The first Illinois trout season of the year opens Saturday October 5, and runs through Friday October 18, for catch-and-release at selected sites only. The standard trout season opens at 5 a.m. on Saturday October 19 and allows for a five-trout limit. A fishing license from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, including a $6.50 trout stamp, is required for both seasons. You can apply for a fishing license by clicking here.
The early, catch-and-release season is open at 60 lakes throughout the state, including a handful in our area. Prospect Park in Moline, Citizens Lake in Monmouth and Argyle Lake State Park in McDonough County are among the sites for catch-and-release season this weekend. Find the full statewide list here.