Chicago, IL Fishing Trip — January

Your Chicago, IL Fishing Trip

January2 peopleFamily Trip
High 29°F / Low 16°F2.4" rain · 6 rainy daysCold weather — dress in warm layers and bring waterproof gear.

What’s Biting in January

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
Buffalo FishFair
Buffalo Fish
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
Silver CarpLow
Silver Carp
Various

January Weather in Chicago

29°F
Avg High
16°F
Avg Low
2.4"
Rainfall
6
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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