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Fishing Report: Late Fall Transition on Lake Michigan's Chicago Shoreline
Published 6 months, 2 weeks ago
Description
Artificial Lure here with your Lake Michigan, Chicago narrative fishing report for Saturday, October 11, 2025.
It’s a brisk start to the morning with fall color on the trees and steam rising off the lake. Sunrise came at 6:59 AM and sunset's lined up for 6:13 PM. According to Solunar Forecast, today brings a mixed bag of fish activity: the major bite will hit from 7:20 to 9:30 AM, with minor action windows early afternoon and right around dusk. That means your prime time is MID-morning—set your lines before 7:30 if you want to hit that hot bite window.
Local marine conditions from the National Weather Service are seeing north and northeast winds today, easing off from 20 knots down to 10-15 knots by the afternoon, with waves 3 to 6 feet early but dropping to 2-4 feet as the day rolls on. There are spots with a Small Craft Advisory, so keep a close eye if you’re launching. Water remains choppy early but it settles by late morning. Dress warm and bring your rain gear—there’s a slight chance of a shower as that cold northeast breeze lingers.
For the fishing, Lake Michigan’s Chicago shoreline continues its transition into fall. According to the Chicago Lake Michigan Daily Fishing Report, chinook and coho salmon are well into their spawning runs, but there’s still a shot at late kings, especially at river mouths and harbor points like Montrose and Diversey. Best bets are running glow spoons or spawn bags at first and last light—smaller sizes seem to out-produce, especially on overcast mornings. Jigging with chartreuse twister tails or tossing crankbaits like the classic Shad Rap is picking up a mix of coho and bonus smallmouth near breakwalls.
Perch action is picking up but the schools are still scattered. Reports have decent numbers showing up in 30-40 feet just off Calumet and 95th, especially at daybreak and after sunset. The best rigs are classic drop-shot or a simple perch rig tipped with fathead minnows or soft shellies. Tighter to the rocks, try gulp minnows if you can’t get the real thing. Don’t be afraid to wiggle your rig—those fall perch want movement.
If you’re testing your luck for trout, remember lake trout season is closed on Lake Michigan right now. But there are rumors of some big steelhead starting to stage in the harbors. Early runs respond best to fresh spawn sacs or orange/gold spoons fished slow and deep. The water’s clear, so use lighter line.
Last week, anglers at Navy Pier and Montrose reported a mixed bag: handfuls of king and coho salmon, a couple late season steelhead, and the occasional northern pike. Perch bags were light but steady for those drilling down with the right bait.
For lures and bait, top choices this week are:
- **Glow spoons** and **silver/orange flashers** for salmon and steelhead
- **Spawn bags** and **cured skein** for river mouths and deep harbor pockets
- **Fathead minnows** and **soft shells** for perch, with white or chartreuse plastics as a fallback
- **Twister tails** and **rapalas** for bonus bass and the odd freshwater drum
Today’s hotspots: try Montrose Harbor early if chasing leftover salmon or steelhead—work the mouth and main wall. For perch, hit Calumet Park and 87th, especially if boats can tuck in after the wind drops. Navy Pier is worth a cast or two near dusk for variety.
Remember, lake conditions can change quick—check latest marine forecasts before you head out. Bring layers and don’t forget your thermos!
Thanks for tuning in, anglers; remember to subscribe for tomorrow’s waterside scoop. This has been a Quiet Please production, for more check out quiet please dot ai.
Great deals on fishing gear https://amzn.to/44gt1Pn
This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI
This episode includes AI-generated content.
It’s a brisk start to the morning with fall color on the trees and steam rising off the lake. Sunrise came at 6:59 AM and sunset's lined up for 6:13 PM. According to Solunar Forecast, today brings a mixed bag of fish activity: the major bite will hit from 7:20 to 9:30 AM, with minor action windows early afternoon and right around dusk. That means your prime time is MID-morning—set your lines before 7:30 if you want to hit that hot bite window.
Local marine conditions from the National Weather Service are seeing north and northeast winds today, easing off from 20 knots down to 10-15 knots by the afternoon, with waves 3 to 6 feet early but dropping to 2-4 feet as the day rolls on. There are spots with a Small Craft Advisory, so keep a close eye if you’re launching. Water remains choppy early but it settles by late morning. Dress warm and bring your rain gear—there’s a slight chance of a shower as that cold northeast breeze lingers.
For the fishing, Lake Michigan’s Chicago shoreline continues its transition into fall. According to the Chicago Lake Michigan Daily Fishing Report, chinook and coho salmon are well into their spawning runs, but there’s still a shot at late kings, especially at river mouths and harbor points like Montrose and Diversey. Best bets are running glow spoons or spawn bags at first and last light—smaller sizes seem to out-produce, especially on overcast mornings. Jigging with chartreuse twister tails or tossing crankbaits like the classic Shad Rap is picking up a mix of coho and bonus smallmouth near breakwalls.
Perch action is picking up but the schools are still scattered. Reports have decent numbers showing up in 30-40 feet just off Calumet and 95th, especially at daybreak and after sunset. The best rigs are classic drop-shot or a simple perch rig tipped with fathead minnows or soft shellies. Tighter to the rocks, try gulp minnows if you can’t get the real thing. Don’t be afraid to wiggle your rig—those fall perch want movement.
If you’re testing your luck for trout, remember lake trout season is closed on Lake Michigan right now. But there are rumors of some big steelhead starting to stage in the harbors. Early runs respond best to fresh spawn sacs or orange/gold spoons fished slow and deep. The water’s clear, so use lighter line.
Last week, anglers at Navy Pier and Montrose reported a mixed bag: handfuls of king and coho salmon, a couple late season steelhead, and the occasional northern pike. Perch bags were light but steady for those drilling down with the right bait.
For lures and bait, top choices this week are:
- **Glow spoons** and **silver/orange flashers** for salmon and steelhead
- **Spawn bags** and **cured skein** for river mouths and deep harbor pockets
- **Fathead minnows** and **soft shells** for perch, with white or chartreuse plastics as a fallback
- **Twister tails** and **rapalas** for bonus bass and the odd freshwater drum
Today’s hotspots: try Montrose Harbor early if chasing leftover salmon or steelhead—work the mouth and main wall. For perch, hit Calumet Park and 87th, especially if boats can tuck in after the wind drops. Navy Pier is worth a cast or two near dusk for variety.
Remember, lake conditions can change quick—check latest marine forecasts before you head out. Bring layers and don’t forget your thermos!
Thanks for tuning in, anglers; remember to subscribe for tomorrow’s waterside scoop. This has been a Quiet Please production, for more check out quiet please dot ai.
Great deals on fishing gear https://amzn.to/44gt1Pn
This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI
This episode includes AI-generated content.