Chicago Fishing Charters

The best out of 12 charter fishing deals in Chicago - enter dates to check availability

Chicago: 12 fishing charters available
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(24 reviews)
Chicago
trips from US $895
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(29 reviews)
Chicago
trips from US $320
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(2 reviews)
Chicago
trips from US $995
Excellent
4.9 / 5
(106 reviews)
Waukegan
 Instant Confirmation
trips from US $230
Excellent
4.9 / 5
(76 reviews)
Waukegan
 Instant Confirmation
trips from US $650
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(2 reviews)
Homewood
 Instant Confirmation
trips from US $500
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(6 reviews)
Waukegan
 Instant Confirmation
trips from US $550
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(6 reviews)
Waukegan
 Instant Confirmation
trips from US $600
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(14 reviews)
Waukegan
 Instant Confirmation
trips from US $200
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(5 reviews)
Waukegan
 Instant Confirmation
trips from US $700

Frequently Asked Questions about Fishing Charters in Chicago

According to customer reviews, some of the most popular fishing charters in Chicago, Illinois are: Full list of top fishing charters in Chicago

The average price for a private 4 hour Chicago fishing trip is US $970, while an 8 hour private trip will cost you US $1,025 based on prices on FishingBooker.com.

Fishing charters in Chicago that received great reviews from families are:

The top 3 fish species targeted on guided fishing trips in Chicago are:

The top 3 fishing techniques in Chicago are:

The top 3 types of fishing in Chicago are:

Many fishing charters in Chicago provide rods, reels and tackle. Some of the top rated are:

According to customer reviews on FishingBooker.com, some of the best rated charter captains in Chicago are:

Who are the top awarded captains in Chicago?

Some of the fishing trips offered by fishing charters in Chicago are:
  • 4-hour fishing trips โ€“ US $693
  • 5-hour fishing trips โ€“ US $1,121
  • 6-hour fishing trips โ€“ US $1,040
  • 7-hour fishing trips โ€“ US $900
  • 8-hour fishing trips โ€“ US $1,325
  • 10-hour fishing trips โ€“ US $1,900

Fishing in Chicago

As famous for its incredible jazz music scene as its controversial deep dish pizza, it’s fair to say that the Windy City’s diverse on-land opportunities often steal the show. Don’t let ‘em distract you from hopping aboard one of the many Chicago fishing charters on offer! With Lake Michigan, the Chicago River, and a variety of other freshwater fisheries at your disposal, this metropolis is the perfect place to experience some exciting angling action.
 
Chicago is located right along Lake Michigan’s southwestern shoreline, which means you’ll have access to some world-famous fish. Explore the lake’s shallow inshore waters on a half day trip, and you’ll encounter Perch, Crappie, and Smallmouth Bass. Want to plumb the depths of the lake’s offshore waters? Opt for a full day trip, and your potential targets could include Chinook and Coho Salmon, huge Lake and Brown Trout, and Steelhead.
 
Then there’s the Chicago River. This waterway runs through downtown Chicago, making it one of the most accessible fisheries around. A short day trip will give you plenty of time to cast a line for Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass from one of the harbors dotted around the city. A longer trip will let you head to the river’s productive North Shore Channel, which is one of the hottest Bass fisheries in the state of Illinois. There’s plenty of lagoons and lakes to check out, too.
 
Thanks to the Chicago Harbor system, you’ll find plenty of fishing charters dotted all around the city, no matter which fishery you want to explore. The harbor system is a collection of connected slips, walkways, piers, and other permanent structure that stretch from the north to south sides of the city. You’ll have plenty of options to choose from!

 

Rules & Regulations

Any angler over the age of 16 needs to carry a valid Illinois license, whether fishing alone or on a charter.

Chicago
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Based on 28446 reviews by FishingBooker anglers

Chicago Fishing Seasons

January

Lake Michigan is pretty quiet, but you can still start the year off with a bang by focus your attention along the lakefront and around the harbors. Perch, Panfish, Salmon, and Trout are biting!

February

Chicago's lakefront and harbors remain the best place to cast a line during this month. Wrap up warm, grab your rods and reels, and you could find anything from Trout, to Salmon, to Panfish at the end of your line.

March

The action on Lake Michigan is heating up! The Steelhead spawning run has begun, so you'll find 'em in the lake, joined by Lake Trout. Head to the Chicago River and you'll encounter Largemouth Bass and Panfish.

April

Salmon and Trout enthusiasts, rejoice! The section of Lake Michigan between Chicago and Waukegan is bustling with Coho and Rainbow varieties. Head to the harbours, lakefront, or hop aboard a charter.

May

This time of year offers up some of the most exciting angling action around, along the river, on the lake, and in the lagoons. Coho Salmon, Brown Trout, Largemouth Bass, Panfish, Perch...who knows what you'll hook into!

June

Head to Lake Michigan and you'll encounter huge Coho, as well as King Salmon. Lake Trout reach an impressive size here, too. On the Chicago River, Panfish are a popular catch, and Bass reign supreme in the lagoons.

July

This is the time to hit Chicago's lakefront if you're looking for tackle-busting King Salmon! They're joined by Trout varieties. The river is bustling with Bass and Panfish, and so are the lagoons.

August

Huge Chinook Salmon are plentiful on Lake Michigan in this month, and are joined by their smaller (but no less fiercer!) cousins, Coho. Bass are still available along the river and in the lagoons. 

September

Lake Trout are lurking along the reefs in Lake Michigan, and Chinooks and Steelhead can still be hooked. The Chicago River is inhabited by Crappie, Bluegill, and Bass varieties. 

October

Brown and Lake Trout swarm Lake Michigan. King Salmon are also in the cards. Perch can also be hooked, so bring the kids along and teach 'em the magic of fishing this Great Lake. Bass are still plentiful in the river.

November

The action on Lake Michigan starts to calm down, but you can still hook into Steelhead and Salmon varieties. Bass varieties and Panfish lurk the lagoons and the Chicago River.

December

End your year in the right way by heading out on a Chicago fishing trip! Steelhead and Lake Trout are still active along the lakefront. If the waters around the harbors are frozen, try your hand at ice fishing for Perch. 

Chicago Fishing Calendar

Loading Fish Calendar!
Please Wait...

How did anglers rate fishing charters in Chicago?

Thin Blue Line Fishing Chicago 27ft
Thin Blue Line Fishing Chicago 27ft
Fishing charter in Chicago
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(29 reviews)
Nailed the coho had an amazing time second to none will be back in the summer months at some point
Dustin  D.
Dustin D.
Thin Blue Line Fishing Chicago 27ft
Thin Blue Line Fishing Chicago 27ft
Fishing charter in Chicago
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(29 reviews)
Strongly recommended! My December 2023 journey was enjoyable, and I look forward to another successful hunting trip next year.
Mir  H.
Mir H.
Charter Boat Royalty โ€“ 36' Flybridge
Charter Boat Royalty โ€“ 36' Flybridge
Fishing charter in Chicago
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(2 reviews)
Being on the lake with our Captain and his crew was like being out with family. They were very professional and knowledgeable we felt very safe. The boat and all the equipment was top notch, it was like being on a cruse with family. I would recommend these guys to everyone THANKS FOR A GREAT TRIP SEE YOU IN APRIL
Michael  D.
Michael D.
Thin Blue Line Fishing Chicago 33ft
Thin Blue Line Fishing Chicago 33ft
Fishing charter in Chicago
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(24 reviews)
Ernesto was a great captain who got us on the fish quickly, we had a wonderful time out on his boat, he was very knowledgeable about the grounds and where the fish were biting, I would recommend him to anyone.
Jonathan  B.
Jonathan B. Chicago, IL
Thin Blue Line Fishing Chicago 33ft
Thin Blue Line Fishing Chicago 33ft
Fishing charter in Chicago
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(24 reviews)
The lake was ruff today but we will return next year and will definitely use this company again
Ron  B.
Ron B. Athens, TX
Thin Blue Line Fishing Chicago 33ft
Thin Blue Line Fishing Chicago 33ft
Fishing charter in Chicago
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(24 reviews)
We had a great outing with Captain Ernesto and Leo. Our grandkids, ages 8 and 9 had a ball. Boat was very nice, crew was great, fishing was fun. Grandkids are looking forward to smoked lake trout. I would definitely use Thin Blue Line Charter again!
Mike  P.
Mike P. Libertyville, IL
Charter Boat Royalty โ€“ 36' Flybridge
Charter Boat Royalty โ€“ 36' Flybridge
Fishing charter in Chicago
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(2 reviews)
This river cruise was amazing. Captain Tim and his helper are really good at what they do. First of all they make you feel safe and comfortable on the water. And they have no problem with you changing courses. Food and drinks are allowed but you must bring your own.. This boat has a very clean cabin area and an upstairs seating for an amazing view.
Irka  B.
Irka B. Buffalo Grove, Illinois
Thin Blue Line Fishing Chicago 33ft
Thin Blue Line Fishing Chicago 33ft
Fishing charter in Chicago
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(24 reviews)
Wonderful outing and highly recommend. We were not experienced fishermen and they were patient and informative. Looking forward to eating our catch!
Marcus  S.
Marcus S. United States
Thin Blue Line Fishing Chicago 33ft
Thin Blue Line Fishing Chicago 33ft
Fishing charter in Chicago
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(24 reviews)
Highly highly recommend these guys. Outstanding boat and equipment and just good guys. Although they were obviously in charge and knew what they were doing...it had more of a feel of just going out fishing with your buddies. Caught a bunch of fish and enjoyed the heck outta the whole trip...
Jim  L.
Jim L. Mustang Ridge, TX
Thin Blue Line Fishing Chicago 33ft
Thin Blue Line Fishing Chicago 33ft
Fishing charter in Chicago
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(24 reviews)
Captain Ernesto was very communicative before the trip. We couldnโ€™t have asked for a better day or crew. Captain and first mate Leo, are easy going, patient, friendly and very helpful all day long. Highly recommended.
Brian  F.
Brian F. Oak Glen, CA
Thin Blue Line Fishing Chicago 33ft
Thin Blue Line Fishing Chicago 33ft
Fishing charter in Chicago
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(24 reviews)
We had a great time on our first fishing trip like this, the crew was super welcoming made us feel like we were extremely welcome from the beginning and made something difficult for first timers seem like weโ€™d been doing it for awhile. 10/10 experience.
Gabriel  S.
Gabriel S. Addison, IL
Thin Blue Line Fishing Chicago 27ft
Thin Blue Line Fishing Chicago 27ft
Fishing charter in Chicago
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(29 reviews)
This was a great experience! Only caught 6 but captain Ernesto was working hard and trying everything to get us fish. Very professional and lots of knowledge. Will charter with him again!!!!
Choc  B.
Choc B. Chicago, Illinois
Thin Blue Line Fishing Chicago 33ft
Thin Blue Line Fishing Chicago 33ft
Fishing charter in Chicago
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(24 reviews)
Captain Ernesto is super nice and friendly. Very accommodative. Highly recommend.
Phoenix  L.
Phoenix L. New York, NY
Thin Blue Line Fishing Chicago 27ft
Thin Blue Line Fishing Chicago 27ft
Fishing charter in Chicago
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(29 reviews)
Had a great time out this morning with captain Ernesto. Glad the weather was able to hold up and the boat/equipment were perfect. We were able to hook up on multiple fish due to the experienced crew and would definitely recommend for the future!
Tyler  A.
Tyler A. Freehold, NJ
Thin Blue Line Fishing Chicago 27ft
Thin Blue Line Fishing Chicago 27ft
Fishing charter in Chicago
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(29 reviews)
We had a great time catching fish on Ernestoโ€™s boat. The best part was watching the crew get excited for us every time we go fish
Ike  M.
Ike M.
Thin Blue Line Fishing Chicago 27ft
Thin Blue Line Fishing Chicago 27ft
Fishing charter in Chicago
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(29 reviews)
Ernesto and Leo were fabulous guides. Very experienced, knowledgeable and fun to fish with. Professional service and we caught some awesome fish.
Dan  P.
Dan P.
Thin Blue Line Fishing Chicago 33ft
Thin Blue Line Fishing Chicago 33ft
Fishing charter in Chicago
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(24 reviews)
We had a great fishing trip today, caught a few fishes and were very happy with the crew and and the overall experience. Thank you!
Daria  A.
Daria A. Chicago, Illinois
Thin Blue Line Fishing Chicago 27ft
Thin Blue Line Fishing Chicago 27ft
Fishing charter in Chicago
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(29 reviews)
Ernesto was very responsive and punctual. He was very engaging and had a very clean boat. He set expectations and was working hard with other charters to get locations to fish. He had a bluetooth speaker to make it a real party. We had a great time, I highly recommend his charter!
Ashley  H.
Ashley H. Bolingbrook, IL
Thin Blue Line Fishing Chicago 33ft
Thin Blue Line Fishing Chicago 33ft
Fishing charter in Chicago
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(24 reviews)
The trip was exceptional! Would highly recommend! Great memories were made today. Will choose them again when we come back!
Laura  P.
Laura P. St. Peters, MO
Thin Blue Line Fishing Chicago 27ft
Thin Blue Line Fishing Chicago 27ft
Fishing charter in Chicago
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(29 reviews)
Had an amazing time catching salmon with Captain Ernesto and David. Both the captain and David could not have been nicer and more helpful. The boat was excellent and so was the experience. Highly recommended and will be a repeat customer! Thank you Captain Ernesto & David!
Brian  E.
Brian E. Naperville, IL

Top Targeted Species in Chicago