Ottawa, IL Fishing Trip — May

Your Ottawa, IL Fishing Trip

May2 peopleFamily Trip
High 71°F / Low 50°F2.8" rain · 9 rainy daysGreat weather for fishing — light layers and sunscreen recommended.

What’s Biting in May

5 species
CrappieExcellent
Crappie
Jigging · Live Bait Fishing
Brown TroutExcellent
Brown Trout
Various
Rainbow TroutExcellent
Rainbow Trout
Various
Largemouth BassExcellent
Largemouth Bass
Spinning · Baitcasting
Smallmouth BassExcellent
Smallmouth Bass
Casting · Fly Fishing

May Weather in Ottawa

71°F
Avg High
50°F
Avg Low
2.8"
Rainfall
9
Rainy Days

Great weather for fishing — light layers and sunscreen recommended.

3 Guides Near Ottawa

No guides are based in Ottawa, but these guides operate nearby.

$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.

Also Consider Fishing In...

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.

Brown Trout
Season:Year-round
Bag Limit:5 per day
Size Limit:No more than 3 fish may exceed 17 inches

Some areas may have specific regulations; consult the Illinois Department of Natural Resources fishing guide for details.

Rainbow Trout
Season:Year-round
Bag Limit:5 per day
Size Limit:No size limit

Possession of Rainbow Trout requires an Inland Trout Stamp, unless exempt. Regulations may vary by location. Check the Illinois Department of Natural Resources fishing guide for site-specific 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.

Start Over