Schoolchildren selected the Bluegill as the state fish in 1986. Although the Bluegill grows to only about 9 inches in length and weighs less than a pound, it has a reputation as one of the best fighting game fish.
Fishing continues to be a favorite pastime of the American people.
California, Florida, Texas, Minnesota, New York and North Carolina. This money funds fisheries management and research. 325,000 acres About 203 different species of fish occur in Illinois waters. The IDNR Division of Fisheries operates four fish hatcheries to annually produce more than 50 million fish of 19 species for stocking into Illinois waters statewide. Most fishing in Illinois occurs during May, June, and July.