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Illinois Fishing License: Cost and Where to Buy
A resident annual Illinois fishing license costs $15 and a nonresident annual license $31.50, with a 1-day nonresident option at $10.50, according to the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. Here is who needs one, every license type and price, and where to buy it.
Prices
Illinois fishing license prices
| License | Who | Covers | Length | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Resident Sport Fishing | Resident | freshwater | annual | $15 |
| Resident Sport Fishing 3-year | Resident | freshwater | 3-year | $44 |
| Resident Sport Fishing 24-hour | Resident | freshwater | 1-day | $5.50 |
| Resident Sport Fishing (65-74) | Resident | freshwater | annual | $7.75 |
| Resident Sport Fishing (75+) | Resident | freshwater | annual | $1.50 |
| First-Time Sport Fishing (age 26+, no resident license in past 10 years) | Resident | freshwater | annual | $5.50 |
| Resident Lifetime Sport Fishing | Resident | freshwater | lifetime | $435 |
| Sportsmen's Combination Hunting/Fishing | Resident | freshwater | annual | $26.50 |
| Senior Sportsmen's Combination (65+) | Resident | freshwater | annual | $13.50 |
| Non-Resident Sport Fishing | Nonresident | freshwater | annual | $31.50 |
| Non-Resident 3-day Sport Fishing | Nonresident | freshwater | 3-day | $15.50 |
| Non-Resident 24-hour Sport Fishing | Nonresident | freshwater | 1-day | $10.50 |
| Inland Trout Stamp ($0.50 residents 75+) | Resident/nonresident | freshwater | annual | $6.50 |
| Lake Michigan Salmon Stamp ($0.50 residents 75+) | Resident/nonresident | freshwater | annual | $6.50 |
Prices from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, checked October 2026. Some vendors add a small processing or agent fee. Prices change – confirm on the official license site before you buy.
Rules
Who needs a Illinois fishing license
- Who needs one: Residents and nonresidents 16 and older need an Illinois Sport Fishing license; trout and Lake Michigan salmon need stamps.
- Kids: Under 16 (resident or nonresident) no license or stamps needed.
- Seniors: Residents 65-74: annual $7.75; 75 and over: annual $1.50.
- Saltwater: Landlocked – no saltwater (Lake Michigan is freshwater)
- Free fishing days: June 19-22, 2026 (no license, trout stamp or salmon stamp needed).
Fish with a local
Fishing charters in Illinois
Charter captains and guides we list in Illinois, A to Z on each town page.
Questions
Illinois fishing license questions
How much is a fishing license in Illinois?
A resident annual license is $15 and a nonresident annual license is $31.50, and a 1-day nonresident license is $10.50. Full list above, from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.
Who needs a fishing license in Illinois?
Residents and nonresidents 16 and older need an Illinois Sport Fishing license; trout and Lake Michigan salmon need stamps.
Do I need a fishing license on a charter in Illinois?
The agency fee pages we checked do not say. In many coastal states a licensed charter boat covers its paying passengers, but not everywhere – ask the captain when you book.
Where do I buy a Illinois fishing license?
Online from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources at dnr.illinois.gov, or from licensed sporting-goods and bait shops.
Sources:
For captains and guides
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