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Chicago Lakefront Fishing Report: Late May Bounty for Bass, Perch, Trout, and Salmon
Published 11 months ago
Description
Good morning, Chicago anglers. Artificial Lure here with your Lake Michigan fishing report for Sunday, May 25, 2025.
Sunrise hit at 5:22 a.m. and sunset will be around 8:17 p.m., giving us a long window for some excellent action on the water. Weatherwise, we’re looking at a classic late May day—mild temps in the 60s early, peaking just into the low 70s by mid-to-late afternoon. Skies started mostly clear this morning and a light breeze from the southeast should keep conditions comfortable, with a steady lake chop but nothing unmanageable.
Fish activity has been solid, with water temps in the mid-40s to low 50s, which is perfect for a variety of species. The smallmouth bass bite continues to be fantastic along the city’s breakwalls, rock piles, and harbor mouths. Swimbaits, tubes, and crankbaits in green, brown, and smoke colors are bringing in healthy bronzebacks, many in the 2 to 4 pound range. Toss those lures right up along the rocks or pilings for best results[3][1].
Perch fishermen are reporting an uptick in numbers, especially as we hit the deeper stretch of May. Live minnows and soft plastics on drop shot rigs are drawing bites, especially early morning and late evening. The yellow perch have been nicest around 12 to 20 feet deep, with some keepers starting to show near Montrose and 31st Street harbors[1][3].
Lake trout and brown trout catches have been above average for trollers. Brown trout are working the 10 to 20 foot depths around canal mouths and harbors, particularly in slightly stained water. Troll crankbaits or use spoons in orange, gold, or white. For lake trout, head a bit deeper—out to 40 or 60 feet—and run downriggers with classic lake trout spoons or white paddles.
If you’re targeting Coho salmon, you’re in luck: the bite remains strong off Chicago, especially in the Horseshoe area and close to the harbors. Orange dodgers with peanut flies or small spoons are top producers. Most Cohos have been running 2 to 4 pounds, with the occasional bigger fish mixed in. A few Chinooks and rainbows have also been landed in the mix. Trolling in 15 to 40 feet early, and pushing deeper midday, is a smart play[5][2].
Walleye action has also ticked up. Stick baits in darker colors, trolled in 15 to 25 feet, are putting fish in the boat for those working the lakefront after sunset[3].
Hot spots this weekend: Montrose Harbor for perch and bass, the Burnham/Navy Pier stretch for Cohos and trout, and the Horseshoe area remains steady for salmon in the Chicago zone.
Best baits and lures: swimbaits, tubes, crankbaits, orange dodgers with peanut flies, live minnows, and stickbaits for walleye.
Tides aren’t a factor here but pay attention to wind direction—it can move bait and fish concentrations quickly. The bite is on, so get out and enjoy the action.
Tight lines,
Artificial Lure
This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI
This episode includes AI-generated content.
Sunrise hit at 5:22 a.m. and sunset will be around 8:17 p.m., giving us a long window for some excellent action on the water. Weatherwise, we’re looking at a classic late May day—mild temps in the 60s early, peaking just into the low 70s by mid-to-late afternoon. Skies started mostly clear this morning and a light breeze from the southeast should keep conditions comfortable, with a steady lake chop but nothing unmanageable.
Fish activity has been solid, with water temps in the mid-40s to low 50s, which is perfect for a variety of species. The smallmouth bass bite continues to be fantastic along the city’s breakwalls, rock piles, and harbor mouths. Swimbaits, tubes, and crankbaits in green, brown, and smoke colors are bringing in healthy bronzebacks, many in the 2 to 4 pound range. Toss those lures right up along the rocks or pilings for best results[3][1].
Perch fishermen are reporting an uptick in numbers, especially as we hit the deeper stretch of May. Live minnows and soft plastics on drop shot rigs are drawing bites, especially early morning and late evening. The yellow perch have been nicest around 12 to 20 feet deep, with some keepers starting to show near Montrose and 31st Street harbors[1][3].
Lake trout and brown trout catches have been above average for trollers. Brown trout are working the 10 to 20 foot depths around canal mouths and harbors, particularly in slightly stained water. Troll crankbaits or use spoons in orange, gold, or white. For lake trout, head a bit deeper—out to 40 or 60 feet—and run downriggers with classic lake trout spoons or white paddles.
If you’re targeting Coho salmon, you’re in luck: the bite remains strong off Chicago, especially in the Horseshoe area and close to the harbors. Orange dodgers with peanut flies or small spoons are top producers. Most Cohos have been running 2 to 4 pounds, with the occasional bigger fish mixed in. A few Chinooks and rainbows have also been landed in the mix. Trolling in 15 to 40 feet early, and pushing deeper midday, is a smart play[5][2].
Walleye action has also ticked up. Stick baits in darker colors, trolled in 15 to 25 feet, are putting fish in the boat for those working the lakefront after sunset[3].
Hot spots this weekend: Montrose Harbor for perch and bass, the Burnham/Navy Pier stretch for Cohos and trout, and the Horseshoe area remains steady for salmon in the Chicago zone.
Best baits and lures: swimbaits, tubes, crankbaits, orange dodgers with peanut flies, live minnows, and stickbaits for walleye.
Tides aren’t a factor here but pay attention to wind direction—it can move bait and fish concentrations quickly. The bite is on, so get out and enjoy the action.
Tight lines,
Artificial Lure
This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI
This episode includes AI-generated content.