IDNR warns anglers of possible delay of early stockings of fish

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (KBSI) – The 2023 Illinois trout season will open October 21 throughout Illinois and the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) warns anglers of a delay of early stockings due to warm weather.

The early catch-and-release season, beginning October 7, will be stocked later than expected due to forecasted warm water temperatures. Trout in waters warmer than 70 degrees will experience high mortality, according to IDNR.

Trout can not be taken from any of the sites until the season opens at 5 a.m. October 21 with a daily catch limit of five.

All participants of the early catch-and-release season must have an Illinois trout license and inland trout stamp, which are available at IDNR license and permit locations.  Check the IDNR website for locations. Fishing licenses and trout stamps can be purchased online with a credit card.

Information on site regulations can be found by contacting individual sites, according to IDNR. Anglers are reminded to check the opening time of sites because not all of them open at 5 a.m. on opening day.

Any families that are wanting to participate can find online resources for taking kids fishing.

IDNR reinstated Catchable Trout Program in 1994 and is funded in part by those who use the program through the sale of inland trout stamps. IDNR stocks over 80,000 rainbow trout each year in the fall and spring in bodies of water where fishing is permitted. Additional information on trout fishing and other fishing opportunities can be found on the IDNR website.