Fish Report

Trout fishing is open through Oct. 31. Trout fishing is mostly catch-and-release for wild trout as there is no hatchery on the Illinois system. Anglers should consider limiting their fishing to the morning hours as stream temperatures are more favorable for angling and the fish.

Anglers are reminded that no bait is allowed on the Illinois River.

Upstream of Pomeroy Dam and all tributaries are also closed year-round. All fishing is closed from Fall Creek to 400 feet above Illinois Falls (just above Swinging Bridge). Fall creek is the first creek upstream of the swinging bridge (accessed via road NF-087). 

Much of the publicly accessible reaches of the Illinois River fall under the USFS Wild Rivers Ranger District. More information can be found on their website. For up-to-date flows check the USGS Kerby gauge.