloads them into 59 ponds, lakes, and streams in Illinois, anything from massive rainbows to elusive browns and everything in between.