Where to Fish Lake Michigan - Illinois Waters
FISHING IN THE PARKS - HOURS & SEASONS
Lakefront/Harbor Fishing
Months: Year-round
Hours: 6am - 11pm*
*April (smelt season) hours are 6am - 1am
Neighborhood/Lagoons Fishing
Months: March - October
Hours: 6am - 11pm
Fish Species Available in Chicago
- January - February
Lakefront and Harbors: Perch, Panfish and Trout - March - April
Lakefront and Harbors: Coho Salmon and Smelt
Lagoons: Early season Bluegill and Crappie - May - August
Lakefront and Harbors: Perch (except for closed season July 1 - July 30), Panfish, Carp and Smallmouth Bass, Freshwater Drum (aka Sheephead, Silver Bass)
Lagoons: Bluegill, Channel Catfish and Largemouth Bass
Channel catfish (12,500+ fish) and bluegill (56,000+ fish) are stocked by the IDNR in the following lagoons in June, July, and August: Auburn, Columbus, Douglas, Garfield, Gompers, Humboldt, Jackson, Marquette, McKinley, Sherman, and Washington. Crappie, largemouth bass and carp can be found too. - September - December
Lakefront and Harbors: King and Coho Salmon, Brown Troud, Steelhead and Perch, Freshwater Drum
Lagoons: Bluegill and channel Catfish (mainly in September and October)
Perch Fishing: Open all year except from July 1-31
May and June are prime fishing times. the daily limit is 15. Best place to fish are found along breakwalls and piers that drop off into deep (12 to 20 feet) water. Softshell crayfish, spikes, minnows, spinners and jigs are all great baits to use for perch.
Marinas
- North Point Marina
- The Port of Waukegan (Waukegan Harbor)
- Park Avenue Launch Ramp
- Lloyd Park in Winnetka
- Diversey Harbor in Lincoln Park
- Burnham Harbor in Burnham Park
- Jackson Harbor in Jackson Park
- Calumet Park
Harbors
Many species of sport fish are found in Chicago harbors throughout the year and others only inhabit harbors during certain times of the year. The Chicago Park District has designated certain areas of these harbors open to anglers fishing from shore. Note: some of the areas have changed since 2003.
