Chicago Lake Michigan Fishing Report: Thriving Smallmouth, Trout, and More (139 characters)

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!