Ill. trout fishing season opens next month

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) — More than 40 lakes, creeks and ponds are stocked with rainbow trout in anticipation of this season's fishing opener.

Illinois Department of Natural Resources Director Marc Miller said Wednesday the 2013 trout fishing season will begin April 6.

Miller says the department has stocked 42 waters across the state with more than 60,000 rainbow trout.

He says the spring trout fishing season is a great opportunity for families and children to get outside and enjoy nature.

To legally participate, anglers must have a valid Illinois fishing license and an inland trout stamp. A list of locations where the licenses and stamps may be purchased is available on the IDNR website.

The website also has a list of the bodies of water that have been stocked with trout.