Illinois’s fifth-largest city boasts sandy shorelines, dunes, plenty of natural wildlife...and some truly excellent angling opportunities. Pay a visit, and you’ll discover Waukegan fishing charters dotted all along Lake Michigan’s western shoreline. All you need to do is show up, hop aboard, and get ready to fish the Prairie State, Waukegan-style!
Fishing in Waukegan is all about discovering what Lake Michigan has to offer. You’ll have access to the western basin, which welcomes tough-fighting Coho in early spring. This is considered to be the beginning of the fishing season! You’ll also come across great Brown Trout and Lake Trout action in nearshore waters, while jumbo Perch can be found all throughout the lake.
As summer arrives, local guides prepare their charters for runs to the lake’s deeper waters. Chinook “King” Salmon and Lake Trout are the top targets, with acrobatic Steelhead also joining in on the fun. Later in summer, Brown Trout can also be hooked in good numbers. Fall is generally thought of as the best time of year to be out on the water, as Lake Trout, non-spawning Chinook, Brown Trout, and Steelhead make up the bulk of the catches!
Waukegan Harbor is an especially popular departure point for Waukegan fishing charters. Guides run trips that last anywhere from half a day out on the water to a full day adventure. Shorter trips are perfect for beginners, whereas longer trips give you a better chance of hooking that trophy.
Rules & Regulations
Before you cast a line in Waukegan, you’ll need to purchase an Illinois fishing license. If you’re targeting specific species, such as Trout and Salmon, you’ll need to get a Great Lakes Stamp too.