Illinois e-News Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Wednesday, Oct. 8, 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.

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.

Hennepin Canal Parkway

Axehead Lake, Cook County Forest Preserve District

Belleau Lake, Cook County Forest Preserve District

Busse Woods North Lake, Cook County Forest Preserve District

Green Lake in Calumet City, Cook County Forest Preserve District

Horsetail Lake, Cook County Forest Preserve District

Sag Quarry East, Cook County Forest Preserve District

Wolf Lake at William W. Powers State Recreation Area, Chicago

Grove Lake, DuPage County Forest Preserve District

Pickerel Lake, DuPage County Forest Preserve District

Silver Lake, DuPage County Forest Preserve District

Apple River, Apple River Canyon State Park**

Bird Park Quarry, Kankakee

Rock Creek, Kankakee River State Park**

Big Lake, Silver Springs State Fish and Wildlife Area

Sand Lake, Illinois Beach State Park

Illinois and Michigan Canal Lock 14, LaSalle

Spring Grove Hatchery Pond, Spring Grove

Lake Atwood, McHenry County Conservation District

Pine Creek, White Pines Forest State Park**

Prospect Park Lake, Moline

Citizens Lake, Monmouth

Centennial Park Pond, Rock Falls, Coloma Park District

Lake Strini, Romeoville

Van Horn Woods, Plainfield

Baumann Lake, Cherry Valley

Siloam Springs State Park Lake**

Gridley Lake, Jim Edgar Panther Creek State Fish and Wildlife Area**

Kaufman Lake, Champaign Park District

Manners Park Pond, Taylorville Park District

Casey Park Pond, Casey

Eastern Illinois University Campus Pond, Charleston

Weldon Springs, Weldon Springs State Park

Villa Grove West Lake

Horton Lake, Nauvoo State Park**

Rock Springs Pond, Macon County Conservation District

Beaver Dam Lake, Beaver Dam Lake State Park

Argyle Lake, Argyle Lake State Park

Morgan Lake at Nichols Park, Jacksonville**

Illinois Department of Transportation Lake, Springfield**

Southwind Park, Springfield

Washington Park Pond, Springfield

Forest Park Lagoon, Shelbyville

Mineral Springs Park Lagoon, Pekin

Clear Lake, Kickapoo State Recreation Area

Patriot’s Park Lake (Greenville Old City Lake)

Crawford County Conservation Area Pond

Mount Vernon Veterans Memorial Park

Ferne Clyffe State Park Lake

Belk Park Pond, Wood River

Highland Old City Lake

Boston Pond, Stephen A. Forbes State Recreation Area

Fairgrounds Pond, Fort Massac State Park

Derby Lake, World Shooting and Recreational Complex, Sparta

Randolph County State Fish and Wildlife Area Lake

Jones Lake Trout Pond, Saline County State Fish and Wildlife Area

Frank Holten State Park Main Lake

Jones Park Lake, East St. Louis

Willow Lake at Peabody River King State Fish and Wildlife Area**

Beall Woods Lake, Beall Woods State Park

Sam Dale Conservation Area Trout Pond