Illinois regulations
Largemouth Bass Regulations in Illinois 2026
Illinois largemouth bass regulations in 2026: 6 fish/day bag limit. Zone-specific exceptions may apply — see the rule table below. Sourced from DNR.
Rules (19)
- Status
- Permitted
- Daily bag
- 6 fish/day
- Daily bag
- 4 fish/day
- Slot min
- 14"
- Slot max
- 18"
- Min size
- 12"
Other Illinois fish regulations
Other regulated species in Illinois with current rule pages — same DNR source, same verification cadence.
- Channel Catfish356 rules
- Trout (Brook, Brown, Rainbow)60 rules
- Walleye23 rules
- Yellow Perch23 rules
- Smallmouth Bass21 rules
- Northern Pike9 rules
- Bluegill (Sunfish)5 rules
- Muskie (Muskellunge)3 rules
- Crappie (Black & White)2 rules
Also known as
Largemouth Bass is also called Black Bass (Largemouth, Smallmouth, in any combination), largies. Anglers in different regions use different names for the same fish, and the rules on this page apply to all of them in Illinois.
Frequently asked questions
When is Largemouth Bass season in Illinois?
Largemouth Bass season in Illinois is set by DNR. Some zones may have specific open windows; see the rule table above.
What is the size limit for Largemouth Bass in Illinois?
Minimum size for Largemouth Bass in Illinois is 12 inches in Chautauqua Lake North & South Pools, per DNR. Slot limits or maximum sizes may apply in some zones.
What is the daily bag limit for Largemouth Bass in Illinois?
Daily bag limit for Largemouth Bass in Illinois is 1 fish/day in Dongola City Reservoir, per DNR.
Official sources cited
- https://www.eregulations.com/illinois/fishing/fishing-limits-by-location-p-r
- https://www.eregulations.com/illinois/fishing/fishing-limits-by-location-h-k
- https://www.eregulations.com/illinois/fishing/fishing-limits-by-location-d-g