Illinois trout stamp requirements depend on where you fish and whether you need a sport fishing license. Licensed anglers need an Inland Trout Stamp for trout on inland waters or a Lake Michigan Salmon Stamp for trout or salmon in the Illinois waters of Lake Michigan. Anglers who qualify for a license exemption generally qualify for the stamp exemption too.
Illinois Trout Stamp Requirements by Water
| Where you fish | Target fish | Stamp for licensed anglers |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois inland water | Trout | Inland Trout Stamp |
| Illinois waters of Lake Michigan | Trout or salmon | Lake Michigan Salmon Stamp |
| An inland pond when you only target bass or bluegill | Bass or bluegill | Check the ordinary fishing license rules |
Check the waterbody in the Illinois fishing regulations before buying. The state lists both stamps separately. Use the Illinois trout stamp price guide for the standard fee and the resident age 75 and older discount.
Who Qualifies for an Exemption?
- Anglers younger than 16. Both residents and visitors under 16 are exempt from the sport fishing license and trout and salmon stamps.
- Anglers with a qualifying disability or blindness exemption. The state regulations explain eligibility and acceptable proof. Check your exact exemption before fishing.
- Anglers at an IDNR-licensed fee fishing area. IDNR lists a sport fishing license and Inland Trout Stamp exemption for these areas. Ask the operator whether the facility qualifies.
- State Free Fishing Days. The published waiver covers the sport fishing license and both stamps during the designated dates. The 2026 waiver ran June 19 through 22. Check the dates for your trip year.
Age 75 and older is a reduced stamp price for eligible Illinois residents who still need the stamp. The Illinois senior fishing license guide explains the resident age brackets.
What to Check Before You Cast
- Find the waterbody, species and open dates in the state regulations. Some stocked trout sites have a separate early catch-and-release window and close to trout fishing before the regular opener.
- Buy the fishing license and select the required stamp through the Illinois DNR stamp page if you qualify for neither exemption. The state code lists the stamp separately for 24-hour license holders when applicable.
- Carry your license, stamp or exemption documents as applicable. Confirm posted size and daily limits at the site before keeping fish.
Choose a base license with the Illinois annual fishing license guide. See the Illinois Fish and Aquatic Life Code for 24-hour license language or the Illinois Free Fishing Days rule for the published waiver.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do visitors need an Illinois trout stamp?
Licensed nonresidents need the appropriate Illinois stamp when fishing for trout inland or for trout or salmon in Illinois waters of Lake Michigan. The under-16 exemption also applies to visitors.
Does a 24-hour Illinois fishing license include a trout stamp?
The 24-hour license does not waive the applicable trout or salmon stamp requirement. Check the stamp for the water and species you plan to fish.
Does an Illinois Inland Trout Stamp cover Lake Michigan?
Illinois lists the Lake Michigan Salmon Stamp for licensed anglers fishing for trout or salmon in its Lake Michigan waters. The Inland Trout Stamp applies to trout in other Illinois waters.
Can I keep trout during an early catch-and-release season?
At the stocked sites with an early catch-and-release period, release trout immediately. Check the site rules for the regular harvest opening.
