Chicago, IL Fishing Trip — April

Your Chicago, IL Fishing Trip

April2 peopleFamily Trip
High 57°F / Low 42°F2.5" rain · 9 rainy daysMild weather — bring layers for cool mornings on the water.

What’s Biting in April

14 species
CrappieExcellent
Crappie
Jigging · Live Bait Fishing
Northern PikeExcellent
Northern Pike
Various
PerchExcellent
Perch
Jigging · Live Bait
WalleyeExcellent
Walleye
Various
Largemouth BassExcellent
Largemouth Bass
Spinning · Baitcasting
Common CarpExcellent
Common Carp
Various
Smallmouth BassGood
Smallmouth Bass
Casting · Fly Fishing
MuskieGood
Muskie
Casting · Trolling
CatfishGood
Catfish
Bottom Fishing · Jug Fishing
Bighead CarpGood
Bighead Carp
Various
Black CarpGood
Black Carp
Various
Grass CarpGood
Grass Carp
Various
Buffalo FishGood
Buffalo Fish
Various
Silver CarpGood
Silver Carp
Various

April Weather in Chicago

57°F
Avg High
42°F
Avg Low
2.5"
Rainfall
9
Rainy Days

Mild weather — bring layers for cool mornings on the water.

16 Guides Matched

View all guides
View all 16 guides
$910
Estimated total for 2 people
$455
per person
Charter $500
Tip $100
Licenses $60
Food $100
Lodging $150

Estimates based on local charter rates and averages. Contact guides for exact pricing.

What to Bring

Check with your guide about what gear is provided. Here's a recommended packing list:

Essentials

  • Sunscreen (SPF 50+)
  • Polarized sunglasses
  • Hat or visor
  • Weather-appropriate clothing
  • Non-marking shoes or deck shoes

Food & Personal

  • Water and drinks (stay hydrated)
  • Snacks or lunch
  • Cooler for your catch
  • Motion sickness medication (if needed)
  • Camera or phone (waterproof case recommended)
  • Valid fishing license (confirm with captain)

For freshwater Fishing

  • Bug spray
  • Rain gear

Illinois Fishing License

License Cost
Resident$15
Non-Resident$31.50
Requirements

Required for ages 16+. Inland trout and salmon stamp additional.

Buy License Online — Illinois

Species Regulations

Crappie
Season:Year-round
Bag Limit:25 per day
Size Limit:No size limit

Crappie regulations may vary by location. Check the Illinois Department of Natural Resources fishing guide for site-specific regulations.

Northern Pike
Season:Year-round
Bag Limit:3 per day
Size Limit:24-inch minimum
Perch
Season:Year-round
Bag Limit:15 per day
Size Limit:No size limit

Lake Michigan regulations may differ; check specific location regulations.

Walleye
Season:Year-round
Bag Limit:6 per day
Size Limit:14-inch minimum

Walleye regulations may vary by location. Check the Illinois Department of Natural Resources fishing guide for site-specific regulations.

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