CHAMPAIGN, IL (Chambana Today) – The 2024 Illinois fall trout season will open Saturday, October 19. The season affects 60 ponds, lakes, and streams throughout the state, including one in Champaign County. The Illinois Department of Natural Resources stocks more than 80,000 rainbow trout each year in bodies of water where trout fishing is permitted during the fall season. An additional 80,000 trout are stocked for the spring season, which begins each April.
The early catch-and-release season is scheduled to open October 5 this year. No trout may be taken from any of the stocked sites until the regular fall season opens at 5 a.m. Oct. 19. The daily catch limit is five trout.
All participants, including those who participate in the early catch-and-release season, must have an Illinois fishing license and inland trout stamp, which are available at IDNR license and permit locations. Check the IDNR website for locations. Fishing licenses and trout stamps can be purchased online with a credit card.
The east-and-central-Illinois locations are listed below:

Champaign County: Kaufman Lake, Champaign Park District

Coles County: Eastern Illinois University Campus Pond, Charleston

De Witt County: Weldon Springs, Weldon Springs State Park

Douglas County: Villa Grove West Lake

Vermilion County: Clear Lake, Kickapoo State Recreation Area

Fisherman are reminded to check the opening time of their favorite sites prior to the open date. For more information on trout seasons or other Illinois fishing options, visit www.ifishillinois.org.