What would you recommend to anglers fishing in Winthrop Harbor, Illinois for the first time?

This is a well maintained Harbor, which is apparent where ever you look. It is a disciplined, well organized facility you would be happy to bring the entire family. Well maintained grounds, dock slips and restrooms.

There’s plenty of parking and public restrooms. There’s even a restaurant, so if you’re tired after your trip stop in there for a drink and a bite!

Bring layers, in case it gets chilly, and wear pants. There are surprisingly lots of flies on the lake and they bite!

Obtain a map of the layout of the harbor and the parking area/ locations and bathrooms. If chartering a vessel, obtain the slip number and location of the vessel.

Be prepared for un expected weather even with predictions in the lake it feels much colder water temp was 74 air was 69 and it felt like mid fifty.

If you come from fishing smaller lakes, be prepared for a lot more chop out on Lake Michigan. We had 3-4 ft so it wasn’t horrible. But it took some getting used to.

We packed way too much. Keep it simple--just a few drinks, light snacks, and handiwipes.

Bring warm clothing. The lake this time of year is a cold trap and cools the air above it.