Lake Michigan Snagging
A sport fishing license and Illinois salmon stamp are required for snagging. Coho and Chinook salmon only may be snagged from October 1 – December 31 at four locations in the Illinois waters of Lake Michigan. The daily bag limit for coho and Chinook salmon is 5 fish, singly or in aggregate. Every salmon 10 inches in total length or longer must be taken into immediate possession; sorting is not permitted. All fish other than coho and Chinook salmon must be returned to the water immediately.
Snagging is only permitted at:
- Waukegan Harbor - north harbor basin only
- Winnetka Power Plant discharge area
- Lincoln park Lagoon – south of the Fullerton Avenue bridge
- Jackson Park Harbor – both inner and outer lagoons.
No snagging is allowed within 200 ft of a moored watercraft or
as otherwise posted. It is illegal to buy, sell, or barter any salmon
or parts thereof (including eggs) taken by snagging.
