FishKillFlea Illinois offers four free fishing days per year — one of the most generous programs in the nation.
2026 Illinois Free Fishing Days
| Dates | Day | Occasion |
|---|---|---|
| June 6–7, 2026 | Weekend | National Free Fishing & Boating Week |
| October 10, 2026 | Saturday | Fall Free Fishing Day |
Rules
- No fishing license or stamps needed — all ages welcome
- All regulations still apply (bag limits, sizes, seasons)
- All public waters including Lake Michigan shoreline
- Residents and non-residents welcome
Best IL Free Fishing Day Spots
- Chicago lakefront: Burnham Harbor, DuSable Harbor — bass, perch, salmon from piers
- Lake Michigan piers: Waukegan, North Point Marina — coho salmon, steelhead
- Shabbona Lake: Western suburbs — excellent bass and channel catfish
- Rend Lake: Southern IL — largemouth bass, crappie, catfish
- Fox Chain of Lakes: NW suburbs — musky, walleye, panfish