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.