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Fishing Ponds in Illinois

Lake Michigan salmon, Mississippi River blue cats, and central reservoirs. 59 venues listed across Cook County, Franklin County and Lake County.

59 venues mapped · 1 with venue websites

Where can I go fishing in Illinois?

You can fish at 59 mapped venues across Illinois, concentrated around Cook County and Franklin County. Fee and access details are published for 1 of them.

Most venues below list a location and access details, many with species, and the map shows what is closest to you.

59 Illinois venues plotted · click any pin for details

Narrow it down

All 59 fishing venues in Illinois A–Z

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  • Hazel Dell Fishing Area

    Springfield, Sangamon County

    Hazel Dell Fishing Area is one of the public fishing areas run by City Water, Light and Power on Lake Springfield in Springfield, Sangamon County, Illinois. It's properly set up for a full day:…

    Facilities
    Food · Parking · Toilets · Wheelchair
    Pricing
    $20–$160 boat permits
    Website
    Open in Google Maps39.7476, -89.6161

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Spotted an error or want to add your venue? Get in touch.

Directory data as of July 2026.

Fishing in Illinois: FAQ

Illinois has 59 fishing venues in our directory, concentrated in Cook County, Franklin County and Lake County. Browse the full list below or jump to a venue using the A–Z navigation.

Bass records aren't widely confirmed for Illinois venues in our database. Many waters hold bass without listing it explicitly. Open the GilledIt app to see recent bass catches logged in this state.

Yes, anglers fishing in Illinois need a valid state fishing license, even on private waters. Licenses are issued by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR); some states require a separate freshwater/saltwater stamp or a trout permit. Resident, non-resident, and short-term licenses are usually available online from the state agency. Our Illinois fishing license guide at /us/blog/illinois-fishing-license-guide covers current prices, where to buy, and who is exempt.

See what's biting at Illinois venues

GilledIt gives you live catch reports and weather forecasts for the venues in this list. Free on iPhone and Android.

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