IL HB3717

Allows commercial fishermen to obstruct more than half the width of a stream or watercourse if they remain within sight of their gear and place at least 2 fluorescent orange buoys (at least 2 feet in diameter) on the opposite side of nets to warn boaters.

Maintains the prohibition on using commercial devices within 300 yards above or below spillways, fishways, locks, or dams, with the exception noted above.

Establishes specific definitions for "trammel nets" (3 or more mesh panels with outer panels of number 9 or larger diameter twine, diamond-shaped and no greater than 40 inch bar measure, with inner panel of at least 2 inches bar measure).

Establishes specific definition for "gill nets" (single panel of mesh not less than 3 inches bar measure tied to a single float and lead line).

Removes previous mesh size requirements (2 inches for trammel nets and 4 inches for gill nets) and maintains the 100-foot minimum length requirement for all gill and trammel nets.