Chicago, IL Fishing Trip — July

Your Chicago, IL Fishing Trip

July2 peopleFamily Trip
High 83°F / Low 70°F4" rain · 15 rainy daysWarm with frequent rain — pack a rain jacket and quick-dry clothes.

What’s Biting in July

14 species
CatfishExcellent
Catfish
Bottom Fishing · Jug Fishing
Smallmouth BassGood
Smallmouth Bass
Casting · Fly Fishing
Northern PikeGood
Northern Pike
Various
PerchGood
Perch
Jigging · Live Bait
WalleyeGood
Walleye
Various
MuskieGood
Muskie
Casting · Trolling
Largemouth BassGood
Largemouth Bass
Spinning · Baitcasting
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

July Weather in Chicago

83°F
Avg High
70°F
Avg Low
4"
Rainfall
15
Rainy Days

Warm with frequent rain — pack a rain jacket and quick-dry clothes.

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

Catfish
Season:Year-round
Bag Limit:6 per day (channel, blue, and flathead catfish, in aggregate)
Size Limit:No size limit

Some lakes and rivers may have site-specific regulations; consult the Illinois Fishing Information guide.

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.

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