Sterling, IL Fishing Trip — February

Your Sterling, IL Fishing Trip

February2 peopleFamily Trip
High 32°F / Low 17°F0.6" rain · 3 rainy daysCold weather — dress in warm layers and bring waterproof gear.

What’s Biting in February

5 species
Largemouth BassGood
Largemouth Bass
Spinning · Baitcasting
CrappieFair
Crappie
Jigging · Live Bait Fishing
WalleyeFair
Walleye
Various
Brown TroutFair
Brown Trout
Various
Smallmouth BassLow
Smallmouth Bass
Casting · Fly Fishing

February Weather in Sterling

32°F
Avg High
17°F
Avg Low
0.6"
Rainfall
3
Rainy Days

Cold weather — dress in warm layers and bring waterproof gear.

14 Guides Near Sterling

No guides are based in Sterling, but these guides operate nearby.

View all guides
View all 14 guides
$910
Estimated total for 2 people
$455
per person
Charter $500
Tip $100
Licenses $60
Food $100
Lodging $150

Estimates based on local charter rates and averages. Contact guides for exact pricing.

What to Bring

Check with your guide about what gear is provided. Here's a recommended packing list:

Essentials

  • Sunscreen (SPF 50+)
  • Polarized sunglasses
  • Hat or visor
  • Weather-appropriate clothing
  • Non-marking shoes or deck shoes

Food & Personal

  • Water and drinks (stay hydrated)
  • Snacks or lunch
  • Cooler for your catch
  • Motion sickness medication (if needed)
  • Camera or phone (waterproof case recommended)
  • Valid fishing license (confirm with captain)

For freshwater Fishing

  • Bug spray
  • Rain gear

Illinois Fishing License

License Cost
Resident$15
Non-Resident$31.50
Requirements

Required for ages 16+. Inland trout and salmon stamp additional.

Buy License Online — Illinois

Species Regulations

Largemouth Bass
Season:Year-round
Bag Limit:6 per day
Size Limit:14-inch minimum

Largemouth Bass regulations may vary by location. Check the Illinois Department of Natural Resources fishing guide for site-specific regulations.

Crappie
Season:Year-round
Bag Limit:25 per day
Size Limit:No size limit

Crappie regulations may vary by location. Check the Illinois Department of Natural Resources fishing guide for site-specific regulations.

Walleye
Season:Year-round
Bag Limit:6 per day
Size Limit:14-inch minimum

Walleye regulations may vary by location. Check the Illinois Department of Natural Resources fishing guide for site-specific regulations.

Brown Trout
Season:Year-round
Bag Limit:5 per day
Size Limit:No more than 3 fish may exceed 17 inches

Some areas may have specific regulations; consult the Illinois Department of Natural Resources fishing guide for details.

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