State Stocks Area Lakes for Upcoming Trout Season

The 2012 Illinois fall trout fishing season opens on Saturday, Oct. 20 at 37 ponds and lakes throughout the state, Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) Director Marc Miller announced today.

“Fishing is a great family activity and the fall trout season is a great opportunity to take the kids fishing,” Miller said.  “Fall is a great time to spend time outdoors, and we want to encourage youth, families and experienced anglers to participate in the fall catchable trout season.”

Local stocked waterways include: Kendall County: Big Lake at Silver Springs State Fish and Wildlife Area, 630/553-6297
DuPage County:  Silver Lake DuPage County FPD, 630/933-7248
Cook County: Axehead Lake – Cook County Forest Preserve District, 847/294-4134
Cook County: Belleau Lake – Cook County Forest Preserve District, 847/294-4134
More than 70,000 trout are stocked by IDNR at the locations listed below just prior to the opening of the fall trout season.  The Illinois catchable trout program is funded entirely by those who use the program through the sale of inland trout stamps.
Anglers are reminded that no trout may be taken from any of the stocked sites from Oct. 1 until the fall trout season opens on Oct. 20 at 5 a.m.
To take trout legally beginning Oct. 20, anglers must have a fishing license and an inland trout stamp, unless they are under the age of 16, blind or disabled, or are an Illinois resident on leave from active duty in the Armed Forces.  The daily catch limit for each angler is five trout.
Anglers are reminded to check the opening time of their favorite trout fishing location if they plan to go fishing on opening day.  While regulations allow trout season to open at 5 a.m. on Oct. 20, not all locations are open that early.
For more information on fall trout season and other Illinois fishing opportunities, check the web site at www.ifishillinois.org.
Illinois fishing licenses and inland trout stamps are available at DNR Direct license and permit locations, including many bait shops, sporting goods and other retail outlets.
Fishing licenses and trout stamps can also be purchased DNR Direct online via the IDNR website at www.dnr.illinois.gov.