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Waukegan, IL Fishing Trip — May

Your Waukegan, IL Fishing Trip

May2 peopleFamily Trip
High 61°F / Low 46°F3" rain · 10 rainy daysMild weather — bring layers for cool mornings on the water.

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
PerchExcellent
Perch
Jigging · Live Bait
WalleyeExcellent
Walleye
Various
Coho SalmonGood
Coho Salmon
Various
Lake TroutGood
Lake Trout
Various

May Weather in Waukegan

61°F
Avg High
46°F
Avg Low
3"
Rainfall
10
Rainy Days

Mild weather — bring layers for cool mornings on the water.

8 Guides Matched

Spendthrift Chicago Fishing Charters - Spendthrift Chicago Fishing Charters
Spendthrift Chicago Fishing Charters

Spendthrift Chicago Fishing Charters

4.9(144)Top Rated

We are Chicago's Lake Michigan area’s premier fishing charters. We have been serving the Chicago and Waukegan areas for over 40 years.

Waukegan, Illinois
Jawzon fishing charters - Jawzon fishing charters
Jawzon fishing charters

Jawzon fishing charters

5(79)Top Rated
Waukegan, Illinois
Long Gone 3 Charters - Long Gone 3 Charters
Long Gone 3 Charters

Long Gone 3 Charters

4.6(22)Top Rated
Waukegan, Illinois
Kingfin Charters - Kingfin Charters
Kingfin Charters

Kingfin Charters

5(12)Top Rated

Lake Michigan Fishing Charters, Fishing Charters, Waukegan Fishing Charters, Lake Michigan

freshwater
Waukegan, Illinois
Merganzer Fishing Charters - Merganzer Fishing Charters
Merganzer Fishing Charters

Merganzer Fishing Charters

5(12)Top Rated

Salmon fishing Lake Michigan, we are a charter boat service based out of Waukegan Illinois. We have a world class fishery, less than a hour from Chicago.

Salmon
Waukegan, Illinois
Prime Time Fishing - Prime Time Fishing
Prime Time Fishing

Prime Time Fishing

5(9)Top Rated

Waukegan Illinois salmon and trout fishing charter

freshwaterSpeckled TroutSalmon
Waukegan, Illinois
Double K Charters - Double K Charters
Double K Charters

Double K Charters

5(4)Top Rated
inshore
Waukegan, Illinois
Schools Out Sport Fishing - Schools Out Sport Fishing
Schools Out Sport Fishing

Schools Out Sport Fishing

Waukegan, Illinois

Salmon and Trout fishing in the Chicagoland and Milwaukee region on Lake Michigan. Book today aboard School's Out Sport Fishing.

freshwaterSpeckled TroutSalmon
Waukegan, Illinois

Prepare for Your Trip

Gear recommendations and packing list for your trip. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

What to Bring

Check with your guide about gear. Here's a recommended packing list:

Sunscreen (SPF 50+)
Polarized sunglasses
Hat or visor
Weather-appropriate clothing
Non-marking shoes or deck shoes
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)
Bug spray
Rain gear
Light rain jacket
$910
Estimated total for 2 people
$455
per person
Charter $500
Tip $100
Licenses $60
Food $100
Lodging $150
Find Hotels
Waukegan from ~$150/night
Rent a Car
Pickup in Waukegan

Estimates based on local charter rates and averages. Contact guides for exact pricing.

Things to Do in Waukegan

Activities for your non-fishing days

Boat Tours & Cruises
Explore →
Snorkeling & Diving
Explore →
Kayaking & Paddleboarding
Explore →
Wildlife & Nature Tours
Explore →

What's Biting By Month

Peak
1 / 2

Coho Salmon

Various
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D

Steelhead

Various
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D

Smallmouth Bass

freshwater
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D

Northern Pike

Various
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D

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.

Also Consider Fishing In...

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