Illinois Fishing License Cost (2026) — Resident & Non-Resident Prices

2026 IL fishing license prices: resident $15, non-resident $31.50, 24-hour $5.50, seniors FREE, Lake Michigan stamp, lifetime $435.

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) manages fishing licenses in the Prairie State. Illinois offers some of the most affordable fishing licenses in the nation — just $15 for residents — with free licenses for seniors and disabled veterans.

Illinois Fishing License — Price Comparison Resident Annual: $15.00 Lake Michigan Salmon: $6.50 Sportsman Combo: $33.25 Senior 65+ / Disabled: Free Non-Resident Annual: $31.50 7-Day: $20.00 1-Day: $11.50 Lake Michigan: $10.00 💡 IL Seniors 65+ & Disabled Veterans = FREE fishing license!

2026 Illinois Fishing License Cost — Resident

License TypePriceDurationNotes
Sport Fishing License$15.00Apr 1 – Mar 31Standard license
Sportsman Combo (Fish + Hunt)$33.25AnnualSave vs. separate
Super Combo$40.75AnnualFish + hunt + habitat stamp + trout
Senior (65+)FreeLifetimeNo fee at all
DisabledFreeAnnualQualifying conditions
Lifetime Fishing$435.00LifetimeResident only

IL Fishing License Cost — Non-Resident

License TypePriceDuration
Annual$31.50Apr 1 – Mar 31
7-Day$20.007 Consecutive Days
1-Day$11.50One Day
24-Hour$5.5024 Hours

IL Fishing Stamps

StampResidentNon-ResidentRequired For
Inland Trout Stamp$6.50$6.50Designated trout areas (spring stocking)
Lake Michigan Salmon Stamp$6.50$10.00Lake Michigan & tributaries
Habitat Stamp$5.00Conservation funding (optional enhancement)

How Much Is an Illinois Fishing License?

Angler TypeLicenseStampsTotal
IL Resident — bass/panfish$15.00$15.00
IL Resident — Lake Michigan salmon$15.00$6.50$21.50
IL Resident 65+FreeFree$0.00
Visiting — 1-day trip$11.50$11.50
Visiting — week trip$20.00+$10 if Lake MI$20–$30

Frequently Asked Questions

Do seniors need a fishing license in Illinois?

No! Illinois residents 65 and older get a FREE fishing license — one of the best senior deals in the country. No application needed; seniors are automatically eligible.

How much is a non-resident Illinois fishing license?

Non-residents pay $31.50 annual, $20 for 7 days, or just $5.50 for 24 hours. The 24-hour license is the cheapest in America.

Purchase your IL fishing license online →