Illinois vs Iowa fishing license
For a visitor fishing fresh water for 3 days, Illinois is $5 cheaper than Iowa. For a visitor's annual fresh-water license, Illinois is $16.50 cheaper than Iowa. You need a license from age 16 in Illinois and in Iowa.
- Free
- Official sources first
- Checked monthly
- Independent, not a state website
What visitors pay
Cheapest way for an adult non-resident to cover the trip, including required stamps, worked out from each state's price list. The cheaper state is marked.
| Trip | Illinois | Iowa |
|---|---|---|
| Fresh water | ||
| 1 day | $10.50 | $12 |
| 3 days | $15.50 | $20.50 |
| 7 days | $31.50 | $37.50 |
| 1 year | $31.50 | $48 |
| Residents, annual | ||
| Fresh water | $15 | $22 |
| Prices for | 2026-27 | 2026 |
Rules side by side
| Illinois | Iowa | |
|---|---|---|
| License needed from age | 16 | 16 |
| Senior residents | Resident sport fishing license (75+): $1.50 (ages 75+) | Resident lifetime fishing license (65 and over): $61.50 (ages 65+) |
| Senior visitors | Normal visitor prices | Normal visitor prices |
| Required stamps | None | None |
| Next free fishing day | Not yet announced | Not yet announced |
| On a charter | Yes: everyone who fishes needs their own license | Not applicable |
| License on your phone | – | – |
| Annual licenses last | To March 31 | To 01-10 |
| Last checked | Nov 4, 2026 | Nov 5, 2026 |
Full details and sources: Illinois fishing license · Iowa fishing license
Shared waters
Neither state lists a special agreement for waters shared with the other. Where you fish decides which license you need.
Limits for fish found in both states
Guide only. Statewide rules; many waters have their own. Check each state's official rules before you keep a fish.
| Fish | Illinois | Iowa |
|---|---|---|
| Largemouth bass |
Black bass |
Largemouth, smallmouth and spotted bass |
| Smallmouth bass |
Black bass |
Largemouth, smallmouth and spotted bass |
| Trout |
Trout and salmon |
bag 5 (possession 10) |
| Walleye |
Walleye, sauger and saugeye |
Walleye, sauger and saugeye |
| Crappie |
No statewide limit; bag No statewide limit |
bag 25 (no possession limit) (Inland waters; 1 more) |
| Catfish |
Channel catfish |
bag 8 (possession 30) (Inland lakes; 2 more) |
| Northern pike |
24" minimum (none on the Mississippi River); bag 3 |
bag 3 (possession 6) (Inland waters; 2 more) |
| Muskellunge (muskie) |
Muskellunge and tiger muskie |
Muskellunge and hybrid (tiger) muskie |
Questions
Is a Illinois fishing license valid in Iowa?
No. Each state needs its own license. There's no general agreement between the two states.
Which is cheaper for visitors, Illinois or Iowa?
1 day (fresh water): Illinois $10.50, Iowa $12. 1 year (fresh water): Illinois $31.50, Iowa $48.
At what age do you need a fishing license in Illinois and Iowa?
You need a license from age 16 in Illinois and in Iowa.