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Illinois fall trout stocking
delayed due to warmer temperatures
[October 09, 2025]
SPRINGFIELD – The stocking of
catchable trout for the fall season is on hold until water
temperatures are more suitable for the trout, the Illinois
Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) announced today. Unusually
warm weather in Illinois this fall has delayed the cooling of lakes
and ponds across the state.
Trout stocked in waters warmer than 68 degrees could experience high
mortality. IDNR will stock the early catch-and-release sites as soon
as water temperatures cool. Sites are expected to be stocked by Oct.
31. The public will be provided stocking updates on IDNR’s
ifishillinois.org
website and social media channels for IDNR.
While the official opening date for the fall trout season remains
Saturday, Oct. 18, anglers should be aware that trout will not be
present at many sites on opening day. The stocking delay also will
affect the early-season catch-and-release opportunities at sites
statewide.
IDNR biologists are monitoring
water temperatures statewide, and stocking will proceed as soon as
conditions allow. Once temperatures decline, IDNR hatchery staff
will begin deliveries, incorporating the early-season fish into the
regular fall stocking schedule.
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All anglers who
participate in trout fishing must have an Illinois fishing
license and inland trout stamp, which are available at IDNR
license and permit locations, including many bait shops,
sporting goods stores and other retail outlets.
Check the
IDNR website for locations. Fishing licenses and trout
stamps can also be
purchased online.
For information about all site regulations, anglers should
contact individual sites that will be stocked with
catchable-size trout. Not all sites open at 5 a.m. on opening
day. Anglers are reminded to check the opening time of their
favorite sites prior to the open date.
IDNR reinstated its Catchable Trout Program in 1994. The program
is funded in part by those who use the program through the sale
of inland trout stamps. IDNR stocks more than 80,000 rainbow
trout each year in bodies of water where trout fishing is
permitted during the fall season. An additional 80,000 trout are
stocked for the spring season, which begins each April.
Go online for more information on trout seasons and
locations.
[Text received from Illinois Dept. of
Natural Resources] |
