Chicago, IL Fishing Trip — May

Your Chicago, IL Fishing Trip

May2 peopleFamily Trip
High 63°F / Low 49°F2.8" rain · 8 rainy daysMild weather — bring layers for cool mornings on the water.

What’s Biting in May

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

May Weather in Chicago

63°F
Avg High
49°F
Avg Low
2.8"
Rainfall
8
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

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.

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.

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