FISHING IN THE DARK YEAR LICENSE
FISHING IN THE DARK YEAR FREE

In addition to harbors and lagoons, many enjoy fishing along the Chicago River and from the many seawalls, piers and revetments along the lakefront.

to be out of the harbor parking lots by 1 a.m. and you must leave from Chicago’s harbors by 1 a.m. You can set up your equipment at any time, but your net may not enter the water before 7 p.m. Smelt fishing is a longtime favorite family pastime that has attracted thousands to Chicago’s lakefront over the years. Softshell crayfish, spikes, minnows, spinners and jigs are all great baits to use for perch. The best places to fish are found along breakwalls and piers that drop off into deep (8 -15 feet) water. Perch Fishing: Open all year except from May 1 - June 15

Chicago River: Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass, Bluegill, Rock Bass, Crappie, Catfish and Carp.

Lagoons: Bluegill and Channel Catfish (mainly in September and October).

Lakefront and Harbors: Chinook and Coho Salmon, Rainbow and Brown Trout, Steelhead, Perch and Freshwater Drum.

Chicago River (55 degree water): Largemouth, Smallmouth and Rock Bass, Panfish, Crappie, Crappie, Catfish, Carp, Perch, White Perch and Drum.

Lagoons: Bluegill, Channel Catfish and Largemouth Bass (The Illinois Department of Natural Resources stocks the lagoons with Bluegill and Catfish in June, July and August).

Lakefront and Harbors: Perch (except for closed season May 1 – June 15), Panfish, Carp and Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass, Freshwater Drum (aka Sheephead, Silver bass).

Chicago River: Largemouth Bass, Panfish, Catfish and Carp.

Lagoons: Bass, Bluegill, Crappie and Carp.

Lakefront and Harbors: Persch, Salmon, Trout and Smelt.

Lakefront and Harbors: Perch, Panfish, Salmon and Trout.

*April (smelt season) hours are 6am – 1am Please call first as shop hours may vary by season. Most of these shops support the Chicago Park District fishing programs and carry information about the programs, events, and contests. Listed below are the bait and tackle shops located in Chicago.

Report new sightings – note exact location freeze specimen in a sealed plastic bag.įor more information or to report an invasive species, call the Illinois Sea-Grant Program in Zion, Illinois (847) 872-8677, the Illinois DNR in Topeka, Illinois (309) 968-7531, or the Indiana DNR, Division of Fish & Wildlife in Indianapolis, Indiana (317) 232-4093.

Inspect and remove aquatic plants and animals from boat, motor and trailer.

Drain lake or river water from livewell and bilge before leaving access.

Dispose of unwanted live bait in the trash.

Help protect this program.Ĭhicago anglers can help stop the introduction and spread of non-native aquatic invasive species. For more information email or call (312) 859-2395.įishermen: Please use only the piers listed on the passes. Linn White Drive, and Park Bait Shop, 600 W.

Passes are available at Northerly Island Visitors Center, 1521 S. The passes cost $10 and are good from November 15 of the current year through March 31 of the following year. Passes are available for anglers to access a variety of docks in Montrose, Belmont, Diversey, DuSable, Burnham and Jackson Park Inner Harbors when the boating season is over and the harbors are closed. For more information email or call (312) 859-2395. Each pass costs $20 and is valid for 60 days from the date of purchase, except during Chicago Bears games, special events, and concerts. A Fishing Parking Pass is required to park in these lots. Special parking is available for fishermen at specific lots at Burnham and DuSable Harbors. Parking and Dock Access Passes Fishing Parking Pass Program showing at least a 10% service related disability) or blind.

Must show a Class 2 or 2A disability or Disabled Veterans, holding a Veteran's I.D.

FISHING IN THE DARK YEAR FREE

RESIDENT sport fishing, disabled or blind: FREE.RESIDENT & NON-RESIDENT, under 16 years of age FREE.RESIDENT super senior sport fishing, 75 years and older $1.50.RESIDENT senior sport fishing, ages 65-74 $ 7.75.RESIDENT sport fishing, ages 16-64 $15.00.Fishing licenses may also be purchased online at. These annual licenses are available for purchase at some local bait shops (see list below).

FISHING IN THE DARK YEAR LICENSE

An Illinois fishing license is required for fishing all waters in Illinois.

Fishing in the dark year