Prairie State Wire

The Illinois spring trout fishing season for 2024 is set to begin on April 6, with opportunities available at 58 different locations across the state. Anglers looking to start early can participate in the catch-and-release season starting March 23. During this period, no trout may be kept, but they can be harvested starting from the official opening of the regular season on April 6. Each angler will have a daily limit of five trout.

Funding for the Illinois Catchable Trout Program comes from the sale of inland trout stamps. The Illinois Department of Natural Resources stocks over 80,000 rainbow trout annually for the spring season and an additional 80,000 for the fall season in October.

In Macon County, Rock Springs Cattail Pond will be used for stocking instead of Sportsman's Club Pond. Meanwhile, in Wayne County, Turkey Run Shelter Pond at Sam Dale State Fish and Wildlife Area will temporarily host spring trout due to rehabilitation work at Sam Dale trout pond.

Trout fishing regulations are strict between March 15 and April 6; anglers cannot take any trout before the official opening day at 5 a.m., with violators facing citations. Anglers are advised to contact individual sites for specific regulations as not all locations participate in catch-and-release or open simultaneously on opening day.

The spring season encourages families to enjoy outdoor activities like fishing. Those wishing to fish must have a valid fishing license and an inland trout stamp unless exempt due to age, disability, or military service status. Licenses and stamps can be purchased online using credit cards.

For more information about locations and regulations related to Illinois's trout seasons, anglers can visit ifishillinois.org.