Hey folks, Artificial Lure here with your Lake Michigan Chicago fishing report for Monday, December 22nd at 8:22 AM. Winter's locked in tight—National Weather Service says southwest winds hitting 30 knots over southern Lake Michigan today, shifting west tonight with gusts possible and waves 6-9 feet building to 8-11 feet. ABC7 Chicago calls for cloudy skies, highs around 39, lows near 37—stay bundled, no tidal action on this big lake but water levels steady high from recent rains. Sunrise was 7:18 AM, sunset 4:24 PM, short days mean fish hugging structure.

Fish activity's slow but steady in the cold—perch and whitefish leading recent catches from Chicago harbors, with some walleye jigged deep off piers. Local reports from Lake Michigan Chicago Fishing Report podcasts note smaller panfish hauls last week, 10-20 perch limits for patient anglers, a few 4-6 pound walleye on vertical jigs. Coho and steelhead quieter till spring thaw.

Best lures now: tiny 1/32-ounce glow jigs tipped with minnows or maggots—MidWest Outdoors swears by 'em for panfish through ice edges. Live bait rules: small minnows or worms on teardrops for perch, alewives if you snag 'em for whites. Rigs heavy for wind—3-4 foot leaders, 8-pound test.

Hot spots: Navy Pier breakwall for perch if you brave the gale, and Montrose Harbor for sheltered jigging—watch for freezing spray overnight per NWS.

Bundle up, fish safe, check ice if venturing out. Thanks for tuning in—subscribe for daily updates! This has been a Quiet Please production, for more check out quietplease.ai.

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This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI