Section 830.11  Special Regulations for the Commercial Harvest of VHS-Susceptible Fish Species

a)         Commercial fishermen shall be allowed to harvest and transport live, to a licensed wholesale aquatic life dealer, any permitted commercial species identified in Section 830.60 and in 17 Ill. Adm. Code 875.20 (except Bighead Carp, Silver Carp, Black Carp and Grass Carp which have additional requirements for live transport, see Section 830.12; and Viral Hemorrhagic Septicemia (VHS) susceptible species imported into Illinois require VHS-Susceptible Species Permits, see 17 Ill. Adm. Code 875.30).

b)         Commercial fishermen who wish to transport VHS-susceptible fish species for live stocking into water bodies that are entirely privately owned must first procure a Special Circumstances Authorization (see 17 Ill. Adm. Code 875.50(b)), pursuant to 17 Ill. Adm. Code 875, through the Department Aquaculture Program, by writing to:  Aquaculture Specialist, Illinois Department of Natural Resources, Aquatic Nuisance Species and Aquaculture Program, One Natural Resources Way, Springfield IL  62702‑1271 or email: DNR.Aquaculture@illinois.gov, or calling 217-782-6302, and meet all of the following conditions:

1)         Commercial fishermen must have their Special Circumstances Authorization in their possession at all times while transporting VHS-susceptible fish species; and

2)         All of the following information shall be documented on the back of the Authorization:

A)        date of catch;

B)        date of transport;

C)        location fish caught;

D)        destination address; and

E)        private landowner's signature.

c)         Commercial fishermen are allowed to harvest gizzard shad for use as bait on the waters (river reach or pool) from which they are collected. 

(Source:  Amended at 50 Ill. Reg. 8079, effective June 1, 2026)