Urban Fishing

The Illinois Urban and Community Fishing Program was initially established in Chicago in 1985 with the following goals: to teach people of all ages to fish, to provide local fishing opportunities, and to give participants a greater appreciation for natural resources. Since that time, this program has expanded and now operates throughout the entire state of Illinois with four full-time program coordinators and 20 summer interns to facilitate fishing experiences and conservation programs for thousands of Illinois children every year.

• In-classroom instruction to teach students about how to fish, the types of sportfish in Illinois, and aquatic conservation
• Water-side clinics, instruction and coordination for classrooms and clubs
• Collaborate with fishing clubs and other youth organizations to organize youth fishing derbies and other fishing events
• Summer fishing clinics for children across Illinois
• Access to Fishing Program — there are locations across Illinois where you can check out rod/reel/tackle for free
• Stocking coordination for success at clinic locations

Are you interested in providing a fishing and conservation experience for your students? Our Program Coordinators are not only available for classroom visits, but they also may be able to schedule a class fishing trip to a local waterbody. Our coordinators will work with classroom teachers to schedule and identify appropriate angling locations and classroom topics that align with ongoing curriculum. These programs can assist with meeting clasroom Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS).

Illinois teachers interested in these opportunities are encouraged to reach out to their regional Urban Fishing Program Coordinator for more information. These programs are offered at no cost to Illinois schools.

Need a ride? Additional funding is now available to cover the cost of bus transportation to classroom fishing destinations. Teachers who are interested in applying for this funding should contact their regional Urban Fishing Program Coordinator. Funding for these grants is made possible through generous donations to Illinois Conservation Foundation from D.F. And M.T. Grohne Family Foundation of Wilmington, Daniel F. And Ada L. Rice Foundation of Skokie, and other generous supporters.

Group Programs (for scout, religious, non-profit, 4-H, and after-school leaders): Are you interested in incorporating fishing and conservation into your group's activities? Let us help! We want to help you get more young people hooked on fishing. Please reach out to your regional Urban Fishing Program Coordinator to get started. Possible resources for leaders of youth groups include:

• Assistance with planning and leading fishing events.
• Fishing instruction for youth and adult leaders.
• Loaner fishing equipment for your group to use through our Access to Fishing Program (see Access to Fishing sites).

Fishing Derbies — Fishing Derbies are for those looking to go fishing in a large group setting. Our instructors are on hand to assist with any help needed for new anglers. These derbies generally include anywhere from 40 – 200 anglers.

Every year IDNR release an annual report on the Urban Fishing Programs

• FY 2024 Report
• FY 2023 Report
• FY 2022 Report
• FY 2021 Report
• FY 2020 Report

Older reports are available upon request. Please fill out a contact form found in the footer of this website for a copy request.