Illinois regulations
Northern Pike Regulations in Illinois 2026
Illinois northern pike regulations in 2026: 24″ min size, 3 fish/day bag limit. Zone-specific exceptions may apply — see the rule table below. Sourced from DNR.
Rules (9)
Illinois statewide
- Daily bag
- 3 fish/day
- Min size
- 24"
No More Than 3 Northern Pike May Be Taken Per Day, Except As Specified Under Site Specific Regulations. All Northern Pike Taken Must Be 24˝ In Total Length Or Longer, Except In The Mississippi River Where There Is No Size Limit.
Kane County Forest Preserve District Lakes And Ponds
- Daily bag
- 1 fish/day
Refuge Area (Ellis Bay) Immediately Upstream Of Melvin Price Lock And Dam 26 Overflow Dike
- Daily bag
- 1 fish
Northern Pike 1 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
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
- Largemouth Bass19 rules
- Bluegill (Sunfish)5 rules
- Muskie (Muskellunge)3 rules
- Crappie (Black & White)2 rules
Frequently asked questions
When is Northern Pike season in Illinois?
Northern Pike 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 Northern Pike in Illinois?
Minimum size for Northern Pike in Illinois is 30 inches in Des Plaines River Basin, per DNR. Slot limits or maximum sizes may apply in some zones.
What is the daily bag limit for Northern Pike in Illinois?
Daily bag limit for Northern Pike in Illinois is 1 fish/day in Des Plaines River Basin, per DNR.
Official sources cited
- https://www.eregulations.com/illinois/fishing/fishing-limits-by-location-l-o
- https://www.eregulations.com/illinois/fishing/fishing-limits-by-location-d-g
- https://www.eregulations.com/illinois/fishing/regulation-information
Reference only. Regulations change frequently, often mid-season. Always verify with DNR before keeping a catch.