Chicago, IL Fishing Trip — August

Your Chicago, IL Fishing Trip

August2 peopleFamily Trip
High 79°F / Low 67°F1.7" rain · 6 rainy daysGreat weather for fishing — light layers and sunscreen recommended.

What’s Biting in August

14 species
Smallmouth BassGood
Smallmouth Bass
Casting · Fly Fishing
Northern PikeGood
Northern Pike
Various
PerchGood
Perch
Jigging · Live Bait
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
Common CarpGood
Common Carp
Various
Buffalo FishGood
Buffalo Fish
Various
Silver CarpGood
Silver Carp
Various
CrappieFair
Crappie
Jigging · Live Bait Fishing
WalleyeFair
Walleye
Various
Largemouth BassFair
Largemouth Bass
Spinning · Baitcasting

August Weather in Chicago

79°F
Avg High
67°F
Avg Low
1.7"
Rainfall
6
Rainy Days

Great weather for fishing — light layers and sunscreen recommended.

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

Smallmouth Bass
Season:Year-round
Bag Limit:6 per day
Size Limit:12-inch minimum

In the Illinois River and its tributaries, there is no length limit.

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.

Muskie
Season:Year-round
Bag Limit:1 per day
Size Limit:48-inch minimum

Some waters may have more restrictive regulations; check local regulations before fishing.

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