Q. Are children allowed to go fishing without a license?

A. Yes. Anyone younger than 16 years old does not need a permit to go fishing in Illinois. For anyone 16 years or older, a license can be purchased online at dnr.illinois.gov/LPR/Pages/FishingLicensesFees.aspx or by phone at 888-673-7648. The system is available for purchases 24 hours a day.