Illinois Fly Fishermen Get a Two-Week Head Start on the Season

Dave Dahl -- Illinois Radio Network

Illinois' Department of Natural Resources is promoting fly fishing by allowing anglers a two-week head start on the season.  DNR spokesman Chris Young says this program is available only at six sites, and only catch-and-release.

“That'll open Oct. 4,” Young said. “Fly fishermen will be able to catch and release trout.  They can't keep any fish during that time.”

All other rules apply, including having a fishing license with a trout stamp.

The sites are Apple River State Park and White Pines State Park in northern Illinois; Navoo State Park, Siloam Springs State Park, and the Jim Edgar Panther Creek State Recreation Area in western Illinois; and IDOT Lake in Springfield.