FishKillFlea 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.
2026 Illinois Fishing License Cost — Resident
| License Type | Price | Duration | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sport Fishing License | $15.00 | Apr 1 – Mar 31 | Standard license |
| Sportsman Combo (Fish + Hunt) | $33.25 | Annual | Save vs. separate |
| Super Combo | $40.75 | Annual | Fish + hunt + habitat stamp + trout |
| Senior (65+) | Free | Lifetime | No fee at all |
| Disabled | Free | Annual | Qualifying conditions |
| Lifetime Fishing | $435.00 | Lifetime | Resident only |
IL Fishing License Cost — Non-Resident
| License Type | Price | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Annual | $31.50 | Apr 1 – Mar 31 |
| 7-Day | $20.00 | 7 Consecutive Days |
| 1-Day | $11.50 | One Day |
| 24-Hour | $5.50 | 24 Hours |
IL Fishing Stamps
| Stamp | Resident | Non-Resident | Required For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Inland Trout Stamp | $6.50 | $6.50 | Designated trout areas (spring stocking) |
| Lake Michigan Salmon Stamp | $6.50 | $10.00 | Lake Michigan & tributaries |
| Habitat Stamp | $5.00 | — | Conservation funding (optional enhancement) |
How Much Is an Illinois Fishing License?
| Angler Type | License | Stamps | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| IL Resident — bass/panfish | $15.00 | — | $15.00 |
| IL Resident — Lake Michigan salmon | $15.00 | $6.50 | $21.50 |
| IL Resident 65+ | Free | Free | $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.