Steelhead and trout fishing closed on March 31. This includes all catch-and-release fishing as well. Trout fishing will reopen May 22. Once open, fishing is catch-and-release for wild trout. There is no hatchery on the Illinois, and wild rainbow and cutthroat trout must be released. The trout closure has been to protect out-migrating wild steelhead and salmon smolts destined for the ocean. 

There is good public bank access along 8 Dollar Rd. just north of Kerby, and Illinois River Rd. outside of Selma, all the way downstream to Miami Bar. Be advised the road to Briggs Creek can be a bit muddy after a rain, but it’s not rutted and is relatively hard packed within the puddles. The water is clear out here, snow still in the mountains, and this is certainly still a destination for a hike.

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