Illinois regulations
Yellow Perch Regulations in Illinois 2026
Illinois Yellow Perch regulations as of 2026-05-08: Daily bag 15 fish/day; Season end Jun 15; Season start May 1. Sourced from DNR.
Rules (23)
Illinois statewideOpen
- Status
- Permitted
No size limit
Calumet RiverIn season
- Season opens
- May 1
- Season closes
- Jun 15
- Daily bag
- 15 fish/day
Closed May 1 through June 15 (6)
Chicago RiverIn 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 MichiganOut of season
- Season opens
- Jun 16
- Season closes
- Apr 30
- Daily bag
- 15 fish/day
Closed May 1 through June 15 (6)
Mississippi River
- Daily bag
- 25 fish/day
Mississippi River (Between Il & Ia)
- Daily bag
- 25 fish/day
North BranchIn season
- Season opens
- May 1
- Season closes
- Jun 15
- Daily bag
- 15 fish/day
Closed May 1 through June 15 (6)
North Shore ChannelIn season
- Season opens
- May 1
- Season closes
- Jun 15
- Daily bag
- 15 fish/day
Closed May 1 through June 15 (6)
South BranchIn season
- Season opens
- May 1
- Season closes
- Jun 15
- Daily bag
- 15 fish/day
Closed May 1 through June 15 (6)
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. Last verified .