The Illinois trout stamp cost is $6.50 for most licensed anglers or $0.50 for eligible Illinois residents age 75 and older. Buy the Inland Trout Stamp for trout in Illinois inland waters. For trout or salmon in the Illinois portion of Lake Michigan, check the separate Lake Michigan Salmon Stamp.
Illinois Trout Stamp Cost by Water and Age
| Stamp | Most licensed anglers | Illinois residents 75+ |
|---|---|---|
| Inland Trout Stamp | $6.50 | $0.50 |
| Lake Michigan Salmon Stamp | $6.50 | $0.50 |
The IDNR stamp list and 2026 Illinois fishing regulations identify both products. The age-based stamp discount applies to eligible Illinois residents. A stamp is a separate privilege alongside a sport fishing license when both are required.
Which Stamp Covers Your Trip?
- Inland trout. Check the Inland Trout Stamp if you will fish for trout in Illinois waters outside Lake Michigan. Stocked sites can have special opening dates, catch limits and early catch-and-release rules.
- Illinois waters of Lake Michigan. Check the Lake Michigan Salmon Stamp when fishing for trout or salmon.
- License exemptions. IDNR’s regulations generally waive the stamp when the angler is exempt from the sport fishing license, including anglers younger than 16. Check qualifying fee-fishing areas and other exceptions individually.
Use the Illinois catchable trout program site information and current digest before fishing. A stamp does not open a closed water or remove site restrictions.
Calculate the License and Stamp Together
At posted prices, an ordinary resident annual license plus one $6.50 stamp totals $21.50. An eligible resident age 75 or older would pay $1.50 for the annual sport license and $0.50 for the applicable stamp, or $2.00 before any additional transaction fee. See the Illinois annual license comparison and Illinois senior fishing fees.
Buy through IDNR licensing or an authorized agent. Verify the exact stamp, license term and location on your documents.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does the Illinois Inland Trout Stamp cost?
IDNR lists it at $6.50 for most licensed anglers and $0.50 for eligible Illinois residents age 75 or older.
Is the Inland Trout Stamp the same as the Lake Michigan Salmon Stamp?
No. Use the inland stamp for trout outside Lake Michigan. The Lake Michigan stamp applies to licensed anglers fishing for trout or salmon in the Illinois portion of that lake.
Does a child under 16 need the Illinois trout stamp?
IDNR generally exempts anglers under 16 from the sport fishing license and trout or salmon stamp. Follow the site’s season, gear and catch rules.
Does a 24-hour or three-day fishing license replace the stamp?
No. If a stamp is required for your species and location, add the applicable stamp to the short-term license.
