Salmon fishing on Lake Michigan in Illinois is a thrilling and rewarding experience for anglers of all skill levels. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a beginner, this guide will provide you with the essential information to plan your perfect Salmon fishing adventure on the iconic Lake Michigan.
Best Times to Go Salmon Fishing on Lake Michigan in Illinois
The Salmon fishing season on Lake Michigan in Illinois offers several prime opportunities throughout the year:
- April: The Coho Salmon run kicks off, providing excellent chances for an all-Salmon catch. Lake and Brown Trout are also active during this period, offering diverse fishing experiences.
- May and June: The Coho Salmon run continues, with limit catches of 3-6lb fish being common. This is the best time for an all-Salmon catch, and you can also target large Chinook Salmon.
- Late June to August: This period offers a variety of species, including large Chinook Salmon (12-25lb range), acrobatic Steelhead, and good numbers of Coho Salmon. Lake Trout catches can also remain very good during this time.
- Mid-August to October: As the summer winds down and fall arrives, the fishing shifts to world-class opportunities for large Lake Trout on offshore and nearshore rock-reef structures. You can also catch Steelhead and non-spawning Chinook Salmon during this period.
Most Effective Techniques for Catching Salmon on Lake Michigan in Illinois
Anglers have several proven techniques to target Salmon on Lake Michigan in Illinois:
- Trolling: This is the most popular technique, allowing you to cover a large area and target Salmon at different depths. Use downriggers to reach deeper waters and planer boards to cover more surface area.
- Shore Fishing: During certain times of the year, Salmon can be found close to shore, making shore fishing a viable option. Use light tackle to feel the pull of the Salmon when they bite.
- Bait and Lures: Alewife is a popular bait choice, but shiny spoons are also effective, especially in deeper and murkier waters.
Charter Boat and Licensing Information
- Charter Boats: Many charter boats operate on Lake Michigan, offering access to offshore fishing opportunities. These boats are required to submit monthly reports detailing the number of fish harvested, number of anglers, and amount of time spent fishing.
- Licensing: Every angler needs a valid freshwater fishing license issued by the state they are fishing from. Check the website of your state’s Department of Wildlife and Fisheries or Department of Natural Resources for licensing information.
Popular Salmon Fishing Spots on Lake Michigan in Illinois
While Lake Michigan offers numerous Salmon fishing hotspots, a few stand out as particularly productive:
- Chicago Harbors: Many species of sport fish, including Salmon, can be found in Chicago harbors throughout the year.
- Waukegan Harbor: This harbor is known for its Coho Salmon fishing, with fin-clipped fish stocked to assess fall spawning returns.
Stocking and Harvest Monitoring
- Stocking: The Illinois Department of Natural Resources stocks Chinook Salmon, Coho Salmon, Brown Trout, and two strains of Rainbow Trout in Lake Michigan.
- Harvest Monitoring: Charter boat operators are required to submit monthly reports detailing the number of fish harvested, which helps in understanding the abundance of Salmon and trout predators and their effects on prey fish populations.
Additional Resources
For more information on Salmon fishing on Lake Michigan in Illinois, check out these valuable resources:
- Illinois Department of Natural Resources: Provides information on fishing regulations, licensing, and stocking programs.
- Fishing Booker: Offers guides and reports on Lake Michigan Salmon fishing, including techniques, spots, and charter boat information.
- Windy City Salmon: Provides detailed information on fishing seasons, species, and techniques for Lake Michigan Salmon fishing.
Salmon fishing on Lake Michigan in Illinois is a truly remarkable experience that offers anglers a chance to catch a variety of species in a stunning natural setting. With this comprehensive guide, you’ll be well-equipped to plan your next Salmon fishing adventure on this iconic Great Lake.
References:
– https://fishingbooker.com/blog/chicago-fishing/
– https://www.ifishillinois.org/lmich/
– https://dnr.illinois.gov/content/dam/soi/en/web/dnr/publications/documents/00000181.pdf
– https://fishingbooker.com/blog/lake-michigan-salmon/
– https://windycitysalmon.com/our-fishing-seasons-and-when-to-fish/