This is Artificial Lure with your Lake Michigan Chicago fishing report.

We’ve got classic winter-city vibes on the lakefront: cold, windy, and rough. The National Weather Service marine forecast out of Chicago has west winds running 20 to 30 knots at times with waves still in the 4- to 7-foot range offshore, calming closer to 1 to 3 feet tight to shore as the day wears on. According to the Chicago sailing charter reports, nearshore conditions in Monroe and Burnham can be fishable from shore and the harbors, but it’s no day for small boats.

Sunrise came in right around 7:15 this morning, with sunset just after 4:20 this afternoon, so your prime shore windows are that first hour after sun-up and the last hour of light when the fish slide a little shallower.

Lake Michigan isn’t truly tidal, but there is some seiche and wind-driven water movement today. With this west wind, water’s getting pushed off the Chicago side a bit, so you’ll see slightly lower water along the concrete and better current in the slips and harbor mouths. That extra push helps stack bait and perch in the corners and around any remaining weed clumps or rock transitions.

Recent reports from Chicago shore anglers and local bait shops have been steady on **yellow perch** with a mix of smaller **lake trout** and the odd **brown trout** inside the harbors. Most perch are running 8 to 11 inches with a few 12-inchers in the mix. Lake trout have been mostly eaters in the 3- to 6-pound class for the guys casting heavier gear off the piers when the wind lets them.

Perch bite has been best on:
- Live or dead **fathead minnows** and **rosy reds** on simple crappie rigs or drop-shot setups.
- Soft plastics like tiny **Gulp! Minnows** and **ice jigs** tipped with waxies.

Trout and salmon hunters are doing better with:
- Casting **3/4- to 1-ounce spoons** in silver, gold, or glow.
- **Jigging raps** and heavy blade baits worked just off bottom on the outer walls and near discharge areas when you can safely reach them.

With the water cold and churned, fish are glued tight to structure. Think slow, deliberate presentations: let that minnow sit just off bottom, pop it once in a while, and give them time to eat.

Best lure and bait choices right now:
- For perch: small tungsten ice jigs, teardrop jigs, and size 8–10 hooks with **fatheads**, **spikes**, or small pieces of worm. Chartreuse, glow white, and firetiger do work in our stained winter water.
- For trout: heavy **Krocodile-style spoons**, Little Cleos, and white or pearl **swimbaits** on 3/8- to 1/2-ounce heads. Add a bit of flash or glow tape for the low-light bite.

A couple local hot spots to key on:
- **Navy Pier and Monroe/Burnham Harbor walls**: Perch along the inside edges, especially around any pilings, boats left in, or corners that trap bait.
- **Montrose Harbor and the Montrose horseshoe**: Classic Chicago winter perch zone; watch for packs of locals with short rods and buckets. When they slide inside, follow them.
- **Calumet and the south-end slips** if you’re willing to drive a bit: dirtier, warmer water and often a stronger perch bite when downtown slows.

Dress for it: layers, windproof outer shell, and hand protection—you’ll be fishing slow and your hands will be in the water all morning. Ice can form on the rocks and ladders, so move carefully and don’t push it on days the wind really howls.

That’s your Lake Michigan Chicago fishing rundown from Artificial Lure. Thanks for tuning in, and don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss a report.

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