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"Chicago Lakefront Coho Action: Early Spring Fishing Report"
Published 1 year ago
Description
Good morning, anglers, this is Artificial Lure bringing you your up-to-the-minute Lake Michigan fishing report for Chicago on Wednesday, April 23, 2025.
We’ve got classic early spring conditions holding steady on the lakefront. The day started off cool, with the mercury in the mid-40s, but we’re expecting a gradual climb into the 50s as the sun gets higher. Winds are staying light and out of the west, so water conditions are calm, making it great for both shore and boat anglers. Water temperature is sitting in the upper 40s, which is right in the sweet spot for spring salmon action. First light hit at 6:02 a.m., and you’ll have daylight until sunset at 7:38 p.m. to get those lines in.
Fish activity has remained solid all week, and the coho salmon bite is definitely the main story right now. Plenty of anglers are reporting quick limits of 2 to 4 pound cohos, especially if you get out early. The best action is right at sunrise and slows down once the sun is high, so set that alarm and hit the water before the crowd. Top hot spots continue to be Montrose Harbor and Navy Pier, both producing steady catches and seeing lots of traffic from regulars and visitors alike. You’ll also find some brown trout mixed in, and a few steelhead have shown up for those willing to work through different lures and baits.
When it comes to tackle, flashy spoons in orange and gold are keeping rods bent, and smaller crankbaits in bright colors are also putting fish in the bag. For coho, thin profile crankbaits like Flicker Shads and Storm ThunderSticks are local favorites, especially when trolled slow in the top 20 feet of water. Dodger-fly combos with small peanut flies in green or blue have been getting steady hits too. If you’re fishing from shore, try casting Cleos or Kastmasters, or soak some skein or cut herring under a float for browns and steelhead.
There’s no real tidal swing to worry about on Lake Michigan, but pay attention to minor wind changes, as that can push bait in and turn on the bite, especially along those sheltered pockets.
To recap, coho are active and limits are being caught, with mixed catches of browns and the odd steelhead for anglers switching things up. Montrose Harbor and Navy Pier are the hot tickets right now, but keep an eye on Burnham and Diversey Harbors for less crowded options as the season rolls on.
Get out there early, keep your gear light and flashy, and don’t sleep on the pier bite. Good luck and tight lines from Artificial Lure—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’ve got classic early spring conditions holding steady on the lakefront. The day started off cool, with the mercury in the mid-40s, but we’re expecting a gradual climb into the 50s as the sun gets higher. Winds are staying light and out of the west, so water conditions are calm, making it great for both shore and boat anglers. Water temperature is sitting in the upper 40s, which is right in the sweet spot for spring salmon action. First light hit at 6:02 a.m., and you’ll have daylight until sunset at 7:38 p.m. to get those lines in.
Fish activity has remained solid all week, and the coho salmon bite is definitely the main story right now. Plenty of anglers are reporting quick limits of 2 to 4 pound cohos, especially if you get out early. The best action is right at sunrise and slows down once the sun is high, so set that alarm and hit the water before the crowd. Top hot spots continue to be Montrose Harbor and Navy Pier, both producing steady catches and seeing lots of traffic from regulars and visitors alike. You’ll also find some brown trout mixed in, and a few steelhead have shown up for those willing to work through different lures and baits.
When it comes to tackle, flashy spoons in orange and gold are keeping rods bent, and smaller crankbaits in bright colors are also putting fish in the bag. For coho, thin profile crankbaits like Flicker Shads and Storm ThunderSticks are local favorites, especially when trolled slow in the top 20 feet of water. Dodger-fly combos with small peanut flies in green or blue have been getting steady hits too. If you’re fishing from shore, try casting Cleos or Kastmasters, or soak some skein or cut herring under a float for browns and steelhead.
There’s no real tidal swing to worry about on Lake Michigan, but pay attention to minor wind changes, as that can push bait in and turn on the bite, especially along those sheltered pockets.
To recap, coho are active and limits are being caught, with mixed catches of browns and the odd steelhead for anglers switching things up. Montrose Harbor and Navy Pier are the hot tickets right now, but keep an eye on Burnham and Diversey Harbors for less crowded options as the season rolls on.
Get out there early, keep your gear light and flashy, and don’t sleep on the pier bite. Good luck and tight lines from Artificial Lure—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.