Section 850.30  Restricted Commercial Fishing Areas

a)         During the months of July and August, commercial gill net fishing may be undertaken anywhere in the Illinois portion of Lake Michigan outside of the 1,000 yard distance from any pier, breakwater, or similar structure, or the low water mark on the shore.  From the months of September through April and from June 16 through June 30, inclusive, commercial fishermen must fish in water depths of at least 5 fathoms (30 feet) or deeper to minimize incidental catch of salmon and trout.

b)         The following described area in Lake Michigan is established as fish refuge and it shall be unlawful for any person to place any commercial fishing device in it:  all waters on or adjacent to any area commonly referred to as Julian's Reef, located in a general area bounded by 42 16'00" north latitude on the north, 87 29'00" west longitude on the east, 42 11'00" north latitude on the south and 87 35'00" west longitude on the west, on U.S. lake survey navigational chart #75, edition of April 1972 (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration).

c)         During the months of August and September, all gill nets set in the Illinois portion of Lake Michigan in waters up to 20 fathoms (120 feet) in depth shall not be set prior to sunrise and must be removed from the water prior to sunset on the same day.

d)         From May 1 through June 15, inclusive, all gill nets must be placed in waters greater than 20 fathoms (120 feet) in depth to minimize the incidental catch of yellow perch.

(Source:  Amended at 44 Ill. Reg. 4040, effective February 26, 2020)