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

We actually changed and went out of Kenosha, WI. and I’m glad we did. We stayed a night in Kenosha and the food was great (not expensive) we stayed at The Stella 5 minutes from the docks and the rooms were really nice. It was my first time out Kenosha and I’m glad we changed marinas because the fish were biting better in that part of the water than near Winthrop Harbor or so said the reports.

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.

Highly recommend this boat and captain. Very professional and really made my family feel very comfortable and enjoyed the entire trip.

As Shawn described it, spring is faster action but fall brings bigger fish and more variety of species. We found that to be true.

We had an afternoon trip and had low expectations. We caught 18 fish between the 6 of us. This exceeded my expectations!

Didn't use winthrope har or went to Kenosha Wisconsin instead for higher chances to catch the trout.

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.

Realize the 10 a.m. trip probably won’t get you as many fish as the early morning trip.

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.