07/17/2026
We are temporarily suspending trout stocking on the Lower Illinois River. Photo credit: Scott Hood
Stocking trout is a complex process that depends on trout availability from hatcheries. We conduct two types of stockings. Seasonal stockings come from private hatcheries and occur from October through June. Mitigation trout are provided by U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) hatcheries based out of Arkansas during and after the seasonal stocking season.
Last year's flooding significantly impacted USFWS hatchery production, resulting in the loss of approximately two years' worth of trout. Although the hatchery was not a complete loss, the flooding greatly reduced production and has affected the availability of trout for stocking.
The hatchery currently has trout in the 3–4" size range. It takes approximately 19–22 months for trout to reach a stocking size of 9-11", so recovery will take time. Hatchery staff are working diligently to rebuild production while also raising fish for future stocking seasons. This shortage affects all public waters that receive trout from this hatchery.
For perspective, so far about 36,000 trout have been stocked in the Lower Illinois River in 2026.
We are working closely with hatchery managers and will resume stocking as soon as fish become available. We appreciate your patience and understanding and will continue to provide updates as new information becomes available in September.
