Chicago, IL Fishing Trip — December

Your Chicago, IL Fishing Trip

December2 peopleFamily Trip
High 33°F / Low 21°F3.2" rain · 11 rainy daysCold weather — dress in warm layers and bring waterproof gear.

What’s Biting in December

14 species
CrappieFair
Crappie
Jigging · Live Bait Fishing
Northern PikeFair
Northern Pike
Various
PerchFair
Perch
Jigging · Live Bait
Largemouth BassFair
Largemouth Bass
Spinning · Baitcasting
CatfishFair
Catfish
Bottom Fishing · Jug Fishing
Common CarpFair
Common Carp
Various
Smallmouth BassLow
Smallmouth Bass
Casting · Fly Fishing
WalleyeLow
Walleye
Various
MuskieLow
Muskie
Casting · Trolling
Bighead CarpLow
Bighead Carp
Various
Black CarpLow
Black Carp
Various
Grass CarpLow
Grass Carp
Various
Buffalo FishLow
Buffalo Fish
Various
Silver CarpLow
Silver Carp
Various

December Weather in Chicago

33°F
Avg High
21°F
Avg Low
3.2"
Rainfall
11
Rainy Days

Cold weather — dress in warm layers and bring waterproof gear.

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.

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

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

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