Fishing Charters in Illinois

Browse fishing charters in Illinois that can help you catch rainbow trout.

Eyeronick Sport Fishing - Eyeronick Sport Fishing
Eyeronick Sport Fishing

Eyeronick Sport Fishing

Winthrop Harbor, Illinois

inshore
Winthrop Harbor, Illinois
Xtreme Fun Charters - Xtreme Fun Charters
Xtreme Fun Charters

Xtreme Fun Charters

Chicago, Illinois

Unforgettable boat rentals in Chicago. Explore stunning shores, cruise the skyline, and create lasting memories. Book your boat rental adventure today!

inshore
Chicago, Illinois
Schools Out Sport Fishing - Schools Out Sport Fishing
Schools Out Sport Fishing

Schools Out Sport Fishing

Waukegan, Illinois

Salmon and Trout fishing in the Chicagoland and Milwaukee region on Lake Michigan. Book today aboard School's Out Sport Fishing.

freshwaterSpeckled TroutSalmon
Waukegan, Illinois
Dem Jigs - Dem Jigs
Dem Jigs

Dem Jigs

Streamwood, Illinois

Our hook collection features Mustad and Gamakatsu hooks trusted by anglers at every level—from weekend fishermen to tournament competitors. Built for strength, sharpness, and reliability, these hooks are designed to perform across nearly every fishing application. Whether you’re rigging soft plastics, flipping heavy co

inshore
Streamwood, Illinois
Addiction Charters - Addiction Charters
Addiction Charters

Addiction Charters

Lindenhurst, Illinois

Chicago Lake Michigan Illinois charter fishing with Addiction Charters is the best King Salmon fishing around Chicago on Lake Michigan

freshwaterSalmon
Lindenhurst, Illinois
Ness Charters - Ness Charters
Ness Charters

Ness Charters

Winthrop Harbor, Illinois

inshore
Winthrop Harbor, Illinois
River Valley Charter Service - River Valley Charter Service
River Valley Charter Service

River Valley Charter Service

Chillicothe, Illinois

River Valley Charter Service LLC, provides guided fishing charters on the Illinois River in Central Illinois for walleye, sauger, crappie, and white bass. We also offer river tours, for eagle watching and other wildlife viewing.

freshwaterSaugerWhite Bass
Chillicothe, Illinois
Prime Time Fishing - Prime Time Fishing
Prime Time Fishing

Prime Time Fishing

5(9)Top Rated

Waukegan Illinois salmon and trout fishing charter

freshwaterSpeckled TroutSalmon
Waukegan, Illinois
Last Cast Ii - Last Cast Ii
Last Cast Ii

Last Cast Ii

5(2)Top Rated

Lake Michigan Fishing, North Point Marina, Last Cast Charters, IIllinois Fishing, Trout, Salmon, Stealhead, Lake Trout, Coho, King Salmon, Brown Trout, Chicago Fishing, IL Fishing.

freshwaterSpeckled TroutBrown Trout
Winthrop Harbor, Illinois
Double K Charters - Double K Charters
Double K Charters

Double K Charters

5(4)Top Rated
inshore
Waukegan, Illinois
Kingfin Charters - Kingfin Charters
Kingfin Charters

Kingfin Charters

5(12)Top Rated

Lake Michigan Fishing Charters, Fishing Charters, Waukegan Fishing Charters, Lake Michigan

freshwater
Waukegan, Illinois
Shawnee Expeditions - Shawnee Expeditions
Shawnee Expeditions

Shawnee Expeditions

5(4)Top Rated

Lake Kinkaid muskie musky walleye crappie bass fishing guide scott Donovan. Shawnee national forest fishing trip for walleye.

freshwaterLargemouth BassWalleye
Carbondale, Illinois

Best Time to Catch Rainbow Trout

Rainbow Trout can be caught year-round in East St. Louis. Right now in February, activity is Good.

Book a Rainbow Trout Charter

Seasonal Activity Chart

Rainbow Trout

Rainbow Trout

Various

While East St. Louis isn't typically known for its trout fishing, some opportunities exist for Rainbow Trout thanks to strategic stocking programs in certain lakes and ponds managed by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. Check the IDNR's website for the latest stocking reports and locations. These stockings often occur in the spring and fall, making those the best times to target rainbows. Look for smaller lakes or ponds within a reasonable driving distance of East St. Louis that have been stocked. PowerBait and small spinners are usually effective. A helpful tip is to fish early in the morning or late in the evening, especially during warmer months, as the trout will seek cooler water. Keep in mind that these are stocked fish, so they may not be as wary as wild trout, but they still provide a fun fishing experience. The fish are typically in the 10-14 inch range.

How to Catch Rainbow Trout

Detailed fishing techniques coming soon for Rainbow Trout in East St. Louis.

Rainbow Trout Fishing Regulations in Illinois

Open Season

Year-round

Daily Bag Limit

5 per day

Size Limit

No size limit

License Required

Fishing License and Inland Trout Stamp

Possession of Rainbow Trout requires an Inland Trout Stamp, unless exempt. Regulations may vary by location. Check the Illinois Department of Natural Resources fishing guide for site-specific regulations.

⚠️ Always verify current regulations with the Illinois state wildlife agency before fishing.

Related Species in Illinois

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the daily limit for rainbow trout in East St. Louis, IL?

You can keep up to 5 rainbow trout per day in Illinois.

Do I need a special permit to fish for rainbow trout in East St. Louis?

Yes, in addition to a valid Illinois fishing license, you'll also need an Inland Trout Stamp to legally fish for rainbow trout.

Is there a size restriction for rainbow trout I catch near East St. Louis?

There is no minimum size limit for rainbow trout in Illinois, so you can keep any size you catch, within the daily limit.

Can I fish for rainbow trout year-round in the East St. Louis area?

Yes, the rainbow trout season is open year-round in Illinois. Make sure you have your fishing license and Inland Trout Stamp.

More Rainbow Trout Fishing in Illinois

Other Species to Fish in East St. Louis

Ready to Catch Rainbow Trout in East St. Louis?

Book a trip with an expert guide who knows the best local spots and techniques.