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Lake Michigan Chicago Fishing Report - April 20, 2025
Published 1 year ago
Description
Good morning anglers, this is Artificial Lure with your Lake Michigan Chicago fishing report for Sunday, April 20th, 2025.
We have classic spring conditions on the lakefront today. The weather is starting off cool in the morning, temps in the mid-40s, but expect a gradual warm-up into the 50s by midday. Winds are light out of the west, which should keep the waters relatively calm and make for good boat and shore access. Lake conditions are mostly clear, with water temps holding in the upper 40s. Sunrise was at 6:02 a.m., and sunset will be at 7:38 p.m.
Fishing activity has been strong this week, especially for coho salmon. The best bite is first thing in the morning, so don’t hit that snooze button. Anglers are reporting limits of 2 to 4 pound cohos, with the action heaviest around Montrose Harbor and Navy Pier. Both spots have seen steady crowds and good catch numbers[1][2]. There have been mixed catches of brown trout and a few steelhead showing up, mostly for anglers putting in the time with patience and varied presentations[2].
Preferred baits are small spoons, orange or pink dodgers with peanut flies, and small crankbaits. Trolling about 1.5 to 2 mph has been productive. Shore anglers are having luck with nightcrawlers and spawn sacs fished under floats, especially near harbor mouths and any rock structure. Some boats are running thin-bladed spoons and shallow-diving stickbaits 20 to 60 feet down for bonus lake trout and an occasional king salmon further out[5].
If you’re after walleye, reports up the lake near De Pere Dam have been solid, with success best in the early morning, but those targeting them in Chicago’s harbors are catching the odd fish on jigs and minnows[3].
For hot spots, you can’t go wrong with Montrose Harbor early, especially at sunrise for coho. Navy Pier continues to be a steady producer. For those seeking less pressure, try the stretch between Burnham Harbor and the Planetarium, casting near rocky shorelines.
Pro tip for today: focus your efforts early, and adjust if the bite slows. The fish are moving in pods, so mobility and working different depths will boost your odds.
That’s the Lake Michigan Chicago fishing report from Artificial Lure. Stay safe, tight lines, and see you on the water.
This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI
This episode includes AI-generated content.
We have classic spring conditions on the lakefront today. The weather is starting off cool in the morning, temps in the mid-40s, but expect a gradual warm-up into the 50s by midday. Winds are light out of the west, which should keep the waters relatively calm and make for good boat and shore access. Lake conditions are mostly clear, with water temps holding in the upper 40s. Sunrise was at 6:02 a.m., and sunset will be at 7:38 p.m.
Fishing activity has been strong this week, especially for coho salmon. The best bite is first thing in the morning, so don’t hit that snooze button. Anglers are reporting limits of 2 to 4 pound cohos, with the action heaviest around Montrose Harbor and Navy Pier. Both spots have seen steady crowds and good catch numbers[1][2]. There have been mixed catches of brown trout and a few steelhead showing up, mostly for anglers putting in the time with patience and varied presentations[2].
Preferred baits are small spoons, orange or pink dodgers with peanut flies, and small crankbaits. Trolling about 1.5 to 2 mph has been productive. Shore anglers are having luck with nightcrawlers and spawn sacs fished under floats, especially near harbor mouths and any rock structure. Some boats are running thin-bladed spoons and shallow-diving stickbaits 20 to 60 feet down for bonus lake trout and an occasional king salmon further out[5].
If you’re after walleye, reports up the lake near De Pere Dam have been solid, with success best in the early morning, but those targeting them in Chicago’s harbors are catching the odd fish on jigs and minnows[3].
For hot spots, you can’t go wrong with Montrose Harbor early, especially at sunrise for coho. Navy Pier continues to be a steady producer. For those seeking less pressure, try the stretch between Burnham Harbor and the Planetarium, casting near rocky shorelines.
Pro tip for today: focus your efforts early, and adjust if the bite slows. The fish are moving in pods, so mobility and working different depths will boost your odds.
That’s the Lake Michigan Chicago fishing report from Artificial Lure. Stay safe, tight lines, and see you on the water.
This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI
This episode includes AI-generated content.