Spring Trout Fishing Season Right around Corner

For years here at Capitol Outdoors we've told you, informed and participated in the Spring Trout Fishing.  This year it takes a little different meaning as our daughter hits 2 years old. This is the perfect way to get her and other kids involved in fishing.  Below you'll see locations that have a Fly Fishing Season which starts March 24th and those sites that have regular season which starts April 7th. 

Hit one of the lakes during opening week.  Crowds are light and the bite can be just as good!

 The most important thing to remember is "Anglers will need both a fishing license and an Inland Trout Stamp to participate, unless they are under the age of 16, blind, disabled, or are an Illinois resident on leave from active duty in the Armed Forces."

Make sure to check out some of our tips and tactics articles and one of our YouTube Videos at South Wind Park in Springfield . 

Illinois Spring Trout Fishing Season Opens April 7

Spring Catch-and-Release Fly Fishing Season Opens March 24 at select sites

SPRINGFIELD, IL – The 2018 Illinois Spring Trout fishing season is just a few weeks away. Anglers will need both a fishing license and an Inland Trout Stamp to participate, unless they are under the age of 16, blind, disabled, or are an Illinois resident on leave from active duty in the Armed Forces.

Licenses and trout stamps will be available for purchase on the Illinois Department of Resources (IDNR) website and at DNR Direct license and permit locations, including many bait shops, sporting goods stores and other retail outlets, starting Thursday, March 1.

The Spring Catch-and-Release Fly Fishing season opens at nine sites on March 24. Anglers can use fly fishing gear to catch trout at that time, but they cannot keep the fish. All trout must be released until after the opening of the regular spring trout season, which begins at 5 a.m. on April 7. Anyone attempting to take trout before the legal harvest season opening will be issued citations.

The IDNR stocks more than 80,000 rainbow trout each year, with 54 ponds, lakes and streams throughout the state being stocked for the spring season, and an additional 80,000 trout stocked for the fall season.

For more information on trout seasons and other Illinois fishing opportunities, check the website at www.ifishillinois.org.

For more 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 opening date.

The 54 locations that will be open for spring trout season are listed below:

2018 Illinois Spring Trout Locations
(** Denotes Sites Open for Catch-and-Release Fly Fishing-Only Early Season)

North --- Boone County --- Mill Race Ponds, Belvidere
North --- Bureau County --- Hennepin Canal Parkway
North --- Cook County --- Wolf Lake at William W. Powers State Recreation Area, Chicago
North --- Cook County --- Green Lake in Calumet City, Cook County Forest Preserve District
North --- Cook County --- Axehead Lake, Cook County Forest Preserve District
North --- Cook County --- Belleau Lake, Cook County Forest Preserve District
North --- Cook County --- Sag Quarry East, Cook County Forest Preserve District
North --- Cook County --- Horsetail Lake, Cook County Forest Preserve District
North --- DuPage County --- Silver Lake, DuPage County Forest Preserve District
North --- DuPage County --- Pickerel Lake, DuPage County Forest Preserve District
North --- DuPage County--- Grove Lake, DuPage County Forest Preserve District
North --- Jo Daviess County --- Apple River, Apple River State Park **
North --- Kankakee County --- Bird Park Quarry, Kankakee
North --- Kankakee County --- Rock Creek, Kankakee River State Park **
North --- Kendall County --- Big Lake, Silver Springs State Fish and Wildlife Area
North --- Lake County --- Banana Lake, Lake County Forest Preserve District
North --- Lake County --- Sand Lake, Illinois Beach State Park
North --- LaSalle County --- Illinois and Michigan Canal, LaSalle
North --- LaSalle County --- Lake Mendota, Village of Mendota
North --- McHenry County --- Lake Atwood, McHenry County Conservation District
North --- McHenry County --- Piscasaw Creek, McHenry County Conservation District
North --- Ogle County --- Pine Creek, White Pines Forest State Park **
North--- Rock Island County--- Prospect Park, Moline
North --- Stephenson --- Waddams Creek, Lake Le-Aqua-Na State Recreation Area
North --- Stephenson --- Yellow Creek in Krape Park, Freeport
North --- Whiteside County --- Centennial Park Pond, Rock Falls
North --- Will County --- Lake Milliken, Des Plaines Conservation Area
North --- Winnebago County --- Four Lakes, Winnebago County Forest Preserve District

Central --- Adams County --- Siloam Springs State Park Lake **
Central --- Cass County --- Gridley Lake, Jim Edgar Panther Creek SFWA **
Central --- Champaign County --- Lake of the Woods, Champaign Co. Forest Preserve Dist.
Central --- Christian County --- Manners Park Pond, Taylorville Park District
Central --- Coles County --- Eastern Illinois University Campus Pond, Charleston
Central --- Hancock County --- Horton Lake, Nauvoo State Park **
Central --- Macon County --- Sportsman’s Club Pond, Macon County Conservation District
Central --- McLean County --- Miller Park Lake, Bloomington
Central --- Morgan County --- Morgan Lake at Nichols Park, Jacksonville **
Central --- Moultrie County --- Wyman Lake, Sullivan
Central --- Pike County --- Kings Park Pond, Pittsfield
Central --- Sangamon County --- Southwind Park, Springfield
Central --- Sangamon County --- IDOT Lake, Springfield **
Central --- Sangamon County --- Washington Park Pond, Springfield
Central --- Shelby County --- Forest Park Lagoon, Shelbyville
Central --- Vermilion County --- Clear Lake, Kickapoo State Recreation Area

South --- Jefferson County --- Mount Vernon Game Farm Pond
South --- Johnson County --- Ferne Clyffe State Park Lake
South --- Marion County --- Boston Pond, Stephen A. Forbes State Recreation Area
South --- Massac County --- Fairgrounds Pond, Fort Massac State Park
South --- Randolph County --- Derby Lake, Sparta (World Shooting and Recreational Complex)
South --- St. Clair County --- Frank Holten State Park Main Lake
South --- St. Clair County --- Jones Park Lake, East St. Louis
South --- St. Claire County --- Willow Lake at Peabody River King State Fish and Wildlife Area **
South --- Wabash County --- Beall Woods Lake, Beall Woods State Park
South --- Wayne County --- Sam Dale Trout Pond, Sam Dale Lake State Fish and Wildlife Area

Illinois' Fall Trout Opener is October 21

Looking for a great way to get those adults, youngsters or friends out fishing?  Look no farther then the Illinois Fall Trout Season.  This is a great opportunity to get outside, enjoy the cool breeze and catch some trout.  

The Illinois catchable trout program is funded by those who use the program through the sale of Inland Trout Stamps. For the fall season, the IDNR stocks approximately 80,000 rainbow trout into bodies of water where trout fishing is permitted.

I grew up trout fishing and still do it today.  Want to know how to catch some trout.  Read some of our other articles "Capitol Outdoors' Tips and Tricks for Inland Trout Fishing"  watch our youtube video - Trout Fishing at Southwind Park Springfield.

Illinois Fall Trout Season Opens October 21

2017 Illinois Fall Trout Locations (*) Denotes Sites Open for Catch-and-Release Fly Fishing Early Season 

The Fall Catch-and-Release Fly Fishing-Only Season Opens October 7 at nine sites

SPRINGFIELD, IL – The 2017 Illinois Fall Trout Fishing Season will open on Saturday, Oct. 21 at 54 ponds, lakes, and streams throughout the state. 

Two Things for Illinois Anglers to Remember Before going Fishing this Weekend.

Two Things for Illinois Anglers to Remember Before going Fishing this Weekend.

There's so much going on this weekend for Illinois anglers.  There is Multiple bass tournaments, trout fishing, salmon run along the lake front, the long held tradition of smelt fishing and the opening of Heidecke Lake.  While we're all doing something different, there's two things we wish for you to remember before heading to that secret spot.

• Fishing License - April 1st starts the date where last years license is expired.  So make sure to buy all necessary stamps as well stamps especially for trout and salmon.  This link will connect you to the IDNR website where you can find fees and buy online.  

• 2017 Rules and Regulations - Here's a tip for you.  Since so many of you have a smart phone make sure to download the PDF so you have it everywhere you go.  Download it just in case the lake you're on has no cell service.  While many of these rules are the same, there have been some changes. So do your due dillegence and make sure to read the book.  Even if you have in the past its a great idea to have so you can help inform others that may not know.  

If you haven't been out yet with the unseasonably warm weather make sure to get out this weekend and enjoy all the adventures Illinois has to offer! 

Check back to see what we did this weekend. 

Remember Enjoy the Outdoors, Good Luck and Stay Safe

                       

Illinois Spring Trout Season Announced

Illinois Spring Trout Season Announced

It's that time of the year again. The annual Illinois Spring Trout Fishing Season Opens April 1, 2017 at 18 various sites in Illinois.  If you've never taken your kid fishing or want to introduce someone to fishing this is the best way to do it.  Trout fishing is fast and fun.  Remember, Illinois also has a special fly fishing season, so get out there and try your luck.  If you would like to know more about what we use for trout fishing you can read one of our old articles all about it.  Capitol Outdoors' Tips and Tricks for Inland Trout Fishing.  Below you'll see the official press release from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.

25 Years in the Making

25 Years in the Making

The thing that I love about fishing is that you'll never know what you'll catch.  This past weekend was the opening for fall trout at over 50 lakes across Illinois.  Did you go out?  Many of you were probably duck hunting or sitting in your deer stand.

For the past several years we've been reporting about how the spring and fall trout release is perfect for teaching kids the basics about fishing, as well as having a fun filled adventure.  I know because there were two types of fishing that I can remember from when I was a kid.

The first is fishing Navy Pier for perch.  While the perch are not as abundant as they used to be perch fishing is another type of fishing that is great to teach kids.  The second is trout fishing.

This past weekend my dad and I fished Jim Edgar Panther Creek's Gridley Lake in Cass County.  As we launched the boat and started fishing the deep hole that we planned, we heard a lot of people talking about how they were finding the fish more in the shallows.

After trying several  areas that were more shallow and letting several hours pass, we were still unsuccessful.   All of a sudden my dad said what's that?  I as looked in the water I saw a golden trout.

You might be asking, what is a golden trout?  

A golden trout results from a genetic anomaly, and contrary to popular belief, this is NOT an albino, but simply a rainbow trout with different coloration. In the wild they are weeded out early by predation, but in a hatchery situation they are protected and do well. Since we stock trout in Illinois from the hatcheries, you have a good chance of catching a “golden.” Anglers love to catch them.  IFishIllinois

My dad grabbed is slip bobber and tossed it over by him.  Nothing... All of a sudden I caught him in the corner of my eye.  I grabbed the little Cleo we had tied on.  I tossed it out and it began following it.  Again nothing, so I tried it a couple times then finally a hit.  Reeling in this Golden Trout was amazing, after 25 years of fishing and I finally caught one :).  And the fishing continued, within 5 minutes I reeled a Rainbow Trout.  Finally, my dad tied on a Celo and after about 15 minutes he caught a  Golden Trout as well. In fact, that was my dad's first Golden Trout!

The whole day out fishing and we caught our only three fish within 20 minutes.  Fishing, you never know how it is going to go.  But, hey we caught our trophies for the day and made memories for a life time.

Illinois Fall Trout Season Opens October 15

Illinois Fall Trout Season Opens October 15

The Fall Catch-and-Release Fly Fishing-Only Season Opens October 1 at nine sites

'Yes, it's that time of year again.  Fall Inland Trout Season is upon us.  This is a great opportunity to take your kids, loved ones and even experienced anglers out to catch these fun fighting fish.  Below you'll see the press release from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.  Never been trout fishing? Don't worry Capitol Outdoors has you covered.  Watch our episode at Southwind Park in Springfield, Illinois or you can read a past article where we explain how to catch some trout.   Don't forget to purchase the inland trout stamp.

The 2016 Illinois Fall Trout Fishing Season will open on Saturday, Oct. 15 at 53 ponds, lakes, and streams throughout the state.

Two weeks prior to the fall trout opener, the Fall Catch-and-Release Fly Fishing-only Season will open at nine sites (locations marked with an asterisk (*) in the list below) on Saturday, Oct. 1. Fly fishing anglers can use fly fishing gear to catch and release trout beginning Oct. 1 at those nine sites. No trout may be kept during the fly fishing-only period, but anglers can keep trout after the opening of the regular fall trout season beginning Oct. 15.

2016 Spring Inland Trout Season Dates and Locations

2016 Spring Inland Trout Season Dates and Locations

The I Fish Illinois staff wants you to start thinking about Trout Fishing.  Yep, it's that time of year again to start thinking about fishing in general.  Inland Trout Fishing is a great way to introduce someone to fishing.  Never been?  Read our post about what we use to catch inland trout.  Make sure to check out Illinois Fishing Information booklet 2016 for rules and regulations.

Youth Participate in Illinois Hunting and Fishing

Youth Participate in Illinois Hunting and Fishing

This past weekend was full of hunting and fishing events.  Getting the youth outdoors is a necessary part of their childhood.  No kid grows up remembering their high score on a video game, they remember the time ducks were locked out and landed in the spread or that time a bass pulled some drag.

Illinois Fall Trout Season Opens October 17

Illinois Fall Trout Season Opens October 17

Not sure about you, but here at Capitol Outdoors our favorite season is fall. There is so much to do, from leaf peeping to catching rainbow trout. The Illinois Department of Natural Resources announced October 17, 2015 as the fall opener as well as locations.   

Watch our Trout Fishing  Show

You can read what we use and our setup here - Illinois Trout Fishing Tips

The 53 locations that will be open for Fall Trout Fishing Season are listed below:

Illinois Trout Fishing Tips

Illinois Trout Fishing Tips

The 2014 Trout season was a spectacular one.  Capitol Outdoors went and recorded our adventure at South Wind Park.  You can check it out here (Trout Fishing at Southwind Park Springfield, S2E3) With 46 different sites to choose from in Illinois:  we've decided to go to Gridley Lake in Cass County this year. Below you can see what we use.

Before we show you how to trout fish. Check out the Illinois Fishing Information booklet 2016. This will tell you what you need to stay legal in the field.

Now, lets talk some fishing.  This is all what we recommend.  If you fish for the inland trout what do you use.  Share you knowledge and help people enjoy the great outdoors.  

Rod & Reel:

• We recommend that you use a light or a ultra light rod with six pound test.

Bait:

• For every person who fishes there is another who says that their bait works the best. We use the Berkley Power Bait already in the pellet form.  At the store there is a wide variety of colors to pick from, but we use the redish/pink and the neon green ones. We have found that it's not so much about the color as it is the pellet form. 
• The stores will also sell it in a paste where you are able to make the pellet yourself. But, let us tell you it's really messy and the size never seems to get right. 

Hooks & Weights:

• Size 16 treble hook. These hooks are hard to find so look early. They fit perfectly into the nugget and conceal the hook entirely. This size hook also allows your bait to float. As for your weights we recommend a size 3 or 4. Place the weight 12 - 18 inches from your hook. 

Once you cast into the water elevate your rod onto something and tighten the string, leaving no slack. Sit back and wait for the bites.  Watch for slack in your lines and your rod tip for movement.

Do you know what fishing line you should be using?

Just a portion of your line selection. 

We were walking in our local sporting goods store needing some fishing line and other tackle. As we took the corner we saw row after row of line and to be honest, we even got a little overwhelmed.

That got us thinking, there are a lot of people out there that don't know the difference between the different types of line, or in some cases what the "pound test" indicates.  There are so many to choose from that it is frustrating for both beginners and professionals.
Before we tell you about the different types of line, we feel the best place to start is to know what type of fishing you are doing.  Once you know this, you will be able to adjust your tackle and strategies to catch more fish.  How? Simply you will have a better understanding of the line and what is happening while you fish.  Capitol Outdoors fishes for primarily two types of fish; panfish (bluegill, perch, crappie, etc), and bass. However, once we arrive at our spot we don't know what the fish are going to be doing so we setup for multiple situations.

Illinois Inland Trout Fishing

Rod & Reel:

• We recommend that you use an ultra light rod with six pound test. You can pick up any rod & reel combo at a sporting goods store for around $20 dollars. 

Bait:

• You’ll always hear guys talk about what they are using. We use Berkley Power bait. We use a red and green color.  However, the color scheme does not matter. What does is the size of the bait. Trout have smaller mouths and the bait needs to easily fit into the mouth for you to be able to get the bites. So when you are out looking for bait look for the power bait that is about the size of a small marshmallow. There are some out there where you can make your own nuggets. We don’t recommend that as it gets really messy.

Hooks & Weights:

• So here’s the key. To catch these trout you’ll need a size 16 treble hook. These hooks are expensive and hard to find. They fit into the nugget and are perfectly concealed. This will allow your bait to float. As for your weights we recommend a size 3 or 4. You may need to put multiple split shots on there to get to the bottom, but that varies. Place the weights from 12 - 18 inches from your hook. 

Once you cast into the water elevate your rod onto something and tighten your string, so there is no slack in the line. Now, these fish will bite in two fashions. One there will be slack in your line and the other your rod tip will be bouncing all over the place. Sit back and wait for the bites.