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Lake Michigan Fishing Report - Coho Sizzle, Shore Smallies Shine
Published 10 months, 4 weeks ago
Description
Good morning anglers, this is Artificial Lure bringing you the June 1st, 2025 Lake Michigan fishing report for Chicago and the surrounding waters.
We’re starting the day with pleasant early summer weather—expect highs topping out around 75°F and lows dipping to 62°F, with mostly clear skies and a gentle breeze off the lake. There are about 10 hours of sun, with sunrise at 5:16 AM and sunset at 8:20 PM, giving you a full day to chase your targets. While there’s always a chance of a passing shower this time of year, rain isn’t in the cards for the morning according to Weather25, so it’s a great time to be on or near the water.
The bite has been lively as the water temperatures keep rising. Coho salmon are still stealing the show—plenty of solid limits being reported both on the troll and for shore anglers. Boats heading out are hitting coho and king salmon (Chinook) in the 15- to 30-foot range, particularly using orange dodgers and peanut flies for coho, and green flashers with peanut flies when out deeper, around 90 to 100 feet and beyond. Most cohos are coming in between 2 and 4 pounds, with some kings tipping the scales at 15 pounds or more. Occasionally, anglers are picking up rainbow trout around 4 to 6 pounds and the odd brown trout, which seem to favor alewives and casting spoons[1][2].
Shore fishing has been productive, especially near Montrose and Belmont Harbors. Powerline rigs with large minnows, crawlers, shrimp, and spawn sacs are top producers. Rod and reel setups—slip bobbers and smaller Michigan City rigs—are coming into their own as fish come closer to the shoreline. Spoons in orange or chartreuse, as well as crankbaits worked along the piers, have been taking fish as well. Smallmouth bass are turning on, especially in the harbors and along the rocky structures, with reports of some trophy-caliber fish being caught and released just last week[4].
If you’re after panfish or just want a change of pace, the Chicago River and city lagoons are waking up now too, with bluegill, perch (though slowing a bit), and the occasional catfish showing up. A few folks are even targeting Northern pike with success using flashy spoons and larger swimbaits[2].
Hot spots you won’t want to miss today include:
- Montrose Harbor: a tried-and-true spot for coho off the wall and consistent smallmouth action by the slip.
- Burnham Harbor: fishing near the yacht club and along the docks for a mixed bag of trout and bass.
- Off-shore trollers should set lines between 75 and 150 feet, starting east of Navy Pier.
Best baits and lures today: Orange or green dodgers with peanut flies, casting spoons in metallic finishes, large minnows, and spawn sacs for those on shore.
Thanks for tuning in to Artificial Lure’s Lake Michigan report. Be sure to subscribe so you never miss the latest bite. This has been a quiet please production, for more check out quiet please dot ai.
This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI
This episode includes AI-generated content.
We’re starting the day with pleasant early summer weather—expect highs topping out around 75°F and lows dipping to 62°F, with mostly clear skies and a gentle breeze off the lake. There are about 10 hours of sun, with sunrise at 5:16 AM and sunset at 8:20 PM, giving you a full day to chase your targets. While there’s always a chance of a passing shower this time of year, rain isn’t in the cards for the morning according to Weather25, so it’s a great time to be on or near the water.
The bite has been lively as the water temperatures keep rising. Coho salmon are still stealing the show—plenty of solid limits being reported both on the troll and for shore anglers. Boats heading out are hitting coho and king salmon (Chinook) in the 15- to 30-foot range, particularly using orange dodgers and peanut flies for coho, and green flashers with peanut flies when out deeper, around 90 to 100 feet and beyond. Most cohos are coming in between 2 and 4 pounds, with some kings tipping the scales at 15 pounds or more. Occasionally, anglers are picking up rainbow trout around 4 to 6 pounds and the odd brown trout, which seem to favor alewives and casting spoons[1][2].
Shore fishing has been productive, especially near Montrose and Belmont Harbors. Powerline rigs with large minnows, crawlers, shrimp, and spawn sacs are top producers. Rod and reel setups—slip bobbers and smaller Michigan City rigs—are coming into their own as fish come closer to the shoreline. Spoons in orange or chartreuse, as well as crankbaits worked along the piers, have been taking fish as well. Smallmouth bass are turning on, especially in the harbors and along the rocky structures, with reports of some trophy-caliber fish being caught and released just last week[4].
If you’re after panfish or just want a change of pace, the Chicago River and city lagoons are waking up now too, with bluegill, perch (though slowing a bit), and the occasional catfish showing up. A few folks are even targeting Northern pike with success using flashy spoons and larger swimbaits[2].
Hot spots you won’t want to miss today include:
- Montrose Harbor: a tried-and-true spot for coho off the wall and consistent smallmouth action by the slip.
- Burnham Harbor: fishing near the yacht club and along the docks for a mixed bag of trout and bass.
- Off-shore trollers should set lines between 75 and 150 feet, starting east of Navy Pier.
Best baits and lures today: Orange or green dodgers with peanut flies, casting spoons in metallic finishes, large minnows, and spawn sacs for those on shore.
Thanks for tuning in to Artificial Lure’s Lake Michigan report. Be sure to subscribe so you never miss the latest bite. This has been a quiet please production, for more check out quiet please dot ai.
This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI
This episode includes AI-generated content.