Top 5 Urban Spots for Chicago Spring Fishing Trips

Among the hustle and bustle of the “Windy City,” you might be surprised to learn about the number of spring fishing spots there are to explore. Whether you want to enjoy a day of family fishing in one of the city’s parks or you’re interested in booking a charter boat to catch salmon on Lake Michigan, there’s a Chicago spring fishing trip for you. Find out about five of the top spots in the city where you can experience urban fishing at its finest.

1. Spring Fishing Near Montrose Harbor

Located on the city’s North Side, Montrose Harbor is considered one of the best spring fishing spots in Chicago because it provides both easy boat and shoreline access to Lake Michigan. You will have opportunities to catch salmon, steelhead, trout, perch, and smallmouth bass. The harbor is known for good perch fishing, especially early in the spring season. In addition to fishing in and around Montrose Harbor, you can walk to fishing spots at the Montrose Rocks, and along the shorelines of Wrigleyville or Montrose Beach.

If you are a land-based angler, you may want to consider buying a $10 pier pass to fish from designated docks in the harbor through March 31st, before boating season begins. The Park Bait Shop at Montrose Harbor (600 W Montrose Ave) makes it very convenient to purchase pier passes, fishing licenses, and to stock up on tackle or buy bait before your spring Lake Michigan fishing trips.

2. Urban Fishing Chicago at Monroe Harbor

Monroe Harbor at100 North Lakeshore Drive, across from the famous Buckingham Fountain, is known for having some of the best urban fishing in the heart of Chicago. In fact, this spot made national news in 2019 when angler Joe Capilupo caught a 7-pound, 5 ounce state record smallmouth while walking along the shoreline at 10:50 PM – just minutes before the park closed for the evening. While Capilupo’s catch happened during the month of October, Montrose Harbor is a top city spot for spring smallmouth bass fishing. During the spring, bass tend to come up into shallower water to feed on the flats connected to the shoreline of the lake.

3. Family Fishing Chicago in Lincoln Park

The South Lagoon in Lincoln Park is a top spring spot for family-friendly fishing in Chicago because it’s regularly stocked with catfish, largemouth bass, bluegill, and carp. Although, when planning a trip to fish the South Lagoon, it is important to note that fishing is only permitted south of Diversey Harbor (check the Chicago Park District’s website for updated information on fishing areas). Spring is a good time to fish from the bank of the lagoon in Lincoln Park since the fish start to feed more actively with rising water temperatures. Nearby Lincoln Park Zoo, a playground, hiking trails, and picnic areas make it ideal for a full day of outdoor family fun.

4. Burnham Harbor Spring Nearshore Fishing Chicago

Burnham Harbor, near Soldier Field and McCormick Place, is a popular location for nearshore coho salmon fishing trips during the spring. As the waters of Lake Michigan start to warm up following winter, coho move into the nearshore waters and can mean a fantastic day of action. You can book one of the many Lake Michigan fishing charter boats to take you out or trailer your own fishing boat. It’s important to note that Burnham is the largest harbor in the Chicago Harbors system with slips that can accommodate boats up to 100 feet in length and a 3-lane launch ramp with parking for 43 vehicles with trailers, so it does get busy when spring arrives – give yourself plenty of time to plan and call the harbor in advance at 312-448-7124 to confirm marina hours, availability, rates, and seasonal dates.

5. Fishing Near the Chicago Riverwalk

If you want to fish while staying close to the downtown area, the Riverwalk has become one of Chicago’s top spots. Spring fishing at the Chicago Riverwalk means opportunities to catch smallmouth bass, channel catfish, and carp -- particularly near the south side of river between Franklin and Wells. The accessible fishing areas and proximity to restaurants make the Riverwalk a good choice for a quick fishing outing while taking in some of the other attractions in downtown Chicago. You may want to combine a Chicago Riverwalk fishing trip with an architectural-based river boat tour.

Now that you have a list of top Chicago spring fishing spots, plan to make some new memories right in the heart of the Windy City. Before you venture out on any urban fishing trip, make sure you have a valid Illinois fishing license (unless it’s an Illinois Free Fishing Day), the right freshwater fishing gear, and dress in layers to stay comfortable during this transitional season.