Fishing Charters in Illinois
Browse fishing charters in Illinois that can help you catch chinook salmon.
Eyeronick Sport Fishing
Winthrop Harbor, Illinois
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!
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.
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
Addiction Charters
Lindenhurst, Illinois
Chicago Lake Michigan Illinois charter fishing with Addiction Charters is the best King Salmon fishing around Chicago on Lake Michigan
Ness Charters
Winthrop Harbor, Illinois
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.
Prime Time Fishing
Waukegan Illinois salmon and trout fishing charter
Last Cast Ii
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.
Double K Charters
Kingfin Charters
Lake Michigan Fishing Charters, Fishing Charters, Waukegan Fishing Charters, Lake Michigan
Shawnee Expeditions
Lake Kinkaid muskie musky walleye crappie bass fishing guide scott Donovan. Shawnee national forest fishing trip for walleye.
Best Time to Catch Chinook Salmon
Chinook Salmon can be caught year-round in Waukegan. Right now in February, activity is low.
Seasonal Activity Chart
Chinook Salmon
Lake Michigan near Waukegan offers a surprisingly good Chinook Salmon fishery. The key to success is understanding the seasonal movements of these fish. Spring and early summer often find them closer to shore as they follow baitfish schools. Trolling spoons and flasher/fly combinations is a popular tactic. As the water warms, Chinook tend to move deeper, requiring the use of downriggers or lead core line to reach them. A local tip is to pay attention to the water temperature at different depths, as Chinook often prefer cooler water. Also, the area around the Waukegan power plant can be a hotspot, as the warm water discharge attracts baitfish. Fall brings the spawning run, with Chinook congregating near the mouths of rivers and harbors. Always check the Illinois Department of Natural Resources website for the latest fishing regulations and advisories.
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 daily bag limit for Chinook salmon in Waukegan, Illinois?
The daily bag limit for Chinook salmon is 5 per day, but this is an aggregate limit with other salmon and trout species.
Is there a size restriction for Chinook salmon caught in Waukegan?
No, there is currently no minimum size limit for Chinook salmon in Illinois waters.
Do I need a fishing license to catch Chinook salmon in Waukegan?
Yes, a valid Illinois fishing license is required to fish for Chinook salmon in Waukegan.
When is the best time to target Chinook salmon near Waukegan?
Chinook salmon fishing is generally good year-round, but the fall months are particularly productive as the salmon stage near the harbor before spawning.
More Chinook Salmon Fishing in Illinois
Other Species to Fish in Waukegan
Ready to Catch Chinook Salmon in Waukegan?
Book a trip with an expert guide who knows the best local spots and techniques.