Lake Michigan
Info / Counties: Cook, Lake
Family Friendly
Yes
Handicap Access
No
Boat Fishing
Yes
Boat Ramps
Yes
Boat Rentals
Yes
Picnicking
Yes
Skiing
Yes
Trout Stocking
No
Zebra Mussels
Location 976640 acres
FOR MORE DETAILED INFORMATION ON LAKE MICHIGAN FISHING ACCESS AND FISH POPULATIONS CLICK HERE
Lake Michigan offers anglers a variety of experiences from shore fishing in the bustling harbors and lagoons of Chicago to launching a day's adventure from one of many marinas. Whether you seek a tasty meal of Yellow Perch or the excitement of landing a Chinook Salmon on a day charter, Lake Michigan is a true destination for the Illinois angler. With its vast fishing opportunities, the Illinois shoreline stretches across both Lake and Cook counties from North Point Marina and Beach in the town of Winthrop Harbor to Calumet Park in Chicago.
Fishing Outlook
Smallmouth Bass
Very Good
Electrofishing catch rate of stock size bass (greater than or equal to 7) was 35 - 49 fish per hour along the shoreline in Calumet Harbor during 2024 and 2025 - record highs since the early 2000s. Catch rate was also up at Waukegan Harbor during the last couple years (10.5 - 11 fish per hour). In 2025, fish ranged from 2 - 19.7 inches long and weighed up to 4.8 pounds. A high percentage (55%) of fish collected were 14 inches or longer and 10% were 17 inches or longer. Young-of-year were abundant at multiple sites indicating good reproduction throughout Illinois waters of Lake Michigan.
Largemouth Bass
Good
Electrofishing catch rates were up for Largemouth Bass in 2025. Jackson Harbor and North Point Marina were hot spots where catch rates of stock size bass (8 inches and longer) were 11 and 22 fish per hour. In 2025, fish ranged from 2.4 - 18.7 inches long and weighed up to 4.3 pounds. A good percentage (39%) of fish collected were 15 inches or longer. Young-of-year were abundant at multiple sites indicating good reproduction throughout Illinois waters of Lake Michigan.
| 2025 | Brown Trout | Advanced Fingerling (4 - 7") | 119196 |
| 2025 | Coho Salmon | Advanced Fingerling (4 - 7") | 258541 |
| 2025 | Fall Chinook Salmon | Advanced Fingerling (4 - 7") | 213869 |
| 2025 | Rainbow Trout | Advanced Fingerling (4 - 7") | 64364 |
| 2025 | Skamania Steelhead | Advanced Fingerling (4 - 7") | 85552 |
Contact
Lake Michigan Program Manager
9511 W. Harrison Street, Room 207 Des Plaines, IL 60016
Send Message
847-294-4134
Lake Michigan Program
9511 W Harrison Street Des Plaines, IL 60016
847-294-4134
Description
Lake Michigan is the second largest and second deepest of the North American Great Lakes. It is a cold, low-nutrient ecosystem that has undergone considerable alteration due to the introduction of an array of invasive species. The bottom substrates range from clay and sand to gravel, cobble, boulders and bedrock. Aquatic vegetation is nearly nonexistent in the open lake but prevalent in the numerous harbors spanning the Illinois coast which often contain warmwater fish assemblages including populations of bass, panfish, and bullheads.Fishery History
Prior to the 1960s, Lake Michigan had seen over a half century of decline in commercial fishery production due to the combined effects of overfishing and invasive species. As unchecked prey populations began to explode due to the disappearance of their primary predator, Lake Trout, managers began stocking Coho and Chinook Salmon raised in hatcheries in Michigan using eggs obtained from Oregon and Washington. The addition of Rainbow and Brown Trout, as well as stocking efforts to restore the Lake Trout population, led to the successful creation of a world class sport fishery that persists to the modern day.
Fishing for Yellow Perch historically drew large crowds to the lakefront where they fished shoulder to shoulder at places like Navy Pier and Montrose Harbor. Population declines in recent decades have led to a significantly reduced fishery which has shifted to being most productive from isolated shore locations in the late fall and winter months. Fishing for Smallmouth Bass in the Illinois waters of Lake Michigan has grown increasingly popular in recent years, with a new state record fish being caught from Monroe Harbor in 2019.
Site Regulations
Lake Michigan Salmon Stamp required to harvest trout and salmon.
Site-Specific Fishing Regulations:
- All Fish: All devices used for sport fishing on Lake Michigan must be attended at all times
- All Fish: All devices used for sport fishing on Lake Michigan must be attended at all times
- Lake Trout: 2 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
- Lake Whitefish or Round Whitefish: 12 Fish Daily Harvest Limit, singly or in the aggregate
- Large or Smallmouth Bass: 21 inch Minimum Length Limit; 1 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
- Trout and Salmon: 10 inch Minimum Length Limit; 5 Fish Daily Harvest Limit, singly or in the aggregate, except for Lake Trout
- Yellow Perch: 15 Fish Daily Harvest Limit; Closed May 1 Through June 15
Snagging for Chinook and Coho Salmon only is permitted from the following Lake Michigan shoreline areas from October 1 through December 31; however, no snagging is allowed at any time within 200 feet of a moored watercraft or as posted:
A) Lincoln Park Lagoon from the Fullerton Avenue Bridge to the southern end of the Lagoon
B) Waukegan Harbor (in North Harbor basin only)
C) Winnetka Power Plant discharge area
D) Jackson Harbor (Inner and Outer Harbors)
Additional Information
Boat anglers are cautioned to use adequate sized boats and motors when fishing as Lake Michigan can be very dangerous. Daily weather reports and storm warning information is a prerequisite to fishing by boat as conditions can change very quickly on the open lake. Strict compliance with the Illinois Boating Act is essential. Important items to have aboard a boat include life preservers, fire extinguishers, portable marine band radio, signal flares, a compass, and an auxiliary or extra outboard motor.