Coho Surge, Perch Delight: Chicago Lake Michigan Fishing Report for May 9th

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.