Episodios

  • Late Spring Fishing Bliss on Lake Michigan

    Late Spring Fishing Bliss on Lake Michigan
    May 23 2025
    Good morning anglers, this is Artificial Lure with your fresh Chicago and Lake Michigan fishing report for Friday, May 23, 2025.

    It’s a classic late-spring morning on the lakefront. Sunrise today was at 5:23 AM and you’ll see sunset at 8:13 PM. Weather is shaping up to be mild, with temperatures expected in the mid 60s to low 70s, light winds from the southeast, and partly cloudy skies—ideal for a day on the water. Tidal influence on Lake Michigan is minimal, but pay attention to wind direction, as it can have a big effect on nearshore fishing conditions.

    Fishing action remains strong in the harbors and along the Chicago breakwalls. Smallmouth bass continue to put on a show, especially around rocky spots and the harbor mouths. Anglers are reporting good numbers and solid size thanks to healthy water temps in the upper 40s to low 50s. Tubes, swimbaits, and jerkbaits in natural colors are still the top producers. Early mornings and late evenings are yielding the best bites.

    The yellow perch bite is heating up, especially deeper near the cribs and both the North and South Gaps by Navy Pier. If you’re hunting perch, try minnows or soft plastics on drop-shot rigs in 20 to 30 feet of water. Recent reports show plenty of keeper perch coming in, with nice limits taken for those willing to move around until they find the active schools.

    Trout and salmon anglers are doing well trolling out deeper, especially for lake trout and brown trout. Browns have been active in about 15 feet of water, with the big canal areas and harbor approaches being the best spots. Trollers are connecting using darker stick baits, as well as orange and green spoons. If you’re looking to put a few in the box, now’s your chance—above average catches have been reported all week.

    Best live bait right now includes fathead minnows for perch and crawlers or leeches for bass. For lures, it’s tough to beat a natural-colored tube for bass or a brightly colored crankbait for trout and salmon.

    For Chicago hot spots, check out the Burnham Harbor breakwalls for bass action and the North Gap at Navy Pier for perch. The Calumet Harbor area has also seen some solid catches for both perch and brown trout.

    That’s your report for today—get out there and enjoy some of the best spring fishing Chicago has to offer. Tight lines!
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    3 m
  • Excellent Lake Michigan Fishing Conditions - Perch, Bass, Salmon Biting Strong

    Excellent Lake Michigan Fishing Conditions - Perch, Bass, Salmon Biting Strong
    May 21 2025
    Good morning anglers, Artificial Lure with your Lake Michigan Chicago fishing report for Wednesday, May 21, 2025.

    It is shaping up to be another excellent day out on the lake. The weather is holding steady with clear skies, light winds, and temperatures in the mid 60s this morning, climbing toward the mid 70s by afternoon. Water temperatures along the shoreline are in the upper 40s to low 50s, and the lake is calm—ideal conditions for both shoreline and boat anglers. Sunrise today was at 5:26 am and sunset is coming in at 8:10 pm, giving you a nice long stretch to get your lines in the water.

    Fish activity has really picked up. The perch bite is steadily improving as we push deeper into May, especially in the deeper water near the cribs and around the North and South Gaps by Navy Pier. Anglers are reporting good numbers of perch, with some limits coming in on minnows and baby crawlers fished on drop shot rigs and powerlines[2]. Try also using soft plastics and small spoons for the more aggressive fish.

    Smallmouth bass are running strong all along the breakwalls, especially around Montrose and Burnham Harbors. A mix of tube jigs, Ned rigs, and natural-colored crankbaits are doing the trick. If you can, fish early in the morning or later in the evening for your best shot at some chunky smallies. Just last week, a local caught and released what would have challenged the state record right off the harbor rocks[5].

    Coho salmon are still around, especially for those trolling outside the harbors with orange dodgers and peanut flies, or casting spoons from the piers[5]. The early morning hours have been best for coho, and some anglers are also reporting bonus brown trout mixed in. Lake trout catches have been above average a bit north in Frankfort, and we’re seeing decent action off Chicago with cowbells and spin-n-glos in deeper water[4].

    For bait, you cannot go wrong with minnows, nightcrawlers, and shrimp for perch. Smallmouth are hitting soft plastics and jerkbaits. Salmon and trout are favoring smaller bright spoons and peanut flies, especially in silver, orange, and green patterns.

    Hot spots today include Montrose Harbor, particularly near the horseshoe, where you’ll find both bass and perch, and the slip outside 31st Street Harbor, where coho are cruising in and out.

    To sum up, the water is warming, fish are active, and conditions are about as good as it gets this spring. Grab your favorite lures, check your gear, and get out there—today could be the day you land your personal best.

    This is Artificial Lure wishing you tight lines and bent rods.
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    3 m
  • Chicago Lake Michigan Fishing Report - May 19, 2025

    Chicago Lake Michigan Fishing Report - May 19, 2025
    May 19 2025
    Good morning, anglers! Artificial Lure here with your Chicago Lake Michigan fishing report for this beautiful Monday, May 19, 2025.

    We're looking at a mild spring morning on the lakefront today. The smallmouth bass action continues to be excellent all along the breakwalls and rocky areas of Chicago harbors. These bronzebacks have been growing and thriving according to recent DNR reports, so it's prime time to target them. Anglers are having success with swimbaits, tubes, crankbaits, and jerk baits in various colors.

    The perch bite has been improving steadily as we've moved deeper into May, and should be hitting its stride right about now. If you're after these tasty yellow bellies, now's the time to get out there.

    For those looking to troll the big lake, recent reports show above-average catches with several limits of lake trout and brown trout being recorded. Brown trout have been active in about 15 feet of water, particularly around the canal areas. Water temperatures are ranging from the mid-40s to low 50s Fahrenheit, which is keeping these fish active.

    Walleye anglers are picking up fish in a variety of ways. Trollers are finding success in around 20 feet of water, with darker colored stick baits being particularly effective in the current conditions.

    Hot spots this week include Montrose Harbor for smallmouth bass, where the rocky structure provides perfect habitat. The breakwall at Burnham Harbor has been producing consistent lake trout action. For perch, try the deeper waters off Navy Pier.

    Bait-wise, live minnows are always a solid choice for perch this time of year. For artificial options, soft plastics in lighter colors have been working well for smallmouth, while darker colored soft plastics are getting attention from lake whitefish in deeper waters.

    Weather-wise, we're looking at relatively stable conditions for the next few days, which should keep the fishing pattern consistent. Sunrise today was at 5:26 AM, with sunset expected at 8:08 PM, giving you plenty of daylight hours on the water.

    Water clarity is good following last week's mild weather, and surface temperatures are continuing to warm, which should trigger even more active feeding patterns.

    Remember to check your fishing licenses and be aware of all regulations before heading out. The parking lots at popular launches have been filling up early on weekends, so plan accordingly.

    That's all for today's report. This is Artificial Lure saying tight lines, everyone, and I'll see you on the water!
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    3 m
  • Chicago Lakefront Fishing Forecast: Perch, Bass, and Trout Bite Heats Up for Anglers

    Chicago Lakefront Fishing Forecast: Perch, Bass, and Trout Bite Heats Up for Anglers
    May 18 2025
    Artificial Lure here with your Chicago Lake Michigan fishing report for Sunday, May 18, 2025.

    Lake Michigan is waking up nicely this May, with both weather and fish finally cooperating. Sunrise came in right around 5:29 AM this morning and sunset will be at 8:05 PM, giving you a generous window to wet a line.

    Weatherwise, today started off mild and mostly clear, temps in the upper 50s this morning reaching mid-to-upper 60s by afternoon. Winds are light, out of the northeast at 5 to 10 mph. Water temps near Chicago’s shoreline are running between 48 and 53 degrees. No rain in sight, so expect stable conditions for most of the day.

    Tides don’t play a huge role here, but wave action and wind direction can move the bite. With today’s light winds, water clarity is good, making subtle presentations a smart move.

    Fish activity is heating up as the water warms. Perch action has been decent around the slips, especially early and late in the day. Anglers using minnows or soft plastic grubs on a drop-shot are seeing solid results. The perch bite should keep improving the deeper we get into May[1].

    Smallmouth bass are thriving all along the breakwalls and rocky areas. Fish are being caught in 4 to 10 feet of water, hitting tubes, swimbaits, and jerkbaits in natural colors. Crankbaits have also fooled some bigger fish. The best action has been close to dawn and again late afternoon[3]. White and green pumpkin shades are working well, but honestly, with this clarity, nothing is out-fishing anything else—present it slow and tight to rocks for best results.

    Trout are still in the mix for boaters trolling off Montrose and Diversey. Lake trout and brown trout are being caught, often on spoons and stickbaits in silver, blue, or chartreuse patterns. Some limits were reported last weekend, so don’t sleep on the deeper water if you have access[4]. Occasional coho and steelhead are also around.

    Hot spots for the week have been the Navy Pier slip for perch and the rocky shoreline at Montrose Harbor for bass. Belmont Harbor breakwalls are also seeing decent bass and the odd trout. Don’t overlook the piers at 31st Street and Burnham either, especially for night perch.

    For baits and lures:
    - Perch: Live minnows or small soft plastic minnow imitations, 1/16 to 1/8 oz jigs
    - Bass: Tubes, swimbaits, jerkbaits (natural colors), crankbaits (shad or perch patterns)
    - Trout: Spoons, stickbaits, and larger crankbaits, especially in silver or bright color patterns[2][3][4]

    That’s your local rundown for today—good luck, tight lines, and I’ll see you out there.
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    3 m
  • 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
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