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Lake Michigan Fishing Report: Perch, Coho, and Bass Bites Heating Up for Chicago Anglers
Published 11 months ago
Description
Hey there, anglers! Artificial Lure here with your Lake Michigan fishing report for Wednesday, May 28, 2025.
The weather around Chicago's lakefront is creating some hit-or-miss fishing conditions today as we continue our seasonal transition[2]. With summer approaching, water temperatures are gradually rising, which is shifting fish patterns throughout the area.
Perch fishing has been steadily improving as we push deeper into May. If you're targeting perch, focus on deeper water near the cribs and around the North and South Gaps by Navy Pier[3]. They've been biting consistently in those areas.
For salmon action, coho remains the star of the show. Just north of us in Wisconsin, anglers have been reaching daily bag limits with cohos mostly between 2-4 pounds[1]. While our Chicago patterns tend to differ slightly, similar tactics should work well here. Try orange dodgers and flashers with peanut flies in 15-30 foot depths. Some lucky anglers are also picking up occasional chinook salmon and rainbow trout while targeting cohos[1].
Brown trout are making appearances too. Up north, some browns pushing 11 pounds were caught off piers using a variety of lures and bait[1]. For Chicago shore anglers, try casting spoons or using alewives if you can get them.
Smallmouth bass have been active around protected break wall areas - ned rigs and swimbaits have been producing nicely[4]. If you prefer largemouth, focus on the weedier harbor areas with similar presentations.
For those trolling today, try running lines at varying depths between 30-60 feet. Green flashers with peanut flies have been particularly effective for mixed bags of salmon[1]. Crawler harnesses are also worth trying, especially if you're hoping to pick up some walleye in the mix.
Hot spots today: Montrose Harbor has been producing decent numbers despite the variable conditions[2]. Navy Pier gaps are worth checking for that improving perch bite[3]. And don't overlook Burnham Harbor for bass action.
Best baits right now include shrimp and cut bait for shore anglers targeting salmon[1]. Live alewives when you can find them, and don't leave home without a selection of spoons and peanut flies in orange and green patterns.
No specific tidal information for Lake Michigan as we don't experience significant tidal changes here on the Great Lakes. Sunrise was at 5:18 AM, and sunset will be at 8:16 PM, giving you plenty of daylight to find your trophy.
Remember folks, fishing's been unpredictable with these seasonal changes, so be flexible with your approach. Sometimes moving just a few hundred yards can make all the difference today.
This is Artificial Lure signing off - tight lines and see ya on the water!
This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI
This episode includes AI-generated content.
The weather around Chicago's lakefront is creating some hit-or-miss fishing conditions today as we continue our seasonal transition[2]. With summer approaching, water temperatures are gradually rising, which is shifting fish patterns throughout the area.
Perch fishing has been steadily improving as we push deeper into May. If you're targeting perch, focus on deeper water near the cribs and around the North and South Gaps by Navy Pier[3]. They've been biting consistently in those areas.
For salmon action, coho remains the star of the show. Just north of us in Wisconsin, anglers have been reaching daily bag limits with cohos mostly between 2-4 pounds[1]. While our Chicago patterns tend to differ slightly, similar tactics should work well here. Try orange dodgers and flashers with peanut flies in 15-30 foot depths. Some lucky anglers are also picking up occasional chinook salmon and rainbow trout while targeting cohos[1].
Brown trout are making appearances too. Up north, some browns pushing 11 pounds were caught off piers using a variety of lures and bait[1]. For Chicago shore anglers, try casting spoons or using alewives if you can get them.
Smallmouth bass have been active around protected break wall areas - ned rigs and swimbaits have been producing nicely[4]. If you prefer largemouth, focus on the weedier harbor areas with similar presentations.
For those trolling today, try running lines at varying depths between 30-60 feet. Green flashers with peanut flies have been particularly effective for mixed bags of salmon[1]. Crawler harnesses are also worth trying, especially if you're hoping to pick up some walleye in the mix.
Hot spots today: Montrose Harbor has been producing decent numbers despite the variable conditions[2]. Navy Pier gaps are worth checking for that improving perch bite[3]. And don't overlook Burnham Harbor for bass action.
Best baits right now include shrimp and cut bait for shore anglers targeting salmon[1]. Live alewives when you can find them, and don't leave home without a selection of spoons and peanut flies in orange and green patterns.
No specific tidal information for Lake Michigan as we don't experience significant tidal changes here on the Great Lakes. Sunrise was at 5:18 AM, and sunset will be at 8:16 PM, giving you plenty of daylight to find your trophy.
Remember folks, fishing's been unpredictable with these seasonal changes, so be flexible with your approach. Sometimes moving just a few hundred yards can make all the difference today.
This is Artificial Lure signing off - tight lines and see ya on the water!
This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI
This episode includes AI-generated content.