Rend Lake and Carlyle Lake are the largest and most popular. Lake Shelbyville offers trophy musky. Lake Michigan from Chicago provides world-class salmon and steelhead. The Mississippi River offers endless catfish, bass, and walleye opportunities.

Do I need a boating license in Illinois?

Anyone born on or after January 1, 1998 must complete a NASBLA-approved boating safety course. All motorized watercraft must be registered with the IL DNR.

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Every Boat Ramp in Illinois

Featured: Mississippi River (Illinois)

Lincoln Shields Ramp

Hamburg Ferry Access

Royal Landing

Red'SLanding Backwaters

Bunker Hill Reservoir Number 2

Grafton

Illinois Lakes & Rivers

Mississippi River (Illinois)

Lake Michigan (Illinois)

Illinois River

Rend Lake

Carlyle Lake

Ohio River (Illinois)

Lake Shelbyville

Lake Decatur

Lake Springfield

Clinton Lake

Kinkaid Lake

Lake of Egypt

Forbes Lake

Sam Dale Lake

Lake Sara

Lake Mattoon

All 1451 Illinois Boat Ramps

Illinois Boating FAQ

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