Sarley: Why I think an Illinois fishing license is a great bargain, especially for senior citizens

There is only a month left for you to purchase your new Illinois fishing license for the coming year. In order to be legal for the upcoming season, you’ll need a current new license, which takes effect on April 1.

I think an Illinois annual fishing license is the biggest bargain anyone can take advantage of. A license for an adult resident costs $15 a year. Wisconsin charges its residents a fee starting at $20, but don’t forget that our license is good for 365 days. The Land of Cheese closes its fishing seasons for months at a time depending on the species.

Who needs an Illinois fishing license? Anglers 16 and older must have a valid fishing license, but there are exemptions for active-duty military personnel and people with disabilities.

Fishermen who like to chase trout need to pay for an additional trout stamp. It’s $6.50 for Lake Michigan and $6.50 for those who choose to enjoy the bountiful inland season.

Illinois likes to take care of its elders. The two trout stamps will only run you 50 cents apiece, while the “Super Senior” license is a very affordable $1.50. You have to reach the glorious age of 75 to be considered a “Super Senior.” I can’t wait. A traditional senior citizen license goes for the bargain price of $7.75.

Mike McClelland, chief of fisheries for the Illinois Department of Natural Resources says: “Quality fishing opportunities depend on the support of anglers, and that starts with buying a fishing license. When anglers buy a license, they help support sport fishing, hatcheries and habitat improvements for people across Illinois, now and in the future.”

One thing that I urge everyone to do when picking up their new license is to make a donation to the Illinois Conservation Foundation. You don’t even need to think about it, just check the box that sends $5 on your behalf to the foundation. Heck, a fiver doesn’t even get you a cup of one of those fancy coffee drinks today.

According to the foundation website, “The Illinois Conservation Foundation preserves and enhances Illinois’ natural and cultural heritage by supporting the Illinois Department of Natural Resources through financial resources from donors and our conservation partners.”

They do a lot to help the outdoorsmen of our state by raising needed funds that are used for projects that there just isn’t enough tax relief for. They have funded many things that would never been possible otherwise.

You can join the ICF at their Outdoor Hall of Fame Gala on March 19 at Abbington Distinctive Banquets at 3S002 Route 53 in Glen Ellyn.

You can join the ICF and the Illinois Department of Natural Resources as they honor the 2026 inductees into the Illinois Outdoor Hall of Fame. Illinois Outdoor Excellence awardees also will be recognized, including the 2026 Illinois Outdoor Writer of the Year. Modesty is stopping me from telling you who that winner will be.

You can register to attend the gala at https://ilconservation.org/What-We-Do/Outdoor-Hall-of-Fame-Gala. I hope to see you there.

Illinois fishing licenses and stamps for 2026 are available for purchase online and at department-authorized vendors. The web address for licenses is dnr.illinois.gov/lpr/fishinglicensesfees.html. Over-the-counter sales can be achieved at most-bait-and-tackle stores and some of the big-box stores.

Please don’t forget to get your 2026 license before April 1 and don’t forget to check the box to make a donation to the ICF. Thank you.

• Daily Herald Outdoors columnist Steve Sarley can be reached at sarfishing@yahoo.com.