IL Fishing Without a License — Penalties & Fines (2026)

Illinois fishing penalties: Class B misdemeanor, fines $75–$500, and IDNR poaching hotline.

Fishing without a license in Illinois is a Class B misdemeanor. At just $15 for a resident license, the penalty far exceeds the cost.

IL Violations

ViolationClassificationFine Range
Fishing without a licenseClass B Misdemeanor$75 – $500
Missing Lake MI stampPetty Offense$50 – $200
Missing trout stampPetty Offense$50 – $200
IL License ($15) vs Fine ($500+) License$15 vs Fine + Court Costs + Criminal Record$500+ plus misdemeanor (33× the cost!)

Regulation Violations

ViolationFineAdditional
Over bag limit$200 – $1,000Per fish
Undersized fish$100 – $500Restitution
Illegal methods$300 – $2,000Equipment seizure
Fishing in closed area$200 – $500Gear confiscation

Report Violations

Call the IDNR poaching hotline: (877) 236-7529 (877-2DNR-LAW). Anonymous tips accepted.

Get your IL fishing license today →