Perch Fishing in Illinois

Featured Perch Guides

Expert captains ready to take you on your next adventure in Illinois.

SchellFish Charters

Fishing Lake Michigan - Captain Robert Schell Charter & Guide Fishing Trips on Lake Michigan for Perch, King Salmon, Coho Salmon, Brown Trout, Steelhead Trout and Lake Trout in Illinois & Indiana from Chicago, Illinois to East Chicago, Indiana.

Brown TroutLake TroutPerch

Crete, Illinois

Seasonal Activity Chart

Current Status: poor

Low activity season. Perch are less active and catches may be limited. Consider targeting other species.

BEST

GOOD

FAIR

POOR

Perch

freshwater

Perch fishing in IL: focus on seasonal forage and water conditions near Blue Island. Use natural presentations and adjust depth with temperature and current.

How to Catch Perch

Typical Size

Length: 6-10"

Weight: 0.25-0.75 lb

Habitat

•Local structure and edges
•Current seams
•Bait concentrations
•Depth changes

Where & When to Fish

Target Locations

•Current seams
•Points/edges
•Structure holding bait

Best Times

•Dawn/dusk and nights
•Moving tides or peak current

Bias patterns to Blue Island area: use local structure (passes/bridges for coastal; channels/points for inland) and match depth to temperature.

Perch Fishing Regulations in Illinois

Open Season

Year-round

Daily Bag Limit

15 per day

Size Limit

No size limit

License Required

Fishing License

Lake Michigan regulations may differ; check specific location regulations.

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

Popular Cities for Perch Fishing in Illinois

Evanston Chicago Peoria Quincy Springfield Camp Point Cedar Point Port Byron

Other Popular Species in Illinois

Largemouth Bass Walleye Brown Trout Crappie Northern Pike Smallmouth Bass Rainbow Trout Grass Carp