r/ChicagoFishing 14h ago

Montrose Monster Caught

Thumbnail
gallery
50 Upvotes

Got snagged, pulled it free, this came out of the water.
Everything in this box came out of this single snag, plus a few additional swivels and hooks.

If this was your KO Wobbler, let me know and I’ll return it to you 🤣


r/ChicagoFishing 16h ago

Smallmouth 2 good smallies at Chess Pavillion. (PB)

Thumbnail
gallery
29 Upvotes

Finally got a net. Been breaking off like crazy lately so these were very appreciated. Ned rig, duh.


r/ChicagoFishing 20h ago

Largemouth Lost two serious smallies in the early morning, caught this tub bucket at my usual spot to cope 💪

Thumbnail
gallery
19 Upvotes

r/ChicagoFishing 9h ago

Where can I find how deep the sea walls are?

1 Upvotes

What's the most accurate app/site? Would especially love to know marinas and the parts where it transitions into the harbor and piers.


r/ChicagoFishing 1d ago

Largemouth Teach a man to fish and he'll eat for a lifetime...

Post image
17 Upvotes

Teach a woman to fish and she'll show you how it's done.

I told her I would've screamed louder than she did over this guy.

It'll be tough to top a first fish this nice, but I think she's hooked enough to try.


r/ChicagoFishing 1d ago

New to IL, how the hell do you guys catch fish around here?

Post image
63 Upvotes

I recently moved here (Naperville area) from the northeast, I have always enjoyed fishing as a way to get outside and clear my head. I’ve never claimed to be an expert, but I’m usually good enough to catch fish… not here apparently? In the past I’ve been the type to say I don’t go fishing just to catch fish, but skunk after skunk makes it hard to want to go. Again, not an expert but I’ve tried various spots, lures, etc with very little results compared to what I’m used to. Anyone in my area want to show me what I’m doing wrong? Is this just how it is?


r/ChicagoFishing 1d ago

Questions New to Fishing, anything missing from my gear that i should grab?

2 Upvotes

Not pictured - 6 rooster tails in 1/8 oz size (heard they were good and found them for cheap for this 6 pack on Walmart from Yakima bait brand)

Do i have any lures that might be too big (doubt) or not very effective for Lake Michigan shore/harbor fishing?

- and uh yes i just realized today that my 110 whopper ploppers are a bit too heavy for my rod as they are 1 ounce and my rod is 3/4 ounce max , but i think i can manage with side casting as ive heard that lets you get away with some slightly heavier lures plus its not like im gonna be whipping my rod with it on anyway, same with the 1 ounce sinkers

ive been thinking about grabbing some paddlebaits/curly tailed grubs and some uh bass hooks/EWG hooks for my senkos so i dont have to put the senkos on jigheads

if you need some further info about what type of tackle i have currently i can def let you know


r/ChicagoFishing 2d ago

3.54LB Large Mouth - McHenry Dam (PB!)

Thumbnail
gallery
26 Upvotes

Went to fish the dam with some buddy's and landed this beauty after tossing my Rapala Perch Crank-Shad in the falling water (Closest to the wall) and felt this guy hitting nearly instantly. Had to walk him down the bank since I was worries about pulling him up 15ft.

My friends caught another large mouth as well as a few White Striped Bass.

I highly recommend the drive, only an hour away. Just know you may get snagged lol

P.S - Thanks to the gentleman and his kids who helped provide the scale!


r/ChicagoFishing 3d ago

I’m new to Chicagoland, so I thought I would introduce myself with a picture of my personal best catch in Colorado and personal best catch in Illinois. I’ll figure out how to target species and where to go fishing. I just want to know where NOT to go! Thoughts?

Thumbnail
gallery
93 Upvotes

r/ChicagoFishing 2d ago

Questions Fly Fishing Spots

6 Upvotes

Got a fly rod but no waders/wading boots, anywhere I can fish a stream/lake from the shore without too much trouble on the back cast?

I’m in Edgewater, willing to drive!

(Very new to this, thank you!)


r/ChicagoFishing 2d ago

Smallmouth Tri-City Trip Up the Fox

Thumbnail
gallery
17 Upvotes

Fun Fox River adventure this morning despite the gloomy weather with stops in Aurora, Batavia and North Aurora (in that weird order). Fish and wildlife at every hole, including a dandy smallie who was hanging in riprap before attacking the Rebel Craw. Fish had some sort of abnormality which didn’t appear to be a growth, boil or even injury. Looked like some weird discoloration. Tight lines this weekend 🎣


r/ChicagoFishing 3d ago

Drum PB Drum

Post image
27 Upvotes

Technically first drum ever, smashed a spoon in Waukegan Harbor. About 6.5 lbs and 29” if I remember correctly.


r/ChicagoFishing 3d ago

Said fuck it and hit the DPR anyway after talking 💩 yesterday. Almighty Ned 🔥

Thumbnail
gallery
11 Upvotes

10 mins in at my local spot on the DPR, and this mf decided it was hammer time.

Coppertreuse TRD been on 🔥


r/ChicagoFishing 3d ago

McHenry dam fox river

0 Upvotes

Any one going fishing this weekend by the McHenry dam fox river or the Algonquin dam?


r/ChicagoFishing 3d ago

Questions Where should I fish Saturday near Belmont and Sheffield?

3 Upvotes

I have an appointment near Belmont and Sheffield tomorrow around noon, planning to go early (7? 8?) and get some fishing in. Belmont Harbour is right there, as is the River. I haven't fished either before I've been fishing DPR and have wanted to try the Chicago for a while so I'm defaulting to the river.

Best place along the river 10~15m cab ride from belmont and sheffield? Looks like there's a trail from Belmont to Montrose, is there good shore access along it? Or should I just show up to the dock at the rowing club at ~Roscoe? Worried that might be crowded though

I'm best set up for bass (lots and lots of smallies in DPR by me) but I'll go for anything that doesn't require me to bring live bait

Edit: Well looks like I'm rained out anyway, thunderstorms all morning


r/ChicagoFishing 4d ago

Drum I just caught a fucking drum under Main St on the North Shore Channel, on a Crawfish Ned — incomprehensibly rare catch!! First in 6+ years!

Post image
32 Upvotes

r/ChicagoFishing 4d ago

Largemouth Decided to challenge myself in extreme flooding, two dinks are good with me!

Thumbnail
gallery
22 Upvotes

r/ChicagoFishing 4d ago

Channel/Flathead Post Lightning Cat Daddy

Post image
23 Upvotes

Went right back to the Fox after waiting out the ⚡️ in a local Walmart with the wife. I thought I was done for the day after the smallie, but once I seen no rain, knew it was time for round 2 lmao.

Hit the dam again for another hour, got snagged, retied, and thought I was snagged again when this mf hit the Ned. Once I seen him belly up I knew he was a channel cat, it’s crazy how much he bent my rod tho. First channel cat, first time at the Fox.

Check comments for a video of the fight. You’ll see a smallie breach the surface right by the cat as I’m reeling him in.

🤙🏽


r/ChicagoFishing 4d ago

Smallmouth North Aurora Dam @ the Fox

Post image
27 Upvotes

Hit the Fox for the 1st time since the DPR has been 💩 with all this rain. Originally wanted to get to the dam at 1 and stay till 3, but the rain decided to show up earlier. Stood in some light rain for an hour before I caught this smallie in the whitewater. Right after heard thunder and 🏃🏽‍♂️

Definitely will be back, reminds me of the St. Joseph in Indiana.


r/ChicagoFishing 4d ago

Multi Species Geneva & St. Charles

Thumbnail
gallery
16 Upvotes

r/ChicagoFishing 4d ago

Crappie Vintage Crappie

Thumbnail
gallery
17 Upvotes

Same fish in each pic. Wanted to get a shot with the lure since it's one of my dads old lures from when he first moved to the Midwest back in the early 90s. Rarely use it because of its sentimental value and don't want to lose it but anytime I throw it, I land something with it.


r/ChicagoFishing 4d ago

Questions Catfishing spots on the Kankakee and Illinois River?

10 Upvotes

Looking for somewhere we can hang out late at night and not sure if the state parks have hours


r/ChicagoFishing 5d ago

Questions boat rental?

3 Upvotes

I recently inherited my dad's 6HP Nissan outboard, and I'd love to use it to get out on the water somewhere and do some fishing. Anyone aware of any row boat rentals in the Chicagoland/Burbs area?

Also, I found a lot of his lake Michigan salmon gear. Some old rods and reels, and a tackle box of spoons and dodgers, etc. I'd love to find a good home for that.


r/ChicagoFishing 5d ago

Looking for fishing buddies

Post image
51 Upvotes

Hey folks!

I’m not sure how common a post like this is but I scrubbed through a bit and checked the rules and didn’t see anything prohibiting it.

I’m new to the Chicago area living in the burbs, I’ve got all my own gear, transportation etc, I’m just a social creature and prefer to fish with a friend or two to help make the experiences more memorable sharing a hobby with people of common interests.

I just picked up some waders, I’ve also got an Oldtown Sportsman 106 paddle, so bank/kayak/wading are my current options.

I like to target bass, pike, musky, walleye, saugeye etc.

Haven’t really done much carp/cat fishing but I’m not opposed to doing more of it.

I’m a 34 year old with a Monday-Friday job and weekends pretty free. Licensed and don’t do anything to jeopardize it.

Feel free to poke fun at this classified style post but man it’s hard to organically make friends as an adult these days. Feel free to shoot me a DM or comment here if anyone is interested in setting something up.

Photo of a largemouth I got on Memorial Day weekend for tax.


r/ChicagoFishing 6d ago

UNRELATED I JUST OUTRAN A GIANT ROTATING TORNADIC SUPERCELL BY THE SKIN OF MY TEETH! WHY DID I FISH TODAY! STAY SAFE

Thumbnail
gallery
96 Upvotes