Rods
Ugly Stik Bigwater Trolling Rod
A long, forgiving trolling rod for downriggers and planer boards.
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Harbors and lakefront structure along Chicago with spring coho, summer kings, and perch.
Trip at a Glance
Anglers come to Lake Michigan (Chicago) for chinook salmon, coho salmon and yellow perch. The best months overall are Jun to Oct. In October, chinook salmon, coho salmon and yellow perch are in season, and Crappie Jig, Nightcrawlers and Live Minnows are a good place to start. There are 12 shops within 45 miles (2 fly, 10 bait and tackle); the closest is Chicago Fly Fishing Outfitters in Chicago, 5 mi away. Fox Chain O'Lakes is 48 mi away if you want to make a trip of it.
Best Months
Jun to Oct
In October
Chinook Salmon, Coho Salmon, Yellow Perch
Methods
Spin, cast & bait
Season at a Glance
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What You'll Catch
Lake Michigan (Chicago) Species
Plan by Month
What to Use
Month
Fish
3 picks for October. ● means in season that month.
Crappie Jig 1/32 to 1/8 oz
LureJig · Yellow Perch
Shop This LureNightcrawlers Whole or half
BaitLive Bait · Yellow Perch
Live Minnows 1 to 3 in
BaitLive Bait · Yellow Perch
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Rod & Reel
Recommended Setups
Chinook Salmon
Fly 10 ft 9 or 10 wt rod, sink-tip line, 15 to 20 lb leader.
Spin / Cast 9 to 10.5 ft medium-heavy casting rod, line-counter or levelwind reel, 20 to 30 lb line.
Coho Salmon
Fly 9 to 10 ft 8 wt rod, sink-tip line, 12 lb leader.
Spin / Cast 8.5 to 9 ft medium rod, 3000 spinning reel, 10 to 15 lb line.
Yellow Perch
Spin / Cast 6 ft ultralight spinning rod or ice rod, 4 lb line, perch spreader or small jig.
Matched to These Species
Gear for Lake Michigan (Chicago)
Spinners
Mepps Aglia Inline Spinner
A classic spinner for trout, bass, and salmon in moving water.
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Mack's Lure Wedding Ring Spinner
Small spinners tipped with corn or maggots for kokanee and perch.
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Ugly Stik GX2 Ultralight Spinning Combo
Light enough to feel crappie bites and cast small spinners for trout.
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Pflueger President Spinning Reel
Light and smooth for its price. A favorite for finesse and panfish rods.
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Berkley Trilene XL Monofilament
Limp, easy-casting mono for spinning reels and general fishing.
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Within 45 Miles
Shops Near Lake Michigan (Chicago)
Make It a Trip
Nearby Water
Lakes & Reservoirs · Illinois · 48 mi
Fox Chain O'Lakes
A chain of connected glacial lakes in northern Illinois with muskie, walleye, and bass.
Walleye · Muskellunge · Largemouth Bass
Rivers & Streams · Indiana · 72 mi
St. Joseph River
A Lake Michigan tributary with steelhead and salmon runs into South Bend and Mishawaka.
Steelhead · Chinook Salmon · Smallmouth Bass