Illinois regulations
Walleye Regulations in Illinois 2026
Illinois walleye regulations in 2026: 14″ min size, 6 fish/day bag limit. Zone-specific exceptions may apply — see the rule table below. Sourced from DNR.
Rules (23)
Illinois statewide
- Daily bag
- 6 fish/day
- Min size
- 14"
either singly or in the aggregate with Sauger or their Hybrid (Saugeye), Except In Those Waters Listed Under Site Specific Regulations. All Walleye, Sauger, Or Their Hybrid (Saugeye) Taken Must Be 14˝ In Total Length Or Longer, Except In The Mississippi River, Wabash River, Or As Specified Under Site Specific Regulations.
Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge-Crab Orchard Lake
- Daily bag
- 3 fish/day
- Min size
- 18"
Mississippi River
- Min size
- 15"
- Slot min
- 20"
- Slot max
- 27"
Protected Slot Length Limit with no possession of Fish greater than or equal to 20 inches and less than 27 inches
Mississippi River (Between Il & Ia)
- Min size
- 15"
- Slot min
- 20"
- Slot max
- 27"
Protected Slot Length Limit with no possession of Fish greater than or equal to 20 inches and less than 27 inches
Rock River
- Min size
- 15"
- Slot min
- 20"
- Slot max
- 27"
Protected Slot Length Limit with no possession of Fish greater than or equal to 20 inches and less than 27 inches
Salt Creek Downstream To The Route 10 Bridge
- Daily bag
- 3 fish/day
- Min size
- 18"
Walleye on famous Illinois waters
Dedicated rule pages for Walleye on the most-targeted destinations in Illinois.
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
- Yellow Perch23 rules
- Smallmouth Bass21 rules
- Largemouth Bass19 rules
- Northern Pike9 rules
- Bluegill (Sunfish)5 rules
- Muskie (Muskellunge)3 rules
- Crappie (Black & White)2 rules
Frequently asked questions
When is Walleye season in Illinois?
Walleye 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 Walleye in Illinois?
Minimum size for Walleye in Illinois is 18 inches in Clinton Lake, per DNR. Slot limits or maximum sizes may apply in some zones.
What is the daily bag limit for Walleye in Illinois?
Daily bag limit for Walleye in Illinois is 3 fish/day in Clinton Lake, per DNR.
Official sources cited
- https://www.eregulations.com/illinois/fishing/fishing-limits-by-location-a-c
- https://www.eregulations.com/illinois/fishing/fishing-limits-by-location-l-o
- https://www.eregulations.com/illinois/fishing/fishing-limits-by-location-p-r
Reference only. Regulations change frequently, often mid-season. Always verify with DNR before keeping a catch.