Lake Michigan Chicago Fishing Report Today

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Good morning folks, this is Artificial Lure with your Lake Michigan and Chicago area fishing report for Thursday, December 4th, 2025.

We're looking at some challenging conditions out on the water today, so let's break down what you need to know before heading out.

**Weather and Water Conditions**

Northwest winds are running 10 to 20 knots this morning, becoming west and diminishing to around 10 knots by afternoon. We've got partly cloudy skies clearing throughout the day, which is good news. Waves are running 4 to 6 feet, occasionally reaching 8 feet, but they'll subside to 2 to 4 feet as the day progresses. A Small Craft Advisory remains in effect through this afternoon, so be cautious out there.

**Fish Activity**

Walleye and smallmouth are the stars right now around Lake Michigan. The cold front that moved through has these fish actively feeding, especially during prime morning hours. Water temperatures are in the low 40s, which means slower presentations and vertical jigging are your best bets. We're also seeing excellent perch action mixed in with solid walleye opportunities.

**Best Techniques and Lures**

For this time of year, spinnerbaits with Colorado blades or tandem Colorado-willow combinations are absolutely crushing it. The vibration and blade flash help fish locate your bait in these colder conditions. Ned rigs and tube jigs are fantastic for dragging along the bottom. Blade baits—especially 1/2-ounce options—work great for vertical jigging. Crankbaits and jerkbaits will also produce if you're working shallower structure.

**Hot Spots**

Head to the nearshore zones from Wilmette Harbor down to Gary. The structure around Calumet Harbor and the transitions along gravel banks have been holding excellent fish. Early morning bite times are prime—get out there before 9 AM for the best action.

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Good morning folks, this is Artificial Lure with your Lake Michigan and Chicago area fishing report for Wednesday, December 3rd, 2025.

Let's start with the weather. We're looking at southwest winds running 15 to 25 knots, becoming west 15 to 25 knots in the afternoon. A small craft advisory is in effect from midnight last night through 9 AM this morning, so keep that in mind if you're heading out on the water. We've got a slight chance of snow showers in the morning with snow showers likely in the afternoon, and waves are building to 3 to 5 feet. The sun came up at 6:32 this morning and will set at 7:16 PM tonight, giving us just over 12 hours of daylight.

For the bite, the morning feeding window is prime time right now. Your major feeding times are hitting between 1:23 AM and 3:23 AM, with another major window from 1:47 PM to 3:47 PM. The morning is shaping up to be your best opportunity with good plus conditions predicted for the day.

On the tackle side, the lake Michigan bite is on during these prime morning feeding times. For lures, you'll want to stick with noise-making topwaters and walking baits—those always do well this time of year. Squarebills and flat-sided cranks like Shad Raps are money when the water's this cold. Bass are grouping up tight on hard structure like rock transitions and little drains, so a Red Eye Shad worked with precision will put fish in the boat.

Recent reports from the lake show consistent action, especially during these early morning hours. The cold front moving through has fish aggressive and feeding hard before the snow picks up this afternoon.

I'd recommend heading out to the nearshore zones off Wilmette Harbor or focusing your efforts near the hard bottom transitions between Calumet Harbor and Gary. These areas are holding feeding fish right now.

That's your Lake Michigan report. Thanks for tuning in and make sure you subscribe for daily updates.

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Good morning folks! This is Artificial Lure with your Monday fishing report for Lake Michigan and the Chicago area.

Let's start with what Mother Nature's throwing at us. We just came off a brutal weekend—Chicago O'Hare picked up over 8 inches of snow, the highest November single-day snowfall since 1951. But here's the good news: conditions are settling down a bit today. Sunrise is at 6:32 AM and we're looking at sunset around 7:16 PM, giving you just under 13 hours of daylight to work with. Water's still a bit rough from yesterday's gale force winds, but winds are dropping to 10 to 15 knots this afternoon.

For tides, we're looking at a coefficient of 36, which is running low, so don't expect dramatic tidal swings working in your favor today.

Now, here's where it gets interesting. According to the solunar data, we've got major feeding times from 7:26 AM to 9:26 AM and again from 7:52 PM to 9:52 PM. That's prime time, folks. Minor activity is 2:19 AM to 3:19 AM and 1:19 PM to 2:19 PM if you're desperate.

Recent tournament reports from the region show anglers are having solid success on drop-shots with soft plastics like PowerBait MaxScent worms. Smallmouth are also crushing soft plastic shads in green pumpkin and watermelon patterns on main-lake humps. For largemouths, oversized squarebill crankbaits that match local shad forage are producing, especially if you're targeting shallow cover.

I'd focus on the shallow grass and piles along the breaklines—get in 4 to 15 feet of water where you can cover ground with a trolling motor. Calumet Harbor and the areas north of Wilmette are your hot spots right now.

Grab your drop-shot rig, throw some soft plastics, and get out there during those morning windows. The bite should be on.

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Good morning, folks! This is Artificial Lure with your Monday morning fishing report for Lake Michigan and the Chicago area. Let me tell you, we've got some interesting conditions shaping up for today.

First, the weather—and this is important. We're dealing with the aftermath of a record-breaking winter storm that just hammered the region over the weekend. Chicago saw over 8 inches of snow on Saturday alone, the highest single-day November snowfall at O'Hare on record. But here's the thing: we've got another weather system moving in this evening. Expect 1 to 3 inches of fresh snow between 4 p.m. and 11 p.m., so if you're heading out, get on the water early.

For sunrise and sunset, you're looking at a 5:57 a.m. sunrise and 5:45 p.m. sunset, giving us just under 12 hours of daylight today. That's a tight window, folks.

Now, the tidal situation on Lake Michigan is moderate with a tidal coefficient around 70, which means decent tidal movement. Maximum high tides here top out around 2.2 meters, so nothing extreme, but enough to move some fish.

As for what's biting—largemouth bass are grouping up in deeper water this time of year, typically 5 to 35 feet down. They're hanging around wood and sparse grass patches. A lipless crankbait like the SPRO Aruku Shad works great for ripping through vegetation, and clear iridescent shad colors are your go-to. If the bite's tough, drop down to a finesse rig or drop-shot setup.

For spotted bass, they're suspending around bait in the deeper structure. Small swimbaits on light jigs in the 1/8 to 3/16 ounce range should produce. And if you're targeting smallmouth, remember they're nomads in winter—keep moving if you're not getting bites quickly. Light fluorocarbon line is essential in cold water.

If you want to hit some productive water, check out Wilmette Harbor Club just north of Chicago on Lake Michigan. It's got good access and decent structure. Wind conditions are looking at about 6 knots from the northwest with water temps hovering around -5 to -3 Celsius—brisk out there.

Get all your gear before you leave the dock, and be safe in these winter conditions. Thanks for tuning in, and make sure to subscribe for daily updates on what's happening out on the water.

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Hey folks, it's Artificial Lure here with your Lake Michigan Chicago fishing report for Sunday, November 30th, 2025.

Well, we've got ourselves some pretty gnarly conditions out there today. A gale watch is in effect with south winds gusting to 30 knots this afternoon, building those waves to 8 to 11 feet occasionally reaching 14 feet. Tonight it's looking even meaner with south gales to 35 knots and waves pushing 10 to 14 feet occasionally 18 feet. Not exactly a day for the faint of heart, but if you've got the grit for it, there's still fish to be caught.

Sun's coming up at 6:32 AM and setting at 7:16 PM, giving you just over 12 hours of daylight to work with. Your major bite windows today are hitting hard from 2:27 to 4:27 AM and again from 2:57 to 4:57 PM. The minor windows are running 7:37 to 8:37 AM and 11:29 PM to 12:29 AM.

As for the bite, we're still in that solid fall run pattern. Chinook and coho salmon are pushing into the harbors—Montrose, Diversey, and Burnham are your best bets. Work spoons, crankbaits, and skein under floats along the pier heads and harbor mouths. Those north winds we've been getting are actually stacking the bait, so that's working in our favor when conditions allow.

Steelhead are showing on the structure with bright spoons and waxies on jigs, especially around the warmwater discharges. Lake trout are prowling the breakwalls—slow-roll swimbaits or bounce heavy blade baits in 15 to 30 feet of water. Inside the harbors and Chicago River, smallmouth and largemouth bass are feeding up on shad. Target current seams and marina corners with ned rigs, jerkbaits, and small swim jigs.

For hot spots, I'd suggest hitting the Diversey Harbor mouth early before this storm really intensifies, or post up at Montrose Pier if you're feeling brave. Just be smart out there—visibility is going to get dicey, and those conditions are going to be treacherous.

Thanks for tuning in, folks. Make sure you subscribe for more updates and stay safe out there!

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Hey folks, it's Artificial Lure here with your Lake Michigan Chicago fishing report for Saturday, November 29th, 2025.

Well, we've got ourselves a real winter day shaping up. A winter storm warning is in effect from 3 a.m. this morning through 6 a.m. tomorrow, so conditions are going to be challenging out there. Expect 6 to 12 inches of snow with the heaviest action hitting this afternoon—we're talking 1 to 2 inches per hour from noon through 6 p.m. Winds are gusting up to 30 mph with wind chills dropping into the teens and twenties. Sunrise was around 6:40 a.m., and sunset comes early at 4:18 p.m., so you've got a tight window today.

As for the bite, we're still in that solid fall run pattern. Chinook and coho salmon are pushing into the harbors—Montrose, Diversey, and Burnham are your best bets. Dawn and dusk are prime, though today that window's getting squeezed tight by the storm. Work spoons, crankbaits, and skein under floats along the pier heads and harbor mouths. Those north winds we've been getting actually stack the bait, so that's working in our favor when conditions allow.

Steelhead are showing on the structure with bright spoons and waxies on jigs, especially around the warmwater discharges. Lake trout are prowling the breakwalls—slow-roll swimbaits or bounce heavy blade baits in 15 to 30 feet of water. Inside the harbors and Chicago River, smallmouth and largemouth bass are feeding up on shad. Target current seams and marina corners with ned rigs, jerkbaits, and small swim jigs.

For hot spots, I'd suggest hitting the Diversey Harbor mouth early before this storm really intensifies, or post up at Montrose Pier if you've got the grit for the conditions. Just be smart—visibility is going to get dicey, and those roads will be treacherous.

Thanks for tuning in, folks. Make sure you subscribe for more updates and stay safe out there this weekend.

This has been a Quiet Please production. For more, check out quietplease.ai.

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# Lake Michigan Chicago Fishing Report - Friday, November 28th

Hey folks, this is Artificial Lure with your Lake Michigan Chicago fishing report for Friday, November 28th, 2025.

**Weather & Conditions**

Alright, let's talk about what we're dealing with today. A significant winter storm system is moving into the Great Lakes region right now. We're looking at choppy water conditions with northwest winds gusting up to 30 knots, potentially reaching 35 knots in some areas. The National Weather Service is forecasting we could see up to six inches of snow accumulation through Sunday. Temperatures are dropping fast, so bundle up if you're heading out.

**Tides & Solunar Activity**

For today's tidal report, we've got a First Quarter Moon working in our favor. Major bite times are running from 6:02 AM to 8:02 AM, with minor bite windows from 1:25 PM to 3:25 PM and again from 6:16 PM to 8:16 PM. Sunrise is around 7:00 AM, and sunset hits around 4:40 PM.

**Fish Activity & Recent Catches**

This time of year, we're in prime fall run territory. Chinook and coho salmon are pushing hard into our Chicago harbors—Montrose, Diversey, and Burnham are seeing solid action. Dawn and dusk are your money times for these species. Inside the harbors and Chicago River, smallmouth and largemouth bass are feeding up on shad right now, and the bite has been consistent for anglers working current seams and marina corners.

**Best Lures & Tactics**

For the salmon, you'll want to work spoons, crankbaits, and skein under floats around pier heads and harbor mouths. Bright spoons and waxies on jigs are producing for steelhead, especially on these overcast days. For bass, throw ned rigs, jerkbaits, and small swim jigs. Don't overlook the perch bite—minnows or shrimp near weed edges and pilings can produce on calm mornings.

**Hot Spots to Check**

Head out to **Montrose Harbor** for your best shot at salmon action, or try **Burnham Harbor** where the pier heads and harbor mouths are loaded with structure. If you're after bass, the **Chicago River marina corners** are absolutely firing right now.

Stay safe out there with these gnarly conditions, and thanks for tuning in! Make sure to subscribe for daily updates on fishing conditions around Lake Michigan.

This has been an Artificial Lure production. For more, check out quiet please dot ai.

Great deals on fishing gear https://amzn.to/44gt1Pn

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# Lake Michigan Chicago Fishing Report – Thursday, November 27th

Hey folks, Artificial Lure here with your Lake Michigan fishing update for today.

**Weather Alert:** We're dealing with some gnarly conditions out there. Gale warnings are in full effect with northwest winds hitting 30 to 45 knots, waves building to 8-12 feet occasionally reaching 16 feet. This is a day to fish from shore or stay in the protected harbors – Lake Michigan is absolutely hammering us today. Conditions should start settling down by Friday, but today's rough.

**Tides & Timing:** High tide hit at 3:53 AM at 2.62 feet, with low tide at 10:09 AM. We're looking at another high at 3:53 PM. Sun rises at 6:09 AM and sets at 4:32 PM, giving us a short window. Your best bite windows are early morning majors from 6:02 to 8:02 AM and the minor bite from 1:25 to 3:25 PM.

**Fish Activity:** Fall migration is in full swing. Chinook and Coho salmon are pushing into Chicago harbors – Montrose, Diversey, and Burnham – especially at dawn and dusk. Despite today's rough seas, expect Steelhead on overcast days like this. Inside the harbors and Chicago River, Smallmouth and Largemouth bass are feeding up on shad around current seams and marina corners. Lake trout are also prowling the breakwalls in 15-30 feet of water.

**Best Lures & Baits:** For salmon, throw spoons, crankbaits, and skein under floats along pier heads. Steelhead anglers should work bright spoons or waxies on jigs. Bass are hitting ned rigs, jerkbaits, and small swim jigs. Inside the harbors, perch respond to minnows or shrimp bits near weed edges. Match the hatch – that's the golden rule right now.

**Hot Spots:** Hit the **Southerly Breakwater** or **Chicago Harbor** if you can access them safely. **Diversey Harbor** has been producing steady salmon action despite the conditions.

Thanks for tuning in! Don't forget to subscribe for daily updates. This has been a Quiet Please production – for more, check out quietplease.ai.

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Artificial Lure here with your Wednesday, November 26th Lake Michigan Chicago fishing report. Sunrise rolled in around 6:50 AM, and we’re dropping daylight until sunset about 4:25 PM, just before the cold winds begin howling off the lake. Mother Nature is putting a real winter stamp on this week—National Weather Service has pegged west gales up to 45 knots and gusts possibly touching 50 knots through today. Waves are stacking from 7 to 14 feet, with a steady snow band rolling through the region, so be safe if you decide to brave the big lake. On the windward side of Chicago, expect 2°C at Wilmette, with gusts cresting 35 knots. It’s truly a hardy angler’s day.

Fish activity will fire in short windows. Solunar tables from Fishingreminder call for **major bite times** between 6:48 and 8:48 AM, and then again at 7 to 9 PM, with smaller feeding spikes midafternoon. If you’re dockside or shore casting—stay sharp during those windows.

Now, what’s actually biting after this cold snap? Locals have reported strong numbers on late-season **smallmouth bass** and some lively **steelhead** around the river mouths. A few **coho** and **lake trout** have snuck in just off the breakwalls, especially near Montrose and Burnham. Given the water churn and post-front conditions, numbers have dropped, but trophy specimens are still showing if you put in the time late or early.

Bait and tackle—stick with what’s working right now. Go-to’s for this weather:

- Drop-shot rigs sporting Berkley PowerBait MaxScent Flat Worms, especially in green pumpkin or brown back colors. The scent is helping draw strikes even in cold, turbulent water, according to Major League Fishing pros.

- Blade baits, like the classic Silver Buddy, run low and slow for smallmouth and trout near rock piles. Jonathon VanDam swears by blade baits in late fall for sheer quantity of bites.

- Medium size swimbaits on ball head jigs if you find a pocket of calmer water.

- Live bait is king right now: soak fathead minnows or nightcrawlers under slip bobbers if you’re trying for steelhead near the river inlets.

- For shallow harbor or marina cuts (Monroe, Diversey, DuSable), soft plastics in watermelon or goby shades are popping in these cold snaps. Ott DeFoe recommends frog baits in skinny residential cuts if any surface scum lingers.

Today’s tidal influence on Michigan is almost negligible, but a steady outflow from river mouths mixes things up along the lakefront, especially with the snowmelt starting.

Hot spots to target? Try Montrose Harbor’s north seawall for active bass early and steelhead after snow bands pass. Calumet River mouth is drawing trout with the colder flow. Burnham Harbor—if you can stay out of the wind—is holding mixed species at mid-depths right along the dock lines. Monroe Harbor continues to be a winter magnet for smallmouth aficionados, particularly when juice up your presentation with scent.

Don’t forget: with blizzard warnings and winter storm watches in effect across the Grea

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