Episodios

  • Lake Michigan Fishing Report: Coho Slam, Kings on the Rise, and Shore Anglers Thrive

    Lake Michigan Fishing Report: Coho Slam, Kings on the Rise, and Shore Anglers Thrive
    May 17 2025
    LAKE MICHIGAN FISHING REPORT - May 17, 2025
    by Artificial Lure, Chicago's Own Angling Expert

    Good morning, fellow anglers! It's a beautiful Saturday here in Chicago, and the fish are calling our names. Let me tell you what's happening on the big pond today.

    Weather-wise, we're looking at decent conditions this morning, though keep your eye on the sky as we might see some chop later. Dawn broke around 5:30 AM, and we'll have light until about 8:15 PM, giving you plenty of time to get your lines wet.

    The coho bite remains excellent right now! Reports from the past couple weeks show anglers consistently hitting their bag limits. These silvers are running in the 17-35 foot depth range, especially if you're heading out from the harbors. The occasional chinook (king) salmon is also making an appearance, with some monsters in the 20-pound class being landed near Milwaukee recently.

    If you're boat fishing today, your best bet is orange dodgers paired with peanut flies, which have been absolutely slaying the cohos. Green and white spoons are your next best option, with black and golden-orange spoons producing occasionally. For those targeting kings, try aqua-colored spoons a bit deeper.

    Shore anglers aren't being left out either. Tube jigs tipped with shrimp pieces have been productive from the piers. If you can get your hands on some live alewife, that's been golden for coho action from McKinley Pier and similar spots. Don't ignore the power plant discharge areas either – they've been producing some nice brown trout.

    For you lakefront hot spots today, I'd recommend hitting Montrose Harbor early, where the coho schools have been thick. Navy Pier has also been producing, especially on the northeast corner. If you're willing to drive a bit, the ramps at Port Washington have been consistently good for limit catches.

    Beyond salmon, we're seeing decent numbers of northern pike, white bass, and the ever-present sheepshead (freshwater drum) in the harbors. A few smallmouth bass are starting to show up along rocky areas as well.

    Bait shops are reporting strong minnow supplies, but call ahead for alewife availability as demand has been high with the salmon bite.

    One last tip from your pal Artificial Lure – the fish seem to be biting better on the color changes. Look for those seams where clear water meets slightly stained water, and you'll find fish stacked up.

    That's the word from the big lake today, folks. Get out there and wet a line! As we always say in Chicago, fish early, fish often, and don't tell nobody where you caught 'em!

    Tight lines until next time,
    Artificial Lure
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    3 m
  • Chicago Lakefront Fishing Report: Cohos Sizzling, Chinooks Showing Up

    Chicago Lakefront Fishing Report: Cohos Sizzling, Chinooks Showing Up
    May 16 2025
    Artificial Lure here with your Chicago Lake Michigan fishing report for Friday, May 16, 2025.

    We’re starting the day with spring-like conditions along the lakefront. Early morning temps are sitting comfy in the upper 50s, with light winds from the northeast keeping the water a bit choppy but nothing that’ll keep determined anglers off their spots. Sunrise was at 5:25 AM, and sunset’s set for 8:06 PM, so there’s plenty of daylight for long sessions.

    Lake levels are typical for this time of year, and though we don’t deal with ocean-style tides, local wind onshore can cause seiche events, so be mindful of sudden water level changes if you’re fishing low piers or breakwalls.

    Fish activity is strong right now. Cohos are running hot all along the Chicago shoreline. Anglers are limiting out from boats trolling 40 to 60 feet of water, setting lines anywhere from 15 to 30 feet down. Kings, or Chinook salmon, have also been showing up with a few nice-sized fish reported, some pushing into the high teens by weight. Bank and pier anglers are getting in on the action, too, especially during the low-light hours at first and last light[4][3].

    Best lures right now are orange dodgers paired with peanut flies and green or white spoons. Cohos are smashing these set-ups off the piers and boats. Don’t sleep on live alewives if you can get them, especially for targeting Chinook. Some reports have also mentioned success with black or gold-orange spoons, and for pier anglers, tube jigs tipped with a bit of shrimp are accounting for bonus catches of coho and the odd brown trout[1][3][4].

    If you’re planning your trip, here are a couple of hot spots to check:

    Montrose Harbor: Always reliable this time of year for coho, plus a chance at a surprise brown trout or perch. Work the outer breakwalls with your spoons at dawn and dusk.

    Burnham Harbor: Good numbers of salmon being caught on both sides of the harbor mouth, especially if you toss orange dodgers and peanut flies or drift shrimp-tipped jigs.

    Navy Pier: The classic Chicago spot is producing cohos and the occasional Chinook, especially for early risers fishing before the crowds move in.

    Catches have been solid—most anglers are going home with limits of coho, and it’s not uncommon to see a handful of kings mixed in each morning, along with a few brown trout sprinkled in, mostly on green/white spoons or live bait[1][3][4].

    That’s today’s rundown from your local source. Get out there and enjoy the bite while it’s sizzling. Tight lines from Artificial Lure.
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    3 m
  • Coho Slam on Lake Michigan's Chicago Shores

    Coho Slam on Lake Michigan's Chicago Shores
    May 14 2025
    Artificial Lure's Lake Michigan Fishing Report - Chicago, May 14, 2025

    Good morning, anglers! Artificial Lure here with your mid-week fishing report for Lake Michigan around Chicago.

    Weather's looking decent today with temperatures in the mid-60s and light winds from the northeast at 5-10 mph. We've got sunrise at 5:32 AM and sunset coming at 8:04 PM, giving you plenty of daylight hours to get those lines wet. Lake chop is minimal with 1-2 foot waves expected throughout the day.

    Folks, the coho action has been absolutely on fire lately! Charter boats have been limiting out regularly using a combination of orange dodgers with peanut flies in the 17-35 foot depth range[1][3]. Most productive areas have been about 1-2 miles offshore. If you're heading out on your boat today, try targeting that 40-60 foot water column, fishing down about 15-30 feet where the kings have been hanging out[3].

    For you pier anglers, McKinley Pier has been producing consistent coho catches on live alewife. Some anglers are also having good luck with green/white or silver/chartreuse spoons. There was even a monster 20-pound Chinook caught there last week on an aqua spoon[1].

    Smallmouth bass fishing has been excellent in the harbor areas. These bronzebacks are hitting tube jigs and drop shot rigs fished around rocky structure in 7-14 feet of water[1][2]. The harbors at Montrose and Burnham have been particularly productive for smallies.

    Brown trout and lake trout are still in the mix for those willing to work for them. The browns are closer to shore, with some nice catches reported near the Oak Creek Power Plant on green and white spoons[1]. For lakers, you'll need to venture a bit further out, but they're there for the taking[2].

    Hot spots this week include the Montrose Harbor rocks for smallmouth, the area just north of Navy Pier for coho salmon, and the outer walls of Burnham Harbor for a mixed bag of species.

    Bait-wise, live alewife is gold right now if you can get your hands on some. Otherwise, tube jigs tipped with shrimp pieces have been deadly for coho from shore[1]. For artificials, you can't go wrong with green/white spoons, orange dodgers with peanut flies, or some black and golden-orange spoons for those tougher days[1].

    Water temps are slowly climbing into the low 50s, which has really turned on the bite. The fish are hungry and active, so get out there while the action is hot!

    Remember, folks, limit is five salmon per day, and make sure you've got that 2025 license on you.

    This is Artificial Lure saying tight lines, friends! I'll catch ya next time on the big pond.
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    3 m
  • Chicago Lake Michigan Fishing Report: Thriving Smallmouth, Trout, and More (139 characters)

    Chicago Lake Michigan Fishing Report: Thriving Smallmouth, Trout, and More (139 characters)
    May 12 2025
    Good morning, anglers! Artificial Lure here with your Chicago Lake Michigan fishing report for this beautiful Monday, May 12, 2025.

    We've got a mild spring morning on the lakefront today. The smallmouth bass action continues to be excellent in the Chicago harbors. These fish have been growing and thriving according to recent DNR reports, so it's prime time to target them. The bass are fully into their spring cycle now, hitting aggressively on a variety of presentations.

    Water temperatures in the lake are ranging from the mid-40s to around 50 degrees depending on location. This warming trend has fish more active compared to last week. The nearshore areas are particularly productive right now.

    Recent catches around the Chicago harbors have included good numbers of smallmouth bass, some brown trout, and lake trout for those venturing a bit further out. Several anglers reported limits of lake trout and brown trout just last week, with fishing conditions rated above average.

    For smallmouth bass, focus on water depths of 3 to 7 feet. Swimbaits, tubes, crankbaits, and jerk baits have all been producing. No particular color pattern seems to be outperforming others, so bring a variety. The harbors like Montrose, Belmont, and Burnham have been particularly hot spots.

    Brown trout have been hitting in about 15 feet of water, with the best success coming from those fishing the canal areas. Darker colored stick baits have been the ticket for walleye if you're targeting them.

    For those willing to venture north toward Wisconsin, the walleye bite has been strong with high fishing pressure reported at launches over the past weekend. Multiple techniques are working for walleye, so stick with your confidence baits.

    Hot spots today include Montrose Harbor for smallmouths, the breakwalls for brown trout, and Navy Pier area for a mix of species. Don't overlook Burnham Harbor if you're after both smallmouth and the occasional brown trout.

    Sunrise today was at 5:32 AM and sunset will be at 8:01 PM, giving us plenty of daylight hours to wet a line. The early morning and evening bites have been most productive, so plan accordingly.

    The crappie action inland has also been strong if you're looking for a change of pace from the big lake.

    Remember your safety gear, and be sure to check the latest regulations before heading out. The season is really ramping up now, folks, so get out there while the bite is hot!

    This is Artificial Lure, signing off until tomorrow. Tight lines, Chicago!
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    3 m
  • "Lake Michigan Fishing Report - Coho Salmon, Perch, and More on a Warm Spring Day"

    "Lake Michigan Fishing Report - Coho Salmon, Perch, and More on a Warm Spring Day"
    May 11 2025
    Hey there, anglers! Artificial Lure here with your Lake Michigan fishing report for this beautiful Sunday morning, May 11th, 2025.

    The water temps are continuing to climb as we move deeper into spring, and the fishing action is heating up right along with it. Recent reports show that Coho salmon are still hanging around, though they're starting to transition into their late spring patterns as the water warms up.

    The Horseshoe area has been particularly productive over the past few days, likely because of the alewife schools that have been spotted there. Powerlines has also been a hot zone with several anglers reporting limit catches.

    For bait choices, large minnows have been working well, along with nightcrawlers, shrimp, and spawn sacs. As the water continues to warm, the fish are moving closer to shore, making this a great time for shore anglers. If you're casting, try spoons or a variety of crankbaits. Slip bobber setups and Michigan City rigs have also been producing solid results.

    Perch fishing has been decent down by the slip, so that's worth checking out if you're looking to diversify your catch. There have also been reports of a few Northern pike being caught in the harbor area.

    Weather-wise, it's a typical mid-May day on Lake Michigan - we've got moderate winds and partly cloudy skies forecast for today. Just be aware that conditions can change quickly on the big lake, so keep an eye on the horizon.

    For those heading out early or staying late, sunrise was at 5:34 AM and sunset will be at 8:02 PM, giving you plenty of daylight hours to get those lines wet.

    Hot spots to try today include Montrose Harbor (especially the Horseshoe area), Belmont Harbor for those looking to avoid crowds, and Navy Pier if you're downtown and want to squeeze in a quick fishing session.

    Remember that Park Bait Shop at Montrose is open for their 67th season this year, so stop by for some local knowledge and to pick up whatever tackle you might need.

    That's all for today, folks. This is Artificial Lure signing off and wishing you tight lines! Remember, the worst day fishing is still better than the best day working. See you on the water!
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    2 m
  • Coho Surge and Perch Delight: Fishing Report for Lake Michigan, Chicago

    Coho Surge and Perch Delight: Fishing Report for Lake Michigan, Chicago
    May 10 2025
    Fishin' Report for Lake Michigan, Chicago - May 10, 2025

    Howdy anglers! Artificial Lure here with your Saturday morning fishing update. It's shaping up to be a mighty fine day on the big lake, though you'll want to get out early to beat the chop.

    Weather's looking decent with south-southeast winds around 10-15 mph, creating a bit of wave action as the day progresses. No tidal report needed for our Great Lake, as we don't get ocean tides here in Chicago, just occasional seiches if the wind kicks up hard enough.

    The big news is the COHO SURGE! Salmon fishing has been flat-out excellent, with limit catches coming in regularly. Boats are finding success in 40-60 feet of water, with fish holding about 15 to 30 feet down. Small crankbaits and spoons are doing the trick - orange and green patterns seem to be hot right now.

    Perch fishing has also picked up nicely as we've gotten deeper into May. The slip has been producing steady action, and I expect this bite to keep improving. For perch, nothing beats a simple minnow rig or small soft plastics jigged near bottom.

    Lake trout are cooperating in deeper water, with reports of good catches in the 50-100 foot range. Trolling with bright spoons at varying depths has been the ticket. Some kings are mixed in with those lakers, but they're fewer and farther between.

    For you shore anglers, there's decent action for sheepshead and some northern pike. The occasional brown trout is still being taken near harbor mouths, particularly on spawn sacs.

    Hot spots to check:
    Navy Pier has been consistent for perch and the odd brown trout
    Montrose Harbor is producing some nice coho for shore anglers at dawn
    For boaters, the area straight out from Diversey to about 3 miles has been coho central
    The slip is your perch headquarters right now

    Word from the Wisconsin side is they're getting pike and sheepshead in Green Bay, while Michigan reports excellent lake trout and brown trout action near Frankfort.

    Best baits: minnows for perch, spawn sacs for browns, and trolling with spoons for salmon and lakers. Don't forget your landing net - these fish are running good size!

    Sunrise was at 5:39 AM and sunset will be at 8:01 PM, so there's plenty of daylight to get your lines wet. The morning bite has been strongest, so early birds are filling coolers.

    That's the word from the water today, folks. Tight lines and full coolers to ya!

    - Artificial Lure, signing off from the lakefront
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    3 m
  • Coho Surge, Perch Delight: Chicago Lake Michigan Fishing Report for May 9th

    Coho Surge, Perch Delight: Chicago Lake Michigan Fishing Report for May 9th
    May 9 2025
    Artificial Lure here with your May 9th Chicago Lake Michigan fishing report.

    We’ve got a mild, breezy spring morning here on the lakefront, with temps starting in the mid 50s and climbing into the 60s by midday. Winds are coming out of the south-southeast around 10-15 mph, and you can expect a bit of chop on the water. Sunrise was at 5:35 AM and sunset will be around 7:56 PM, giving you a full day to put in some serious casts.

    The bite has been heating up as the water temps slowly creep into the sweet spot for coho salmon. These silvers are still hanging around in solid numbers, especially off Montrose Harbor and the Horseshoe. Powerliners have reported limits the last couple mornings, and the rod and reel crowd is now getting in on the action too as coho move closer to shore. Spoons in orange or chartreuse, small crankbaits, and slip bobber rigs with large minnows or crawlers are all doing work. Shrimp and spawn sacs are classic choices that are still putting fish in the bucket, especially for shore anglers. Boats are also seeing a mixed bag: besides coho, they’re bringing in some lake trout and the occasional king salmon using spoons and small crankbaits trolled between 20 and 40 feet of water.

    Down by the slip, perch action is still decent. Folks using minnows and soft shell craws are picking off good numbers, with a few anglers reporting nice-sized keepers in the mix. As we head deeper into May, expect the perch bite to only improve. Early mornings and late evenings have been best, especially when the wind lays down a bit.

    Steelhead have shown up in recent days, particularly up the rivers, so if you’re looking for a change of pace, drifting spawn sacs under a float near river mouths could pay off with some chrome.

    For the best shot at filling your cooler today, focus on Montrose Harbor around the Horseshoe or by the southern slips for perch. Don’t overlook Navy Pier or Burnham Harbor when winds shift or if you want to dodge the crowds.

    To sum up your tackle choices: orange and chartreuse spoons, small crankbaits, slip bobbers with large minnows or crawlers, shrimp, and spawn sacs will keep your rods bent. For perch, stick with minnows or soft shell craws near structure.

    Plenty of fish are around—coho, some kings and lake trout, perch, and even a few steelhead if you put in the time. Get out there, be safe, and tight lines Chicago.
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    3 m
  • Lake Michigan Coho Frenzy: Limits Galore Across Chicago Harbors

    Lake Michigan Coho Frenzy: Limits Galore Across Chicago Harbors
    May 7 2025
    Good morning, anglers! Artificial Lure here with your Lake Michigan fishing report for this beautiful Wednesday morning, May 7th, 2025.

    The weather continues to warm nicely as we push further into May, with water temperatures gradually rising. We're looking at mild conditions today with light winds from the southwest, perfect for getting out on the water.

    The coho salmon bite remains red hot around Chicago! These silver bullets have been absolutely crushing it for the past week. Since my last report on Sunday, the action has only intensified. Boat anglers are finding consistent success in 40-60 feet of water, with the fish typically suspended 15 to 30 feet down. The Horseshoe area continues to be the hot zone, likely due to the large schools of alewives congregating there.

    Shore anglers, don't feel left out! As water temps climb, these cohos are pushing closer to shore, making them more accessible from the banks. Montrose Harbor and Burnham Harbor have been particularly productive spots for shore fishing.

    King salmon numbers are also improving, with decent catches reported in the same areas as the cohos. Lake trout action remains strong if you're willing to head north toward Rockport.

    For tackle, powerlines have been the ticket to limits. Casting spoons, particularly in blue and silver or green patterns, have been deadly. Various crankbaits, slip bobber setups with bait, or Michigan City rigs are all producing well. If you prefer live bait, large minnows, crawlers, shrimp, and spawn sacs are all working their magic.

    Hot spots to try today: The Horseshoe remains the prime location, but Waukegan Harbor and the waters off Navy Pier have also been consistently productive. If you're heading out from Chicago, try working the waters between the cribs and the shoreline.

    Water levels are running a bit low, so be cautious when launching at some of the smaller access points. Sunrise today was at 5:37 AM, with sunset coming at 7:55 PM, giving us plenty of daylight to get those limits.

    With the weekend approaching, expect more boat traffic, so getting an early start will serve you well. The bite has been most consistent in the early morning hours, tapering off around midday before picking back up in the late afternoon.

    That's your Lake Michigan fishing report for May 7th. This is Artificial Lure saying tight lines, and I'll see you on the water!
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    3 m
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