Illinois regulations
Yellow Perch Regulations in Illinois 2026
Illinois yellow perch 2026 open seasons vary by 9 management regions. Pick your region in the rule table below. Sourced from DNR.
Rules (23)
Calumet RiverOut of season
- Season opens
- May 1
- Season closes
- Jun 15
- Daily bag
- 15 fish/day
Closed May 1 through June 15 (6)
Chicago RiverOut of season
- Season opens
- May 1
- Season closes
- Jun 15
- Daily bag
- 15 fish/day
Closed May 1 through June 15 (6)
Dupage County Forest Preserve District Lakes & Ponds
- Daily bag
- 5 fish/day
- Min size
- 9"
Lake MichiganIn season
- Season opens
- Jun 16
- Season closes
- Apr 30
- Daily bag
- 15 fish/day
Closed May 1 through June 15 (6)
North BranchOut of season
- Season opens
- May 1
- Season closes
- Jun 15
- Daily bag
- 15 fish/day
Closed May 1 through June 15 (6)
North Shore ChannelOut of season
- Season opens
- May 1
- Season closes
- Jun 15
- Daily bag
- 15 fish/day
Closed May 1 through June 15 (6)
South BranchOut of season
- Season opens
- May 1
- Season closes
- Jun 15
- Daily bag
- 15 fish/day
Closed May 1 through June 15 (6)
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
- 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 Yellow Perch season in Illinois?
Yellow Perch season in Illinois runs from May 1 to Jun 15 per DNR.
What is the size limit for Yellow Perch in Illinois?
Minimum size for Yellow Perch in Illinois is 9 inches in Dupage County Forest Preserve District Lakes & Ponds, per DNR. Slot limits or maximum sizes may apply in some zones.
What is the daily bag limit for Yellow Perch in Illinois?
Daily bag limit for Yellow Perch in Illinois is 15 fish/day in Calumet River, 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-d-g
Reference only. Regulations change frequently, often mid-season. Always verify with DNR before keeping a catch.