The Windy City is full of surprises. Firstly, despite its nickname, it’s not actually the windiest city in the US. Secondly, while its excellent jazz scene, controversial cuisine (is the deep dish pizza really a pizza, or a casserole?), and unique architecture are worthy of the attention they receive, they often overshadow the city’s incredible angling opportunities. Come discover ’em on a Chicago fishing adventure!
Never considered casting a line here? You’re missing out. Chicago is perfectly positioned along Lake Michigan’s southwestern shoreline, providing direct access to this world-famous fishery. That’s not all, either! The Chicago River runs right through the city, and there are plenty of smaller lakes, tributaries, and reservoirs to explore.
But where, exactly, should you begin your adventure? And most importantly, what can you catch here? Don’t worry – we’ve got you covered. Let’s delve in and see what the Windy City has to offer…
Best Fish to Catch in Chicago
Ah, the question on every angler’s lips! As you might have guessed from our earlier mentions of Lake Michigan and the Chicago River, this city is a real freshwater fishing paradise. Here are a few of our favorite species.
Salmon
Lake Michigan stands proud as one of Chicago’s top fisheries, thanks in no small part to its mighty Salmon population. It’s home to Coho and Chinook varieties, which means one thing – plenty of exciting angling awaits you! These two species are game fishing royalty (Chinook are also known as King Salmon, after all) due to the fight they put up at the end of your line.
Chicago’s Salmon season generally kicks off in April, with the Coho Salmon run. This is the best time to head to the Windy City if you’re looking for an all-Salmon catch. Chinook joins ’em in May and June, with varieties weighing in at 15+ pounds making an appearance from late June to August. The weather is beautiful, too, making this a great time to hop aboard a charter and troll for your target catch.
Salmon fishing in Chicago isn’t all about speeding to the lake’s deep waters, though. It’s also possible to target them from shore. Head to one of the harbors that line the lakefront in fall for the chance to battle these acrobatic freshwater fighters on foot. Local anglers prefer to use light tackle in order to really feel the pull of the Salmon when they bite.
Trout
Next on our list are another Lake Michigan staple. This fishery boasts Lake, Brown, and Rainbow Trout, and you can target ’em all from Chicago. Even better – Lake Michigan isn’t your only Trout-fishing destination. Many of the city’s smaller inland lakes are stocked with Rainbow Trout (also known as Steelhead), with the Forest Preserve Lakes being especially popular. Why is this important? Well, it just means there’s even more Trout to catch!
If it’s Brown or Lake Trout you’re after, head to Chicago in April, when Lake Michigan’s fishing season kicks off. You’ll find them lurking in the deep waters of the lake, so trolling from a boat is a must. It’s well worth the journey, though. Something about these freezing, early-spring waters makes these fish fight hard, so you’ll be in for some incredible action.
Steelhead stocking begins in April, too, with Axehead Lake being a popular fishing spot. You’ll also find them in Lake Michigan and they’re particularly acrobatic and feisty from late June into August. Trolling, of course, is a popular method when fishing the lakes. You can also use light tackle if you want some serious hands-on action.
Bass
Time to move our focus away from Lake Michigan and onto the Chicago River. Chicago has gained a little bit of a reputation as a world-class Bass fishery. A visit to the river will soon show you why. Both Smallmouth and Largemouth varieties can be found here, and you can hook them both right from the center of the city. What could be better than reeling in this fish with the Sears Tower behind you?
You can wander the Chicago Harbor System to your heart’s content, never leaving downtown, on a Bass adventure. If you want to venture further, there are stocked lakes located around a 30-minute drive from the city itself. No matter where you’re fishing, focus your attention on natural structures such as grass beds and lily pads. Bass flock to these types of vegetation.
When it comes to hooking your fish, the technique remains the same no matter where you choose to cast a line. These voracious feeders are attracted to a whole host of bait, such as leeches, shad, and crayfish, as well as artificial lures. Topwater plugs are a good investment, too, as these fish tend to feed and be most active in shallow waters.
Panfish
The humble Panfish family is often overlooked by hardcore anglers. But if you’re looking to stock the cooler with tasty table fare, there’s hardly a better species to target! Chicago’s waters are bustling with some of the most delicious varieties, too. Perch species, Crappie, and Bluegill can all be caught here, with Bluegill being the most popular.
If you want a fun-filled family fishing adventure, there’s nothing easier (or more enjoyable!) than turning up at one of the area’s many downtown harbors or piers and casting a line in the Chicago River. If you want to escape the hustle and bustle of city life without traveling far, the tranquil Forest Preserves offer year-round Panfish action.
There are a variety of ways to target these delicious fish and make sure you don’t go home hungry. If it’s Bluegill you’re after, think worms. They love munching on night crawlers, meal worms, and even grasshoppers. For Crappie, casting with minnows underneath a bobber is a popular (and successful) technique. Cast towards rock piles and grassy beds in shallow waters, and you’ll be in for a Panfish bonanza!
And More…
Chicago is home to a surprisingly diverse number of fish, and though we think the ones we’ve mentioned above are the best of the best, they’re not the only species on offer. Head to the lagoons and you might well find stocked Carp and Catfish at the end of your line. Around the lakefront harbors, Pike and Musky often make an appearance.
How to Go Fishing in in Chicago
The magic of fishing in Chicago is that when we say it’s accessible to everyone, we really mean it. Its connecting harbor system means that the majority of waterways in the city are fishable on foot. And with a 22-mile-long lakefront, you’ll have plenty of spots to explore Lake Michigan from, too. Here are some of the best ways to fish these waters.
From a Boat
If you want to fish Lake Michigan from Chicago, hopping aboard a local charter is the best way to go about it. You’ll be able to reach the deep waters of the lake, which are filled with huge Salmon and Trout varieties. In addition to this, you’ll be guided by a local who knows these waters intimately, and will be able to get you onto the catch of a lifetime!
In the past, anglers looking to explore the lake on a boat had to travel at least an hour or so out of the city. Not anymore! You’ll find a variety of top-notch sport fishing vessels docked around the various marinas that make up the city’s impressive harbor system. Waukegan and Burnham Harbors are especially popular departure points for charter vessels.
On Foot
We feel pretty confident saying that Chicago is one of the most on-foot-friendly fishing locales in the Midwest. It’s a big claim, but we’re standing by it! This is mainly thanks to the Chicago Harbor System, which spans the city and offers a mind-boggling number of piers, harbors, parks, and walkways to fish from.
Whether you want to explore the Chicago River, the lagoons, or Lake Michigan’s shorelines, you’ll be able to do it all without stepping onto a boat. You don’t have to leave the city limits, either, as you’ll have an impressive variety of fish species at your disposal. Yes, they might not be as big as the ones lurking at the bottom of Lake Michigan, but you’ll still be able to cast your line for Bass, spawning Salmon, and many more.
From a Kayak
If you’ve got the skills and the strength to maneuver a kayak and wield a fishing rod at the same time, this method of fishing will suit you perfectly. It’s also a great way to explore some of Chicago’s often-overlooked fisheries – the many lagoons that populate this city. Hop into your ‘yak with all your fishing gear, and get ready for a truly tranquil angling adventure.
A metropolitan city might not initially conjure up images of peace and quiet, but fishing the lagoons is a real escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Usually located in their own parks, these fisheries hold a surprising number of freshwater fish. Panfish, Catfish, Carp, and Bass species could all be biting at the end of your line.
Chicago Fishing Spots
With its very own harbor system and plenty of inland lakes, a better question would be, “Where can’t I fish in Chicago?” We’ve highlighted some of our favorite spots below.
- Navy Pier: This spot is perfect for beginners and families with little ones, thanks to its thriving Perch population. If you want to introduce your kids to the magic of fishing and fill your cooler at the same time, this is the place to do it – and all on foot, too!
- Montrose Harbor: Located right on Lake Michigan in the heart of Chicago, this harbor packs a serious punch when it comes to angling options. Depending on when you visit, you can hook Perch and Pike from the pier, and you’ll also find plenty of charter boats docked here. Hop aboard and you’ll have the chance to target Salmon and Steelhead.
- Busse Lake: Travel around 30 minutes west of Chicago and you’ll hit this pocket of tranquility. Located within the Ned Brown Forest Preserve, it covers 590 acres and is packed full of Largemouth Bass, Walleye, Northern Pike, Crappie, and even Catfish.
- Northerly Island: This “island” is actually a man-made peninsula located along Chicago’s lakefront. If you’re fishing on foot, focus your attention on Burnham Harbor. Various Salmon and Trout often lurk in the small currents that are formed here. There are also plenty of charters that’ll take you trolling around the island for these fish.
- Lincoln Park Lagoon: It’s all about diversity in this location. Lincoln Park runs along Chicago’s Lake Michigan lakefront, but also offers up a number of lagoons and inland ponds to fish in. This means the amount of fish you can catch grows considerably – Trout, to Salmon, to Bass, to Catfish, to Carp, and more!
Chicago Fishing Regulations
Any angler over the age of 16 will need to purchase a valid Illinois license, whether fishing alone or on board a Chicago fishing charter. This is a simple process that can be done either online or at a local bait and tackle shop.
If you’re exploring Lake Michigan or any of the inland lakes or rivers, you’ll also need to purchase species-specific stamps. There are some exceptions, however, which you can read more about in our handy guide to getting an Illinois fishing license.
Chicago Fishing: A Truly Metropolitan Angling Experience!
So there you have it. Chicago may not be the windiest city in the US after all, but it is one of the most fish-filled! Whether you want to escape to one of the many natural preserves or cast a line from downtown (and enjoy a deep dish pizza after), there’s really something for everyone in this incredible city. What are you waiting for? Grab your rods and reels and get ready for the adventure of a lifetime!
Have you ever been fishing in Chicago? What did you catch? Any tips and tricks to share? Let us know in the comments. We love to hear from you!
