How old do you have to be get a fishing license in Illinois?

In Illinois, a fishing license is required for any person 16 years of age or older who fishes in public waters. Children under 16 years of age may fish without a license. However, all youth aged 16 or 17 years of age, who do not hold a resident sport fishing license must purchase a Youth Combination Hunting and Fishing License or a Sport Fishing Inland Trout Stamp to legally retain trout and/or salmon or fish on fee fishing sites.