State to offer free fishing day at state parks

SPRINGFIELD - The state may have raised alcohol taxes and be considering the same for your income taxes, but for one day this month there'll be free fishing at Illinois state parks.

On Sept. 19, the Illinois Department of Natural Resources is waiving the requirement for a fishing license and letting anglers fish state lakes and waterways for free.

"This is a great opportunity for mom and dad or grandma and grandpa to take their kids or grandkids fishing without having to pay for and obtain a fishing license for a day," department director Marc Miller said in a news release touting the program.

The "Free Fishing Day" is for Illinois residents, as well as visitors from other states. The free fishing is allowed only within state parks, natural areas and other state locations where public fishing is available. It does not extend to rivers or waterways outside park property.

Area sites with fishing include the Chain O' Lakes State Park in Spring Grove, Moraine Hills State Park in McHenry, and Adeline Jay Geo-Karis Illinois Beach State Park in Zion. A complete list of state parks and natural areas is available online at www.dnr.state.il.us.

On all other days a fishing license is required by anglers 16 and older. A one-day license is $5.50 and an annual license for an Illinois resident is $13.