80,000 Trout Are Coming to Illinois Waters This Fall

It's just about time to grab the fishing gear and head outdoors to your favorite lake or pond, with trout season opening in days.

Trout Fishing Returns Across Illinois

The 2026 fall trout fishing season will officially open on Saturday, October 17, at 60 ponds, lakes, and streams across the state.

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) stocks more than 80,000 rainbow trout each year for the fall season through the Illinois Catchable Trout Program. The program is paid for through the sale of inland trout stamps and helps to stock another 80,000 trout in the spring season.

Early Catch-and-Release Fishing Begins Oct. 3

If you don't want to wait until October 17, there are a few locations offering an early catch-and-release season starting October 3.

There is one important rule: Trout caught during the early period must be released. No trout may be kept until the regular season officially beings at 5 a.m. October 17.