Aquatic Predators: Restricted Fishes of Illinois - Aquatic Predators

Aquaculture, transportation, stocking, importation and/or possession of aquatic life is controlled under state code and a permit program.

Species prohibited for use as bait include the following:
-rusty crayfish
-river ruffe
-round goby
-tube nose goby
-rudd
Any species that does not appear on the Aquatic Life Approved Species List is illegal to raise, transport, stock, import or possess without permission of the DNR Director. For such exotic species, an aquaculture permit combined with a Letter of Authorization to Import/Possess is required. Persons requesting to rear a species not on the List must have their facilities inspected to see if they meet the criteria set by the Aquaculture Advisory Committee. Permits are granted on a case by case basis.