The Illinois River Sauger Tournament runs each spring and fall on the Illinois River between Starved Rock and Marseilles, with entry fees and a weigh-in format that rewards both size and participation.

The Illinois River Sauger Tournament is a seasonal event that draws anglers to one of the state's most productive sauger fisheries. The tournament typically runs in spring (March through April) and fall (September through October), with specific dates announced each year by the host organization. Anglers fish from their own boats or charter services, weigh their catch at designated weigh-in stations, and compete for prizes based on the heaviest fish and largest daily totals.

The tournament section of the Illinois River — roughly 40 miles between Starved Rock Lock and Dam and Marseilles Lock and Dam — holds a strong population of sauger that grow to keeper size reliably. The river's current, depth variation, and structure make it predictable enough for tournament fishing while remaining challenging enough to reward skill and local knowledge.

Key Takeaways

  • The Illinois River Sauger Tournament runs in spring and fall, with exact dates posted by the tournament organizer each season.
  • Entry fees typically range from $50 to $150 per angler, depending on the tournament format and whether you fish as an individual or team.
  • Weigh-ins happen at public boat ramps or designated facilities, usually in the late afternoon, and require you to keep your catch alive or on ice until official weighing.
  • Sauger on the Illinois River average 12 to 16 inches, with tournament winners often landing fish in the 17 to 20-inch range.
  • You need a valid Illinois fishing license and must follow state regulations on daily catch limits and minimum size requirements.

Tournament Dates and Registration

The Illinois River Sauger Tournament announces its schedule each year through the Illinois Department of Natural Resources website and local fishing clubs. Spring tournaments typically open registration in February, with fishing dates in March or April. Fall events open registration in August, with fishing in September or October. Registration closes one to two weeks before the tournament begins, though some organizers allow day-of registration at a higher fee.

You can register online through the tournament website or in person at participating bait shops and marinas along the Illinois River. Bring your fishing license number when you register — the organizer will verify it before the tournament starts. Some tournaments require a pre-tournament meeting or safety briefing, usually held the evening before fishing begins.

Entry Fees and Prize Structure

Entry fees for the Illinois River Sauger Tournament range from $50 to $150 per angler, depending on whether you fish individually or as part of a team. Some tournaments charge a flat fee; others add a "big fish" pot where anglers contribute extra money for a separate prize pool. Team tournaments typically cost $100 to $300 per two-person team. Prize money comes from entry fees and is distributed to the top finishers — usually the top three to five places, depending on the number of participants.

Payouts vary by tournament size. A spring event with 50 anglers might award $500 to first place, $300 to second, and $200 to third. Larger fall tournaments with 100+ participants can pay significantly more. Some tournaments also award prizes for the heaviest single fish of the day, which draws a separate entry fee and creates a second chance to win even if your daily total is modest.

What You Need to Fish the Tournament

You must have a valid Illinois fishing license before you register. A one-day license costs around $10; a full-year license is roughly $30 for residents. You can purchase a license online through the Illinois Department of Natural Resources website, at any bait and tackle shop, or at many Walmart and Cabela's locations. Bring your license number to registration and carry the physical or digital copy with you on the water.

You will need a boat or access to a charter service. Many anglers fish from their own 16 to 20-foot boats with 40 to 90-horsepower motors. If you do not own a boat, several charter captains operate on the Illinois River during tournament season and can be booked weeks in advance. Charter costs typically run $300 to $500 for a full day, split between two anglers. A few tournaments offer a "shore fishing" division if you prefer to fish from public access points, though most divisions require a boat.

Bring tackle suited to sauger: 6 to 7-foot medium-action rods, 6 to 10-pound monofilament or braided line, and jigs in 1/8 to 3/8-ounce weights tipped with live minnows or soft plastics. Sauger are aggressive feeders but have small mouths, so use jigs no larger than 2 inches. A cooler with ice or a livewell system is required to keep your catch fresh for weigh-in.

Tournament Rules and Regulations

Illinois state fishing regulations apply during the tournament. Sauger have a daily limit of 15 fish per angler and a minimum size of 10 inches. Most tournaments require you to keep all sauger you catch during the official fishing hours — you cannot cull smaller fish to make room for larger ones. Weigh-in typically happens between 3 and 5 p.m., and all fish must be presented alive or on ice at the official scale.

Fishing hours are usually sunrise to sunset or a set window like 6 a.m. to 4 p.m., depending on the tournament rules. You must stay within the designated tournament section of the river — typically from Starved Rock to Marseilles. Boats must display a tournament number or sticker provided at registration. Violations of state law or tournament rules can result in disqualification and forfeiture of entry fees.

Where to Weigh In and What to Expect

Weigh-in stations are located at public boat ramps or marinas within the tournament zone. Common locations include the Starved Rock State Park boat ramp, Marseilles Marina, and several private facilities in between. The tournament organizer will specify the exact weigh-in location and hours when you register. Arrive with your fish in a cooler or livewell — fish must be presented in good condition, and any fish that are dead or damaged may be disqualified at the official's discretion.

The weigh-master will record your name, boat number, and the weight of each fish. Weights are typically recorded to the nearest ounce. After weighing, your fish are usually returned to you or donated to a local food bank, depending on the tournament's policy. Results are posted within an hour of the final weigh-in, and prizes are awarded that evening or the next day.

Sauger Fishing Techniques for Tournament Success

Sauger on the Illinois River respond best to vertical jigging in deeper water — 15 to 35 feet — where they hold near the river bottom. Fish the outside bends of the river channel and the areas immediately downstream of the locks, where current brings food and sauger gather to feed. Early morning and late afternoon are most productive, though sauger bite throughout the day if you find the right depth and structure.

Live minnows — shiners, shad, or small bluegill — are the most reliable bait. Tip a 1/8 to 3/8-ounce jig with a 2 to 3-inch minnow and work it vertically or with a slow drag along the bottom. Soft plastics like 2-inch shad bodies or grubs work well when live bait is scarce. Keep your line relatively tight so you can feel the subtle bite — sauger often mouth a jig before committing, and a quick set is essential. Expect to catch a mix of sauger, walleye, and white bass; all are legal tournament fish, though sauger are the target.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need my own boat to fish the tournament?

No. You can hire a charter captain who operates on the Illinois River during tournament season. Charter costs run $300 to $500 for a full day, typically split between two anglers. Some tournaments also offer a shore-fishing division if you prefer to fish from public access points, though boat divisions are more common and more competitive.

What happens if I catch walleye or white bass instead of sauger?

Most Illinois River Sauger Tournaments count walleye and white bass as legal tournament fish. Check the specific tournament rules when you register — some tournaments weight all three species together, while others have separate divisions or only count sauger. The rules will be clear in the registration packet.

Can I fish alone, or do I have to join a team?

Most tournaments offer both individual and team divisions. Individual entry is typically $50 to $100; team entry (two anglers) is $100 to $300. You can register as an individual and fish alone, or partner with another angler and split the entry fee. Some tournaments require teams; check the specific event's rules.

What if the weather is bad on tournament day?

Most tournaments proceed rain or shine unless conditions are dangerous — high winds or lightning that make boating unsafe. The tournament organizer will make a call by early morning and post it on their website or contact registered anglers by phone. If the tournament is postponed, it is usually rescheduled for the following day or weekend.

How do I find out the exact dates for the next tournament?

Check the Illinois Department of Natural Resources website, local fishing clubs, and bait shops along the Illinois River. Dates are typically announced two to three months before the tournament. You can also contact the Illinois River Sauger Tournament organizer directly — their contact information is posted on the IDNR website and at marinas in the tournament zone.