Rock Island, IL Fishing Trip — May

Your Rock Island, IL Fishing Trip

May2 peopleFamily Trip
High 71°F / Low 51°F3.7" rain · 7 rainy daysGreat weather for fishing — light layers and sunscreen recommended.

What’s Biting in May

8 species
SteelheadExcellent
Steelhead
Various
Smallmouth BassExcellent
Smallmouth Bass
Casting · Fly Fishing
Northern PikeExcellent
Northern Pike
Various
Chinook SalmonExcellent
Chinook Salmon
Trolling · Fly Fishing
WalleyeExcellent
Walleye
Various
PerchExcellent
Perch
Jigging · Live Bait
Coho SalmonGood
Coho Salmon
Various
Lake TroutGood
Lake Trout
Various

May Weather in Rock Island

71°F
Avg High
51°F
Avg Low
3.7"
Rainfall
7
Rainy Days

Great weather for fishing — light layers and sunscreen recommended.

3 Guides Near Rock Island

No guides are based in Rock Island, 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.

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

Steelhead
Season:Year-round
Bag Limit:3 per day
Size Limit:15-inch minimum

Possession limit is 6 fish. Check site-specific regulations as some areas may have different rules.

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
Chinook Salmon
Season:Year-round
Bag Limit:5 per day in aggregate with other salmon and trout
Size Limit:No size limit

The daily limit is 5 fish, but no more than 3 may be of the same species (Chinook, Coho, Rainbow, Brown, Pink, or Brook Trout). This regulation applies to Lake Michigan and its tributaries.

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