Things to do / Travel Guide
From Chicago to Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, fishing in the region has become a favorite family past-time. Whether you chose to bait and catch on Lake Michigan during the summer, or ice fish on an inland lake during the winter; the metro-Chicago and southern Wisconsin region is known for its fresh water fish like Coho salmon, crappies, and lake trout.
Fishing in the state of Illinois requires a license for those over the age of 16, and you have a choice between buying an annual license or a cheaper 24-hour license. For more information on local regulations and licensing, contact the Illinois State Department of Natural Resources. While a fishing license is necessary in Wisconsin for those over the age of 16, you can purchase a license on most charter boats, or by visiting the dnr.wi.gov/org/water/fhp/fish Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. Both Illinois and Wisconsin have “ice fish at your own risk” policies, so be sure to check with both states Department of Natural Resources for official laws.
Chicago River and Lakes
Pier fishing along the Chicago River is quickly becoming popular, partially due to the Illinois State-sponsored Urban Fishing Program. The Lincoln Park lagoons and Montrose Harbor are hot spots for lazy-Sunday excursions to catch catfish. A bit further inland in Gompers Park, located in northwest Chicago, finishing stations set in limestone provide the perfect ambiance for fishing, with the old oak trees and the herons that can be seen roaming around. The Chicago River is a well-known spot for catching rock and smallmouth bass. Early summer is generally prime time to find a spot along the river to catch largemouth bass.
In Busse Woods Forest Preserve, northwest of O'Hare, fishing is permitted on the small connected lakes.
Lake Michigan - Chicago area
Lake Michigan is as well known for its salmon as it is for shipwrecks. One place in particular to have received a boost in the amount of anglers fishing off its piers is Northerly Island, formerly the site of Meigs Field Airport. Located right off Museum Campus Chicago just south of the Adler Planetarium and just east of Soldier Field, Northerly Island is the spot in Chicago to fish because of its location away from most of the harbors and because of its quiet atmosphere. It makes a city fisher feel like he or she is far from city life.
The best times to fish Lake Michigan off of the Chicago harbors are during the spring, from April to June, when coho salmon mania begins; and during the fall from late August until the end of October, when the king salmon are at their prime weight starting at 35 pounds. Rainbow trout, lake trout, and the finicky brown trout are also found all along the Lake Michigan shoreline from Chicago to mid-Wisconsin.
Lake Michigan - Wisconsin
Up the Lake Michigan coastline, Kenosha, Racine, and Milwaukee, Wisconsin are known for having the most productive charter operations on Lake Michigan. Anglers in Kenosha claim that the best time for snagging coho salmon lies in the last two weeks of May and the first two weeks of June. Meanwhile, Racine, boasts the largest marina on any of the Great Lakes. Milwaukee's Cupertino Pier, in Cupertino Park just south of the University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee, is the hidden gem for Lake Michigan fishing. The site is relatively quiet and is great for afternoon fishing. April and early June are the best time for coho, while July is better for steelhead.
Wisconsin Lakes
If ice fishing is your game, then you should head to the inland lakes of southern Wisconsin. Lake Geneva is half an hour southwest of Kenosha, Wisconsin; at this lake you'll be able to reel in cisco fish, in addition to rock bass, white bass, and muskellunge. Because it is known more as a residential lake, fishing on Lake Geneva can be difficult because of the heavy boat traffic.
Just a stones throw away from Lake Geneva is the Ceylon Lagoon in the Big Foot State Park. It is located on the east side of Lake Geneva and offers one pier, two bridges and the water bank to fish from. This site is great for family bonding and is a throwback to childhood fishing days. A state park sticker is required for entry.
The city of Madison is surrounded by four chain lakes; however Lake Mendota and Lake Monona, which are connected by the Yahara River, are the two larger lakes and are better suited for fishing. Both lakes are easily accessed for anglers and contain the popular muskellunge, northern pike, and walleye. Anglers will also have plenty of opportunities to reel in bluegill, catfish, crappie and yellow perch.
Wisconsin Rivers and Streams
Wisconsin has some of the greatest rivers and streams to fish from in the United States. In southern Wisconsin, Grant Park, Milwaukee, is where you'll find Oak Creek - a great place for fly fishing. The atmosphere isn't noise-heavy, and during the fall you can watch the leaves change colors right before your eyes. The shallow waters before North Avenue Dam, located on the Milwaukee River in Caesar's Park, are a great place for snagging steelhead fish. Towards Madison along the Yahara River, catfish are prominently seen, as are northern pike. While not a large river, the surrounding area is quite peaceful.
Chicago, Illinois, Milwaukee, Wisconsin Dells, Madison
Fishing
Bradford Beach - Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Kohler-Andrae State Park Beach - Sheboygan, Wisconsin
Indiana Dunes State Park Beach - Indiana
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