Cook County Prepares For Fall Fly Fishing Trout Opener

CHICAGO, IL — In preparation for the trout fishing season, Illinois is opening nine sites across the state this Saturday for catch-and-release fly fishing. In Cook County, rainbow trout have been stocked in six spots within the Forest Preserves, as well as Wolf Lake. The state is reminding people that they can't keep the fish until the season officially begins on Oct. 21, or they'll be slapped with a fine.

Locations open for fall trout fishing season in Cook County:

· Axehead Lake, Cook County Forest Preserve District

· Belleau, Cook County Forest Preserve District

· Busse Woods North, Cook County Forest Preserve District

· Green Lake, Cook County Forest Preserve District

· Horsetail Lake, Cook County Forest Preserve District (stocked by the Forest Preserves of Cook County)

· Sag Quarry East, Cook County Forest Preserve District

· Wolf Lake, William W. Powers State Recreation Area, Chicago

Check out the other trout fishing sites across the state.

All anglers — including those using fly fishing gear who intend to release fish caught before October 21 — must have a valid fishing license and an Inland Trout Stamp, unless they are under the age of 16, blind or disabled, or are an Illinois resident on leave from active duty in the Armed Forces. When the season officially begins, the daily catch limit for each angler is five trout.

The Department of Natural Resources stocks bodies of water with more than 80,000 rainbow trout each year in locations were trout fishing is permitted. The initiative is funded through the sale of Inland Trout Stamps.

Fishing licenses and Trout Stamps are available at DNR Direct license and permit locations, including many bait shops, sporting goods stores and other retail outlets. Check out the IDNR website for a location near you. Licenses and stamps can also be purchased through DNR Direct online or by calling 1-888-6PERMIT (1-888-673-7648).

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