Northern Illinois Anglers Association

09/01/2026

09/01/2026

https://facebook.com/events/s/15th-annual-troutdog-outdoor-f/4747340635485619/

07/18/2026

I would like to address an issue that comes up every year from people who think that the Kankakee River Fishing Derby is harming the fish population in the Kankakee River.

EVERY fish that is taken to a check station meets the requirements for keeper fish as established by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. Fishermen have the right to keep any of these fish and serve them for dinner. However, the VAST majority are kept healthy in aerated live wells and returned safely to the river.

Due to our ability to keep the Big Board updated quickly, fishermen rarely bring fish to a weigh-in station that are too small to get on the Big Board.

This year, a total of 77 fish were weighed in. That's 77 fish spread out over 9 different species in a 10-day period. I have talked to the IDNR biologists about this. If EVERY fish was kept by the angler and not returned to the river, it would still have no negative effect on the Kankakee River's fish population.

We hope that you and your families had a great time and created some wonderful memories!

07/16/2026

The 2026 Grand Champion Fish is the 14 pound, 2 ounce Channel Cat caught by Dale Mullins! Congratulations!

07/13/2026

The Big Board has been updated. The top 3 anglers in each species on the Big Board will win cash prizes. Go to kankakeefishingderby.com and check the Big Board, Dollar Days, Kids Corkin' Day, and Tagged Fish to see all winners. Join us on Wednesday at the Bradley Bourbonnais Sportmens Club at 6:00 for awards presentations and announcment of ths year's Grand Champion Fish!

07/12/2026

And, the 43rd Annual Kankakee River Fishing Derby has come to an end. Thank you so much to sponsors, volunteers, and you, the participants! Hope you had a great and memorable time! See you Wednesday at 6:00 at the Bradley Bourbonnias Sportmen's Club for Awards Presentations!

07/12/2026

Wow! A first place largemouth came in with less than 30 minutes left in the Derby! That's why fishermen always say, just one more cast!

07/10/2026

We have a new leader on the Walleye Big Board and on today's Walleye Dollar Day.
Oliverio Andrade Alvarado with his 5 pound, 5 ounce Walleye!

07/10/2026

It's not too late to join the fun! Derby ends at 6:00 PM Sunday. You must be registered by 10:00 AM on Saturday.

07/08/2026

8 year-old Maverick Daverin caught Ally Cat today! Ally Cat is one of ten tagged fish released into the Bird Park Quarry for kids only and is sponsored by United Disposal. Maverick wins $100!