Episode Details
Back to Episodes
Early Spring Fishing Report: Coho, Browns, and Steelhead on the Chicago Lakefront
Published 1 year ago
Description
Fishing Report for Lake Michigan, Chicago - April 2, 2025
Good morning, anglers! The season is off to a promising start on Lake Michigan's Chicago waters. Today, we’re looking at prime conditions for hooking some action.
**Weather and Conditions**
This morning is cloudy, with temperatures around 42°F, expected to climb into the mid-50s by the afternoon. Winds are light out of the south-southeast at 6-8 mph, making for mild lake conditions. Sunrise today was at 6:33 AM, and sunset is expected at 7:21 PM. With stable weather and warming water temperatures, fish activity is expected to improve throughout the day.
**Fish Activity and Recent Catch Updates**
Coho salmon are the star of the show right now, with strong action reported near the southern lakefront, especially around the Indiana border, as well as along the Chicago shoreline at Montrose Harbor and Navy Pier. Browns are still active, especially in areas with slightly warmer water near industrial outflows and harbors. Steelhead are also trickling into tributaries, with some late spawners still around.
Anglers have been sharing exciting success stories of their catches. Recent reports indicate limit catches of coho salmon using body baits like Thin Fins and Rapalas, particularly in bright or natural colors. A few lucky anglers have also landed some chunky brown trout and steelheads from shore and in tributaries. The average size for coho has been in the 2-4 pound range, with brown trout reaching up to 8 pounds.
**Best Lures and Baits**
- For coho, stick to body baits such as Thin Fins, Rapalas, and Berkley Flicker Shads. Flashy crankbaits and spoons like Little Cleos in silver, green, or blue/gold are great options for both coho and browns.
- Spawn sacs and skein continue to be effective for steelhead and browns along the harbors and tributaries. Consider drifting these under a float.
- Minnowbaits like Storm Thundersticks or Rapala Husky Jerks are also recommended for colder conditions, especially in steelhead hotspots.
If targeting the late-moving steelhead in tributaries, beads and brightly colored spawn bags fished under a float have also been productive.
**Hotspots to Try Today**
- **Montrose Harbor and Navy Pier:** These spots are showing steady brown trout and coho action.
- **Portage Lakefront Park:** Coho are biting well off the pier and along the shorelines near the warm water discharges.
- **Trail Creek and Little Calumet River:** A few steelhead are still around, especially near bridges and deeper pools.
**Tidal and Lake Conditions**
While tidal influence is negligible on Lake Michigan, lake currents and wind can impact fishing. As of this morning, the water temperature is holding around 38-42°F, warming as the sun rises. Keep an eye out for mudlines and warmer water zones, as fish are congregating in these areas.
Get out there and enjoy these fantastic early spring conditions. Tight lines, and don’t forget your fishing license!
This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI
Good morning, anglers! The season is off to a promising start on Lake Michigan's Chicago waters. Today, we’re looking at prime conditions for hooking some action.
**Weather and Conditions**
This morning is cloudy, with temperatures around 42°F, expected to climb into the mid-50s by the afternoon. Winds are light out of the south-southeast at 6-8 mph, making for mild lake conditions. Sunrise today was at 6:33 AM, and sunset is expected at 7:21 PM. With stable weather and warming water temperatures, fish activity is expected to improve throughout the day.
**Fish Activity and Recent Catch Updates**
Coho salmon are the star of the show right now, with strong action reported near the southern lakefront, especially around the Indiana border, as well as along the Chicago shoreline at Montrose Harbor and Navy Pier. Browns are still active, especially in areas with slightly warmer water near industrial outflows and harbors. Steelhead are also trickling into tributaries, with some late spawners still around.
Anglers have been sharing exciting success stories of their catches. Recent reports indicate limit catches of coho salmon using body baits like Thin Fins and Rapalas, particularly in bright or natural colors. A few lucky anglers have also landed some chunky brown trout and steelheads from shore and in tributaries. The average size for coho has been in the 2-4 pound range, with brown trout reaching up to 8 pounds.
**Best Lures and Baits**
- For coho, stick to body baits such as Thin Fins, Rapalas, and Berkley Flicker Shads. Flashy crankbaits and spoons like Little Cleos in silver, green, or blue/gold are great options for both coho and browns.
- Spawn sacs and skein continue to be effective for steelhead and browns along the harbors and tributaries. Consider drifting these under a float.
- Minnowbaits like Storm Thundersticks or Rapala Husky Jerks are also recommended for colder conditions, especially in steelhead hotspots.
If targeting the late-moving steelhead in tributaries, beads and brightly colored spawn bags fished under a float have also been productive.
**Hotspots to Try Today**
- **Montrose Harbor and Navy Pier:** These spots are showing steady brown trout and coho action.
- **Portage Lakefront Park:** Coho are biting well off the pier and along the shorelines near the warm water discharges.
- **Trail Creek and Little Calumet River:** A few steelhead are still around, especially near bridges and deeper pools.
**Tidal and Lake Conditions**
While tidal influence is negligible on Lake Michigan, lake currents and wind can impact fishing. As of this morning, the water temperature is holding around 38-42°F, warming as the sun rises. Keep an eye out for mudlines and warmer water zones, as fish are congregating in these areas.
Get out there and enjoy these fantastic early spring conditions. Tight lines, and don’t forget your fishing license!
This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI