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Illinois regulations

Muskie (Muskellunge) Regulations in Illinois 2026

Illinois muskie regulations in 2026: 36″ min size, 1 fish/day bag limit. Zone-specific exceptions may apply — see the rule table below. Sourced from DNR.

DNROfficial source

About Muskie →

Rules (3)

Illinois statewide
Daily bag
1 fish/day
Min size
36"
No More Than 1 Muskellunge Or Muskellunge Hybrid (Tiger Muskie) May Be Taken Per Day, Except As Specified Under Site Specific Regulations. All Muskellunge And Muskellunge Hybrids (Tiger Muskie) Taken Must Be 36˝ In Total Length Or Longer, Except As Specified Under Site Specific Regulations.
Verified · View official source ↗
Mississippi River (Between Il & Mo)
Gear
Excluded
Excludes endangered and threatened species and the following game species: Crappie, Channel/Blue/Flathead Catfish, Rock Bass, Warmouth, White/Yellow/Striped/Hybrid Striped Bass, Trout, Largemouth/Smallmouth/Spotted Bass, Muskellunge, Northern Pike, Chain/Grass Pickerel, Walleye, Sauger, Paddlefish
Verified · View official source ↗

Other Illinois fish regulations

Other regulated species in Illinois with current rule pages — same DNR source, same verification cadence.

Also known as

Muskie is also called Muskie (Muskellunge), Muskellunge, Tiger Muskellunge, Tiger Muskie, musky, muskellunge. 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 Muskie season in Illinois?

Muskie 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 Muskie in Illinois?

Minimum size for Muskie in Illinois is 36 inches, per DNR. Slot limits or maximum sizes may apply in some zones.

What is the daily bag limit for Muskie in Illinois?

Daily bag limit for Muskie in Illinois is 1 fish/day, per DNR.

Official sources cited

Reference only. Regulations change frequently, often mid-season. Always verify with DNR before keeping a catch.

← All Illinois fishing regulations