Episodes

  • Late Fall Fishing on Lake Michigan: Chilly Catches and Hot Spots

    Late Fall Fishing on Lake Michigan: Chilly Catches and Hot Spots
    Nov 23 2024
    As of November 23, 2024, the fishing scene on Lake Michigan in the Chicago area remains vibrant despite the late fall season. Here’s what you need to know for a successful day on the water.

    ### Weather and Tidal Conditions
    The weather is expected to be partly cloudy with temperatures in the mid-40s to low 50s, making it a bit chilly but ideal for late fall fishing. Sunrise is at around 6:30 AM, and sunset will be at approximately 4:20 PM. Tidal movements are not a significant factor on Lake Michigan, but water temperatures have dropped into the upper 50s, which has made fish more active.

    ### Fish Activity
    Yesterday saw a lot of activity, especially in the harbors such as DuSable and Burnham. Anglers reported catching several king salmon, with some notable weights recorded. Steelhead are also starting to show up, particularly at Diversey Harbor, where they are being caught on hair/marabou jigs and wax worms. Smallmouth bass are very active, and the Riverwalk area has been real active for all species.

    ### Types and Amounts of Fish
    While there were no reports of perch catches yet, the dropping water temperatures suggest they might start showing up soon. Big northern pike have also been spotted around the area. The king salmon and steelhead catches are the highlights, with multiple reports of successful catches in the harbors.

    ### Best Lures and Bait
    For steelhead, hair/marabou jigs and wax worms are working well. For smallmouth bass, crankbaits and other small lures are effective. King salmon are being caught using traditional salmon lures and bait.

    ### Hot Spots
    - **Diversey Harbor**: This spot is hot for steelhead, with many catches reported using hair/marabou jigs and wax worms.
    - **DuSable and Burnham Harbors**: These harbors are seeing a lot of king salmon activity, making them great spots to try your luck.
    - **Riverwalk**: This area is active for all species, including smallmouth bass and northern pike.

    Get out there and take advantage of the active fishing scene on Lake Michigan in Chicago. The cooler weather and dropping water temperatures are making for some exciting catches.
    Show More Show Less
    3 mins
  • Late Fall Fishing Frenzy on Lake Michigan

    Late Fall Fishing Frenzy on Lake Michigan
    Nov 22 2024
    As of November 22, 2024, the fishing scene on Lake Michigan in the Chicago area is still quite active despite the late fall season.

    ### Weather and Tidal Conditions
    Today, you can expect partly cloudy skies with a high of around 45°F and a low of 35°F. Winds will be moderate, coming from the northwest at about 15 mph. Sunrise is at 6:45 AM, and sunset will be at 4:23 PM. Tidal changes are minimal on Lake Michigan, but water levels and temperatures can fluctuate; currently, the water temperature is in the mid-40s.

    ### Fish Activity
    Steelhead and Rainbow Trout are the main attractions right now. Most harbors, including Montrose Harbor and the Chicago River mouth, are active with these species. Some Brown Trout have been spotted, though catches are fewer. You might also encounter a few old King Salmon and Northern Pike.

    ### Catches
    Yesterday saw a good number of Steelhead caught, particularly in the harbors. Anglers reported success using spawn sacs, hair jigs with wax worms, night crawlers, shrimp, and large minnows. Artificial lures like crankbaits are also effective. Perch are starting to show up in some areas, but their numbers are still sparse.

    ### Best Lures and Bait
    For Steelhead and Rainbow Trout, use spawn sacs, hair jigs with wax worms, night crawlers, and large minnows. Shrimp and artificial lures such as crankbaits are also working well. For Brown Trout, jigging with 4lb test line and small spoons or blade baits can be effective.

    ### Hot Spots
    - **Montrose Harbor**: Known for its active Steelhead and Rainbow Trout fishing, especially near the pier and breakwalls.
    - **Michigan City Breakwall**: A good spot for Lake Trout, which are sticking around near structures all winter long.
    - **Chicago River Mouth**: This area is seeing a mix of Steelhead, Brown Trout, and some old King Salmon.

    Remember to check the real-time buoy data for wind, waves, and water temperatures to optimize your fishing trip. Pack your gear and get out there – the fish are biting
    Show More Show Less
    2 mins
  • Late Fall Fishing on Lake Michigan Still Thriving in Chicago

    Late Fall Fishing on Lake Michigan Still Thriving in Chicago
    Nov 21 2024
    As of November 21, 2024, the fishing scene on Lake Michigan in Chicago is still active despite the late fall season.

    **Weather and Tidal Conditions:**
    Today, expect partly cloudy skies with a high of around 48°F and a low of 38°F. Winds will be moderate, coming from the northwest at about 10-15 mph. Tidal movements are not a significant factor in Lake Michigan, but water temperatures are crucial; they are currently in the low 50s, around 52-54°F.

    **Sunrise and Sunset:**
    Sunrise is at 6:43 AM, and sunset will be at 4:21 PM.

    **Fish Activity:**
    Yesterday saw a mix of fish activity. Salmon and trout are still being caught in and around the harbors and piers. Anglers have been successful with spoons, crankbaits, and some starting to use spawn sacs on a slip float[2].

    **Types and Amounts of Fish Caught:**
    Salmon, particularly coho and chinook, continue to be caught. Trout, including brown trout, are also active. Yellow perch are biting well in certain areas, especially when using live minnows or nightcrawlers. Smallmouth bass, though less reported recently, can still be found in the harbors and nearshore areas[2][3].

    **Best Lures and Bait:**
    For salmon and trout, spoons and crankbaits are highly effective. Some anglers are starting to use spawn sacs on a slip float. For yellow perch, live minnows and nightcrawlers are the go-to baits. For smallmouth bass, jigging with soft plastics and casting crankbaits can yield good results[1][2].

    **Hot Spots:**
    - **Montrose Harbor:** Known for its consistent salmon and trout catches, especially near the power lines.
    - **Diversey Harbor:** A good spot for shore fishing, particularly for salmon and perch.
    - **Navy Pier:** While it can be crowded, it's a reliable spot for catching a variety of species, including perch and smallmouth bass[2][3].

    Overall, the late fall season in Lake Michigan's Chicago waters offers a diverse range of fishing opportunities, and with the right gear and tactics, you can have a successful day on the water.
    Show More Show Less
    2 mins
  • Late Fall Fishing Frenzy on Lake Michigan in Chicago

    Late Fall Fishing Frenzy on Lake Michigan in Chicago
    Nov 17 2024
    As of November 17, 2024, the fishing scene on Lake Michigan in Chicago is buzzing with activity, despite the late fall season. Here’s what you need to know for a successful day on the water.

    ### Weather and Tidal Conditions
    The weather today is expected to be partly cloudy with a high of around 48 degrees Fahrenheit and a low of 38 degrees. Winds are moderate, coming in from the northeast at about 10 mph. Tides are not a significant factor on Lake Michigan, but water levels are currently stable.

    ### Sunrise and Sunset
    Sunrise is at 6:30 AM, and sunset is at 4:30 PM, giving you a good window for both morning and afternoon fishing trips.

    ### Fish Activity
    Yesterday saw a lot of action, particularly with brown trout and steelhead. Anglers reported catching several brown trout, with some weighing up to 10 pounds. Steelhead were also active, especially in the deeper waters near the harbor areas.

    ### Types and Amounts of Fish
    Brown trout were the stars of the show, with multiple catches reported near Montrose Harbor and Belmont Harbor. Steelhead were also plentiful, especially when using jigging techniques. Yellow perch were active as well, particularly around Navy Pier and the North Slip by Steelworkers Park.

    ### Best Lures and Bait
    For brown trout, using crankbaits and spoons has been highly effective. Steelhead are biting well on jigging lures with minnows or small jigs. For yellow perch, small jigs tipped with minnows or crickets are working well.

    ### Hot Spots
    - **Montrose Harbor**: This area has been hot for brown trout and steelhead. Try jigging near the structure or using crankbaits in the open water.
    - **Belmont Harbor**: Another great spot for brown trout, especially in the early morning hours. Use spoons or crankbaits to attract these fish.
    - **Navy Pier**: This is a good spot for yellow perch. Fish the pier’s structure with small jigs and minnows.

    Overall, it's a great time to be out on Lake Michigan in Chicago, with plenty of fish to be caught. Make sure to dress warmly and be prepared for the changing weather conditions. Good luck on the water
    Show More Show Less
    3 mins
  • Fishing Frenzy on Lake Michigan: Late Fall Steelhead and Trout Action

    Fishing Frenzy on Lake Michigan: Late Fall Steelhead and Trout Action
    Nov 16 2024
    As of November 16, 2024, the fishing scene on Lake Michigan in Chicago is quite active, despite the late fall season. Here’s what you need to know for a successful day on the water.

    ### Weather and Tidal Conditions
    The weather is expected to be partly cloudy with a high of around 48°F and a low of 38°F. Winds will be moderate, coming from the northwest at about 15 mph. Tides, although not as significant on Lake Michigan as on oceanic bodies, still play a role; expect water levels to fluctuate slightly due to wind and atmospheric pressure changes.

    ### Sunrise and Sunset
    Sunrise today is at 6:29 AM, and sunset will be at 4:23 PM, giving you a good window for both morning and afternoon fishing.

    ### Fish Activity
    Steelhead and Rainbow Trout are the stars of the show right now. Most harbors, including Montrose Harbor, are seeing active catches of these species. Yesterday, anglers reported catching a significant number of Steelhead, particularly in the early morning and late afternoon.

    ### Types and Amounts of Fish
    Steelhead and Rainbow Trout are the primary catches, with some reports of smallmouth bass and yellow perch as well. The Steelhead are hitting a variety of lures and baits, with many anglers reporting success with spawn bags, small jigs, and even some fly fishing setups.

    ### Best Lures and Bait
    For Steelhead, spawn bags in pink or orange have been very effective. Small jigs tipped with minnows or waxworms are also producing good results. If you're fly fishing, try using streamers that mimic baitfish or small nymphs.

    ### Hot Spots
    Montrose Harbor is one of the hottest spots right now, with many anglers reporting successful catches of Steelhead. Another good spot is the North Slip by Steelworkers Park at 85th Street, where you can find a mix of Steelhead and smallmouth bass.

    Overall, it's a great time to get out on Lake Michigan in Chicago, with plenty of fish to go around. Just make sure to bundle up and be prepared for the cooler weather. Good luck on the water
    Show More Show Less
    2 mins
  • Late Fall Fishing Frenzy on Lake Michigan

    Late Fall Fishing Frenzy on Lake Michigan
    Nov 15 2024
    As of November 15, 2024, the fishing scene on Lake Michigan in Chicago is quite active, despite the late fall season.

    **Weather and Tidal Conditions:**
    Today, you can expect partly cloudy skies with a high of around 48°F and a low of 38°F. The winds are moderate, coming from the northwest at about 15 mph. Tides are not a significant factor on Lake Michigan, but water levels are slightly lower due to the season.

    **Sunrise and Sunset:**
    Sunrise is at 6:34 AM, and sunset is at 4:23 PM, giving you a decent window for both morning and afternoon fishing.

    **Fish Activity:**
    Yesterday saw a good number of salmon and trout being caught in and around the harbors and piers. Salmon, particularly Chinook and Coho, are still active as they move towards the end of their fall run. Trout, including brown trout and lake trout, are also being targeted successfully.

    **Catch Reports:**
    Several anglers reported catching salmon using spoons, crankbaits, and spawn sacs on slip floats. Brown trout were caught using similar lures, as well as jigging with soft plastics. There were also reports of smallmouth bass, although their activity has slowed down with the colder water.

    **Best Lures and Bait:**
    For salmon, spoons and crankbaits are still effective, especially those that mimic baitfish. Spawn sacs on a slip float are also working well. For trout, try using deep diving crankbaits, blade baits, and spoons. Live minnows and nightcrawlers are good for perch and other panfish.

    **Hot Spots:**
    Montrose Harbor is a hot spot right now, with anglers catching salmon and trout near the power lines and the harbor's structure. Another good spot is Diversey Harbor, where shore fishing for salmon has been productive. Waukegan Harbor is also worth a visit, especially for those targeting salmon from the shore.

    Overall, it's a great time to get out on the water and take advantage of the late fall fishing opportunities on Lake Michigan in Chicago. Just make sure to bundle up, as the weather is getting colder.
    Show More Show Less
    2 mins
  • Fishing Forecast: Thriving Lake Michigan Scene Despite Cooler Weather

    Fishing Forecast: Thriving Lake Michigan Scene Despite Cooler Weather
    Nov 10 2024
    As of November 10, 2024, the fishing scene on Lake Michigan around Chicago is thriving despite the cooler weather. Here’s what you need to know for a successful day on the water.

    ### Weather and Tidal Conditions
    The weather is expected to be partly cloudy with a high of around 48 degrees Fahrenheit and a low of 38 degrees. Winds will be moderate, coming from the northwest at about 10-15 mph. Sunrise is at 6:30 AM, and sunset will be at 4:30 PM. Tidal changes are minimal on Lake Michigan, but the wind can significantly affect wave conditions.

    ### Fish Activity
    Yesterday saw a bustling day on the lake, with anglers reporting strong activity from salmon, trout, and smallmouth bass. The cooler weather seems to have invigorated the fish, making them more active and eager to bite.

    ### Types and Amounts of Fish Caught
    Anglers reported catching a good number of coho and chinook salmon, particularly around the harbor areas. Trout, including brown trout and steelhead, were also plentiful. Smallmouth bass were active in the shallower waters near the shore.

    ### Best Lures and Bait
    For salmon, using spoons like the Acme Kastmaster or flies such as streamers and nymphs have been effective. For trout, jigging with 4lb test line and small jigs or using live bait like minnows and nightcrawlers has yielded good results. Smallmouth bass are biting well on crankbaits and soft plastics.

    ### Hot Spots
    - **Diversey Harbor**: Known for its shore fishing, this spot has been producing good catches of salmon and trout.
    - **Montrose Harbor**: This area is a hotspot for smallmouth bass and has also seen some action from coho salmon.
    - **Winthrop Harbor**: Anglers have reported success here with both salmon and trout.

    Overall, the conditions are favorable for a productive day of fishing on Lake Michigan around Chicago. Make sure to dress warmly and be prepared for the wind, but the fish are certainly biting.
    Show More Show Less
    2 mins
  • Catch the Late Fall Action on Lake Michigan: Salmon, Trout, and More Biting Strong

    Catch the Late Fall Action on Lake Michigan: Salmon, Trout, and More Biting Strong
    Nov 9 2024
    As of November 9, 2024, the fishing scene on Lake Michigan around Chicago is bustling despite the cooler weather. Here’s what you need to know for a successful day on the water.

    ### Weather and Tidal Conditions
    The weather today is expected to be partly cloudy with a high of around 48°F and a low of 38°F. Winds are moderate, coming from the northwest at about 15 mph. Since Lake Michigan is a freshwater lake, it does not have tides, so you don’t need to worry about tidal changes.

    ### Sunrise and Sunset
    Sunrise is at 6:34 AM, and sunset is at 4:33 PM, giving you a good window to catch both morning and evening bites.

    ### Fish Activity
    Fish activity remains strong, with various species active in the area. Yesterday, anglers reported catching a mix of salmon, trout, smallmouth bass, and perch. The fish are currently relating to the green weeds, making search baits like spinnerbaits and swim jigs highly effective for finding aggressive fish.

    ### Types and Amounts of Fish
    Salmon, particularly Chinook and coho, are still present in good numbers, especially around harbor areas like Diversy Harbor and Montrose Harbor. Trout, including lake trout and steelhead, are also being caught near breakwalls and structure. Smallmouth bass and perch are abundant in the shallower waters and near weed beds.

    ### Best Lures and Bait
    For salmon, using spoons, blade baits, and deep diving crankbaits has been successful. For trout, spoons, blade baits, and deep diving crankbaits are also effective. Smallmouth bass are biting well on soft plastics, jerkbaits, and live bait. Perch are being caught on skein and single eggs on the bottom.

    ### Hot Spots
    - **Montrose Harbor**: Known for its consistent catches of smallmouth bass, perch, and trout.
    - **Diversy Harbor**: A good spot for salmon and trout, especially near the breakwalls.
    - **Breakwalls in East Chicago and Michigan City**: These areas are great for targeting lake trout and other species that congregate around structure.

    Overall, the fishing conditions on Lake Michigan around Chicago are excellent, with a variety of fish species active and responsive to the right lures and bait. Make sure to dress warmly and enjoy the day on the water.
    Show More Show Less
    3 mins