The 2019 Illinois Fall Trout Fishing Season begins Saturday, Oct. 19 at 57 ponds, lakes, and streams across the state.
Mineral Springs Park Lagoon in Tazewell County will be stocked with close to 500 trout, according to Mike McClelland, Chief of Fisheries.
“It’s a challenge because of water temps in the fall coming off of summer, [and] trout are a cold water species,” McClelland said.
The lake will be stocked the week before season begins, weather permitting.
“If the water gets too hot, obviously we don’t want to lose the fish,” McClelland said. “We may have to delay that. But, it’s a rarity.”
In order to fish during the fall trout season, fishers need to have a sports fishing license and an Inland Trout Stamp.
Illinois Department of Natural Resources Conservation Police’s Sgt. Stuart Fraser said there is a $195 fine if caught trout fishing before season starts.
“For any fish that is caught outside of season, it is its own violation,” Fraser said. “If you caught three fish out of season, you could be charged three different times.”
When trout season kicks off, fishers can catch a limit of five per day.
“Once the season starts you’ll probably see more uniform patrols. We’ll be out checking baskets and stuff, making sure people aren’t taking over the limit,” Fraser said.
There is a fine for catching more than the daily limit.
“It would be, again, a citation for each fish over the limit, at $195,” Fraser said. “And points against a fishing license.”
Fraser said the limit of five trout a day is to make sure that everyone gets a fair chance.
