Fishing Charters in Illinois

Browse fishing charters in Illinois that can help you catch chinook salmon.

Eyeronick Sport Fishing - Eyeronick Sport Fishing
Eyeronick Sport Fishing

Eyeronick Sport Fishing

Winthrop Harbor, Illinois

inshore
Winthrop Harbor, Illinois
Xtreme Fun Charters - Xtreme Fun Charters
Xtreme Fun Charters

Xtreme Fun Charters

Chicago, Illinois

Unforgettable boat rentals in Chicago. Explore stunning shores, cruise the skyline, and create lasting memories. Book your boat rental adventure today!

inshore
Chicago, Illinois
Schools Out Sport Fishing - Schools Out Sport Fishing
Schools Out Sport Fishing

Schools Out Sport Fishing

Waukegan, Illinois

Salmon and Trout fishing in the Chicagoland and Milwaukee region on Lake Michigan. Book today aboard School's Out Sport Fishing.

freshwaterSpeckled TroutSalmon
Waukegan, Illinois
Dem Jigs - Dem Jigs
Dem Jigs

Dem Jigs

Streamwood, Illinois

Our hook collection features Mustad and Gamakatsu hooks trusted by anglers at every level—from weekend fishermen to tournament competitors. Built for strength, sharpness, and reliability, these hooks are designed to perform across nearly every fishing application. Whether you’re rigging soft plastics, flipping heavy co

inshore
Streamwood, Illinois
Addiction Charters - Addiction Charters
Addiction Charters

Addiction Charters

Lindenhurst, Illinois

Chicago Lake Michigan Illinois charter fishing with Addiction Charters is the best King Salmon fishing around Chicago on Lake Michigan

freshwaterSalmon
Lindenhurst, Illinois
Ness Charters - Ness Charters
Ness Charters

Ness Charters

Winthrop Harbor, Illinois

inshore
Winthrop Harbor, Illinois
River Valley Charter Service - River Valley Charter Service
River Valley Charter Service

River Valley Charter Service

Chillicothe, Illinois

River Valley Charter Service LLC, provides guided fishing charters on the Illinois River in Central Illinois for walleye, sauger, crappie, and white bass. We also offer river tours, for eagle watching and other wildlife viewing.

freshwaterSaugerWhite Bass
Chillicothe, Illinois
Prime Time Fishing - Prime Time Fishing
Prime Time Fishing

Prime Time Fishing

5(9)Top Rated

Waukegan Illinois salmon and trout fishing charter

freshwaterSpeckled TroutSalmon
Waukegan, Illinois
Last Cast Ii - Last Cast Ii
Last Cast Ii

Last Cast Ii

5(2)Top Rated

Lake Michigan Fishing, North Point Marina, Last Cast Charters, IIllinois Fishing, Trout, Salmon, Stealhead, Lake Trout, Coho, King Salmon, Brown Trout, Chicago Fishing, IL Fishing.

freshwaterSpeckled TroutBrown Trout
Winthrop Harbor, Illinois
Double K Charters - Double K Charters
Double K Charters

Double K Charters

5(4)Top Rated
inshore
Waukegan, Illinois
Kingfin Charters - Kingfin Charters
Kingfin Charters

Kingfin Charters

5(12)Top Rated

Lake Michigan Fishing Charters, Fishing Charters, Waukegan Fishing Charters, Lake Michigan

freshwater
Waukegan, Illinois
Shawnee Expeditions - Shawnee Expeditions
Shawnee Expeditions

Shawnee Expeditions

5(4)Top Rated

Lake Kinkaid muskie musky walleye crappie bass fishing guide scott Donovan. Shawnee national forest fishing trip for walleye.

freshwaterLargemouth BassWalleye
Carbondale, Illinois

Best Time to Catch Chinook Salmon

Chinook Salmon can be caught year-round in Evanston. Right now in February, activity is low.

Book a Chinook Salmon Charter

Seasonal Activity Chart

Chinook Salmon

Chinook Salmon

both

Lake Michigan off Evanston, Illinois, offers a surprising Chinook Salmon fishery. The key is understanding the seasonal baitfish patterns. As alewives move closer to shore, especially in the fall, Chinooks follow. Trolling is the dominant technique, using downriggers to target different depths. Spoons and flasher/fly combinations are popular choices. Focus on areas near the water filtration plant or any structure that might hold baitfish. Early morning and late evening are often the most productive times. A local tip: check the Illinois Department of Natural Resources fishing reports for up-to-date information on salmon migration and stocking efforts. Be prepared for changing lake conditions – wind and waves can pick up quickly. The Dawes Park boat launch provides good access.

How to Catch Chinook Salmon

Chinook Salmon Fishing Regulations in Illinois

Open Season

Year-round

Daily Bag Limit

5 per day in aggregate with other salmon and trout

Size Limit

No size limit

License Required

Fishing License

The daily limit is 5 fish, but no more than 3 may be of the same species (Chinook, Coho, Rainbow, Brown, Pink, or Brook Trout). This regulation applies to Lake Michigan and its tributaries.

⚠️ Always verify current regulations with the Illinois state wildlife agency before fishing.

Related Species in Illinois

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the best time to fish for Chinook Salmon in Evanston?

Chinook Salmon fishing is often best during the fall months when they migrate closer to shore to spawn. Spring can also be productive.

What is the Chinook Salmon bag limit in Illinois?

In Illinois, the bag limit for Chinook Salmon is 5 per day in aggregate with other salmon and trout species.

Is there a minimum size for Chinook Salmon in Illinois?

No, there is no minimum size limit for Chinook Salmon in Illinois.

Do I need a license to fish for Chinook Salmon in Evanston?

Yes, you need a valid Illinois fishing license to legally fish for Chinook Salmon in Evanston.

More Chinook Salmon Fishing in Illinois

Other Species to Fish in Evanston

Ready to Catch Chinook Salmon in Evanston?

Book a trip with an expert guide who knows the best local spots and techniques.