Spearfishing Laws in Illinois: What You Need to Know Before You Dive

Spearfishing in Illinois is legal — but only if you follow a detailed set of rules that govern where you can go, what you can target, and what equipment you’re allowed to use. Get any one of those elements wrong, and you could be looking at fines, equipment confiscation, or even criminal charges.

Illinois manages its fisheries under the Fish and Aquatic Life Code (515 ILCS 5), and the Illinois Department of Natural Resources enforces spearfishing rules alongside all other sport fishing regulations. Whether you’re a first-time diver or an experienced spearo looking to explore the Prairie State’s waterways, this guide breaks down everything you need to stay legal.

Is Spearfishing Legal in Illinois

Yes, spearfishing is legal in most areas of Illinois, as long as certain regulations are followed. The sport falls under the broader category of bowfishing and archery/spear methods in state administrative code, and it is regulated — not prohibited — at the state level.

Aquatic life listed under the approved species subsection may be taken by means of a pitchfork, underwater spear gun, bow and arrow or bow and arrow device, spear or gig. That said, the list of species you can legally target is strictly defined, and spearing anything outside of that approved list is a violation of state law.

Understanding the legal framework surrounding spearfishing in Illinois is crucial for enthusiasts looking to explore the state’s waters, as the regulations are designed not only to ensure the safety of individuals but also to protect aquatic life and ensure sustainable practices for future generations.

Important Note: Illinois has no saltwater coastline. All spearfishing in the state takes place in freshwater environments. Lake Michigan — while a Great Lake — falls under Illinois freshwater fishing regulations for the purposes of licensing and legal methods.

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources oversees spearfishing under Title 17 of the Illinois Administrative Code, specifically Part 810, which covers sport fishing regulations statewide. Always verify the current version of these rules before heading out, as administrative rules can be updated annually.

Freshwater vs. Saltwater Spearfishing Rules in Illinois

Illinois is a landlocked state, so there is no saltwater spearfishing to speak of. Every body of water where you might spearfish — rivers, lakes, reservoirs, and even the Illinois portion of Lake Michigan — is governed by the state’s freshwater sport fishing regulations.

With more than 1.6 million acres of surface water, including the renowned Mississippi and Illinois Rivers, the powerful Lake Michigan, and other lakes, reservoirs, and agricultural ponds, Illinois provides top-notch fishing options for novices and experts alike. All of these waters fall under a unified regulatory framework when it comes to spearfishing.

According to the regulations, it is legal to spearfish in Lake Michigan in Illinois. However, not every inland lake or reservoir carries the same permissions. Some waters are designated as “2 Pole and Line Fishing Only,” and spearing and bow and arrow fishing is not permitted in waters listed in Site Specific Regulations as “2 Pole and Line Fishing Only,” except as noted by specific notation.

Key Insight: Because Illinois has no saltwater, all spearfishing regulations discussed in this guide apply to freshwater environments. There is no separate saltwater licensing tier or saltwater species list to worry about.

The Mississippi River and Illinois River backwaters are among the most popular areas for spearfishing and bowfishing in the state, but they come with their own site-specific restrictions. Always cross-reference the IDNR’s site-specific regulations list before fishing any particular body of water. You can also explore how other Illinois wildlife harvest laws follow a similarly layered approach of statewide rules plus site-specific overlays.

License and Permit Requirements for Spearfishing in Illinois

You cannot legally spearfish in Illinois without proper licensing. The state’s licensing requirements apply regardless of whether you’re using a hand spear, a gig, or an underwater spear gun.

A valid sport fishing license is required for taking aquatic life under the bowfishing and spearfishing rules. Anglers 16 and older must have a valid fishing license in Illinois. If you are under 16 and an Illinois resident, residents under 16 years of age may fish without a license.

The 2026 license year runs from March 1, 2026 through March 31, 2027. A standard, non-discounted resident fishing license costs $15. According to LegalClarity (as of April 2026), for 2026, a resident annual license costs $15.50.

• Resident annual license: $15–$15.50 (as of 2026)
• Inland Trout Stamp: Required if targeting trout in inland waters
• Lake Michigan Salmon Stamp: Required for salmon or trout fishing on Lake Michigan
• Non-resident licenses: Available at higher fee tiers through the IDNR

Non-residents age 16 and older must purchase an Illinois license, unless they hold a valid license from a bordering state and are fishing on a shared boundary river.

There are a few exemption categories worth knowing. Owners or tenants who reside on the land may fish in waters wholly contained on their property or waters flowing over their lands, within the confines of the property, without a license. If you are a veteran who is at least 10% disabled or in receipt of a total disability pension, you simply need to bring your veteran’s disability card from the Secretary of State — no additional disability permit or license is required.

Pro Tip: You can purchase your Illinois fishing license online through the IDNR’s ExploreMoreIL.com portal, at Walmart, or at most bait and tackle shops across the state. Keep your license on your person at all times while spearfishing.

During Illinois Free Fishing Days, June 19–22, 2026, all anglers can fish without a license. All normal fishing regulations — size limits, bag limits, and legal methods — still apply during Free Fishing Days. So while the license requirement is waived, the spearfishing species and gear rules remain fully in effect.

Legal Species and Prohibited Species for Spearfishing in Illinois

This is the most critical section to understand before you get in the water. Illinois takes a “permitted species only” approach to spearfishing — meaning you may only target the specific fish listed in the regulations, and everything else is off-limits.

Only fish, amphibian, and reptile species listed may be taken by bowfishing and other legal methods, and in accordance with length limits and daily harvest limits identified for each.

Spearfishing is legal in Illinois for nongame fish species such as alligator gar, bigmouth buffalo, blue catfish, channel catfish, flathead catfish, freshwater drum, tilapia, and others. The complete approved list under Illinois Administrative Code Section 810.15 also includes:

• Common carp
• Carpsuckers
• Suckers
• Gar (species-specific restrictions apply — see below)
• Bowfin
• Pacu (Callisoma spp.)
• Tilapia (Tilapia spp.)
• Other non-native or rough fish species as listed in the current regulations

Game fish are prohibited from spearfishing. Under Illinois law, muskellunge, northern pike, pickerels, walleye, sauger, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, spotted bass, warmouth, rock bass, white bass, yellow bass, striped bass, sunfish, bluegill, crappie, trout, salmon, and their hybrids shall be taken only by properly licensed individuals and only with sport fishing devices — which does not include spears or spear guns.

All species of freshwater fish can be targeted in Illinois except for paddlefish and sturgeon, which are protected species and cannot be taken by any method. Paddlefish and sturgeon carry the highest level of protection under state law.

Common Mistake: Do not assume that because a fish is abundant or considered a “rough fish” in your home state, it is legal to spear in Illinois. Always verify the species against the current IDNR-approved list before targeting it.

Regarding non-native species: no live possession of non-native fish species listed in the approved subsection is permitted, with the exception of common carp and goldfish. If you spear a non-native invasive species like tilapia or pacu, you must not attempt to release it alive. Additionally, aquatic life taken by spear or bowfishing means shall not be sold or bartered.

For more context on how Illinois regulates animal-related activities broadly, see this overview of exotic animal laws across the United States, which illustrates how state-by-state rules can vary dramatically even for similar activities.

Gear Restrictions for Spearfishing in Illinois

Illinois law is specific about which tools are authorized for spearfishing. Using an unlisted or prohibited device — even if you’re targeting a legal species — can result in a violation.

Aquatic life listed in the approved subsection may be taken by means of a pitchfork, underwater spear gun, bow and arrow or bow and arrow device, spear or gig. These are the only legally recognized spearfishing implements under Illinois regulations.

Here is a breakdown of what is and is not permitted:

Gear Type	Legal for Spearfishing?	Notes
Underwater spear gun	Yes	Must be used only on approved species
Spear or gig (hand-held)	Yes	Standard legal method
Pitchfork	Yes	Listed as a legal taking method
Bow and arrow / archery device	Yes	Covered under bowfishing rules
Dip net / casting net	No (for spearfishing purposes)	Separate rules apply; not a spear method
Gill nets / trammel nets	No (sport fishing)	Restricted to specific commercial waters only
Electric devices / explosives	No	Prohibited under all circumstances

One important location-based gear restriction: it is unlawful for any person to take or attempt to take aquatic life as provided in the spearfishing subsection along, upon, across, or from any public right-of-way or highway in this State. You must be in or on the water — not standing on a public roadway or bridge — when using spear equipment.

It is also unlawful to abandon or deposit wire, cans, bottles, glass, paper, trash, rubbish, cardboard, wood cartons, boxes, trees, brush or other insoluble materials into the water or on the ice, or at any place on the bank where such debris is liable to be washed into the water. Responsible gear handling and site cleanup are part of your legal obligations as a spearfisher.

Off-Limits Areas and No-Spearfishing Zones in Illinois

Even in a state where spearfishing is broadly permitted, there are significant geographic restrictions. Knowing which waters are closed to spear methods is just as important as knowing which species are legal.

Waters open to bowfishing and other legal archery and spearfishing methods include all public site-specific waters as noted in Section 810.45, and all public rivers and streams noted in 17 Ill. Adm. Code 3704, Appendix A, except as restricted.

Key restricted zones and no-spearfishing areas include:

• Waters designated “2 Pole and Line Fishing Only”: Spearing and bow and arrow fishing is not permitted in waters listed in Site Specific Regulations as “2 Pole and Line Fishing Only,” except as listed by notation.
• Mississippi River backwater exceptions: Mississippi River connected public backwaters are generally open, but Quincy Bay — including the Quincy Bay Waterfowl Management Area — is excluded.
• U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service National Wildlife Refuge backwaters: These are closed to spearfishing regardless of their connection to otherwise open river systems.
• Catch-and-release-only waters: Catch-and-release fishing only means no harvest of fish listed as catch and release is permitted, and caught fish must be immediately returned to the same water unharmed. Spearfishing for harvest is therefore prohibited in these zones.
• Within 100 feet of any dam: The taking of aquatic life with a dip net, casting net, or shad scoop shall not be permitted within 100 feet of the base of any dam — and similar proximity restrictions apply to spear methods at dam structures.

Pro Tip: Before visiting any specific lake or reservoir, look it up in the IDNR’s Site Specific Regulations section of the annual fishing guide. If the water is listed as “2 Pole and Line Only,” spearfishing is off the table entirely at that location.

Some managed lakes have seasonal or year-round catch-and-release regulations for bass, muskie, or other species. Notable examples include certain ponds in Cook County Forest Preserves, Wildlife Prairie Park, and select DNR management areas. Always check posted signs at the water’s edge in addition to consulting the regulations guide.

Understanding the layered nature of Illinois animal and wildlife law can help you navigate these rules. If you’re curious how Illinois structures other animal-related regulations, articles on roadkill laws in Illinois and hedgehog ownership laws in Illinois illustrate how the state balances public access with conservation goals.

Bag Limits and Size Limits for Spearfishing in Illinois

Bag limits and size limits for spearfishing in Illinois generally mirror those that apply to other legal fishing methods for the same species. The regulations do not create a separate, more lenient tier for spearfishers — you are held to the same harvest standards as rod-and-reel anglers.

Only fish, amphibian, and reptile species listed may be taken by bowfishing and other legal methods, and in accordance with length limits and daily harvest limits identified for each. This means size and bag limits are species-specific and must be verified in the current regulations guide.

Here are key limits for commonly speared species in Illinois:

Species	Daily Bag Limit	Minimum Size Limit	Notes
Common Carp	No statewide limit	None	One of the most targeted spearfishing species
Bigmouth / Smallmouth Buffalo	Check current IDNR guide	Check current IDNR guide	Limits may vary by water body
Channel Catfish	Check current IDNR guide	Check current IDNR guide	Site-specific rules may apply
Freshwater Drum	Check current IDNR guide	None statewide	Widely available in major rivers
Gar (non-alligator species)	Check current IDNR guide	Check current IDNR guide	Alligator gar has special protections
Bowfin	Check current IDNR guide	None statewide	Legal spearfishing target
Paddlefish	0 — Prohibited	N/A	Fully protected; cannot be taken by any method
Sturgeon	0 — Prohibited	N/A	Fully protected; cannot be taken by any method

Private water carries different rules. The limits established in the Fish and Aquatic Life Code on the number and size of fish a person may take in a day do not apply to a person fishing in waters wholly within his or her private property. If you’re spearfishing in a privately owned pond entirely on your land, standard bag and size limits do not apply — though species protections for endangered and threatened fish still do.

Important Note: Bag and size limits can change annually when the IDNR updates its administrative rules. Always consult the current Illinois Fishing Information Guide — effective April 1 through March 31 of the following year — before your outing. The 2026–2027 guide became effective April 1, 2026.

Also keep in mind: any aquatic life taken at any time except during an open season established under this Code, or of a size less than the minimum provided by this Code, shall be immediately returned, without unnecessary injury, to the waters from which taken. If you spear a fish that is undersized, you must release it immediately and unharmed.

Penalties for Spearfishing Violations in Illinois

Illinois enforces its fishing and spearfishing regulations seriously, and the penalty structure escalates quickly depending on the nature of the violation. Strict penalties are provided for violation of the Fish and Aquatic Life Code.

Illinois classifies fishing violations by severity, and the penalties escalate faster than most people realize. The Fish and Aquatic Life Code breaks offenses into several tiers.

• Petty offense: The default penalty for most violations — including fishing without a license or without a required stamp — is a petty offense. This is a fine-only offense with no jail time, but it still creates a record.
• Class B misdemeanor: A violation of the unauthorized release of aquatic life subsection is a Class B misdemeanor. Spearing and releasing non-native species alive also falls into this category.
• Class A misdemeanor: Any person who violates the protected species subsection when the total value of species is less than $300 commits a Class A misdemeanor, except as otherwise provided.
• Class 3 felony: Violations involving endangered or threatened species can reach Class 3 felony status, carrying two to five years in prison. This is the tier that applies to possessing or trafficking in protected aquatic species.

Beyond criminal penalties, there are civil consequences. Anyone convicted of an unlawful take also faces a civil penalty assessed based on the value of the species, which is added on top of criminal fines. For endangered or threatened aquatic species, the minimum assessed value per animal is set by statute at $150 per animal regardless of market price.

Important Note: Violations range from petty offenses to felony charges for the most serious conduct, and a suspension in Illinois can follow you across dozens of other states through an interstate compact. A spearfishing conviction in Illinois could affect your ability to fish or hunt in 40 other member states.

Fishing without a valid license is a violation of the Illinois Fish and Aquatic Life Code and can result in fines and legal consequences. Fines for certain violations can reach $1,000 or more. Equipment used in violations is also subject to confiscation — including your spear gun, spears, and any related gear.

Conservation police officers with the IDNR have broad enforcement authority and actively patrol public waterways, especially during peak fishing seasons. If you’re ever uncertain about a regulation, contact the IDNR directly or consult the current Illinois fishing regulations guide on eRegulations before entering the water.

Illinois animal and wildlife law is broad and touches many areas of daily life. If you’re interested in how the state handles other animal-related regulations, you may find it useful to read about dog bite laws in Illinois, emotional support animal laws in Illinois, or pit bull laws in Illinois — all of which reflect the state’s layered approach to balancing public safety with individual rights.

The bottom line: spearfishing in Illinois is an accessible and rewarding activity when you stay within the rules. Get your license, know your approved species, use only legal gear, and verify the specific water body before you dive. When in doubt, check the IDNR’s iFish Illinois portal or the eRegulations fishing license page for the most current guidance.