The Illinois River is currently closed to all fishing from 8 Dollar Mountain Road Bridge crossing the Illinois River outside of Kerby, upstream to the Forks near Cave Junction through Nov. 30, 2020.  Both the East and West Forks are normally closed as permanent regulations in the SW Zone.

This new closure is to protect returning fall Chinook salmon in the upper Illinois River. Lower streamflow prevalent in the last few years is making fall Chinook more susceptible to snagging, and drought conditions are again prevalent in Southwest Oregon. Additionally a low fall Chinook return to the Illinois River is anticipated.  

All public lands encompassing the USFS Wild Rivers Ranger District are currently closed due to elevated wildfire risk (exception of Bear Camp Road/Forest Road 23). More information can be found on their websiteunder the alerts and notices section. 

The Illinois River is currently open for trout fishing and hatchery steelhead below the current all angling closure deadline of 8 Dollar Mountain Road bridge Only artificial flies and lures are allowed. Since there is no hatchery on the Illinois, the fishery is primarily catch-and-release for wild trout, as retention in not allowed.  However, access is currently restricted due to the USFS Wild Rivers Ranger District Area Closure (Forest Order 06-10-22-20-10).

Check the USGS Kerby guage which provides up to date river flow information.