What to Know About Fishing Licenses
By Dave Park
July 8, 2026 · 1 min read
Before you wet a line in the Kankakee, here's the short version of what Illinois requires — who needs a license, where to buy one, and the exceptions worth knowing.
Who Needs One
Illinois residents and non-residents age 16 and older need a fishing license to fish the Kankakee River. Kids under 16 fish free.
Placeholder copy — confirm current IDNR rules and fees before publishing.
Who Needs One
Illinois residents and non-residents age 16 and older need a fishing license to fish the Kankakee River. Kids under 16 fish free.
Placeholder copy — confirm current IDNR rules and fees before publishing.
Where to Buy
Licenses are sold online through the Illinois DNR and at local retailers around the county.
Placeholder copy — add local vendor list and links.