Fishing in the Northern Illinois & Chicago Region
Explore fishing in the Northern Illinois & Chicago Region of Illinois. Lake Michigan Inlet, Chain O'Lakes, Fox River, Ch
The inlet streams feeding Lake Michigan offer good fishing for the region's target species.
1. Lake Michigan Inlet (Chinook Salmon, Coho Salmon, Rainbow Trout, Yellow Perch, Largemouth Bass)
Lake Michigan Inlet, IllinoisThe inlet streams feeding Lake Michigan offer good fishing for the region's target species.
2. Chain O'Lakes (Chinook Salmon, Coho Salmon, Rainbow Trout, Yellow Perch, Largemouth Bass)
Chain O'Lakes, IllinoisChain O'Lakes offers excellent fishing in the Northern Illinois & Chicago with good public access and scenic surroundings.
3. Fox River (Chinook Salmon, Coho Salmon, Rainbow Trout, Yellow Perch, Largemouth Bass)
Fox River, IllinoisFox River offers excellent fishing in the Northern Illinois & Chicago with good public access and scenic surroundings.
4. Chicago River (Chinook Salmon, Coho Salmon, Rainbow Trout, Yellow Perch, Largemouth Bass)
Chicago River, IllinoisChicago River offers excellent fishing in the Northern Illinois & Chicago with good public access and scenic surroundings.
- ⚠ This water: Yellow Perch: 15 Fish Daily Harvest Limit (6); Closed May 1 through June 15
Boat Launch: River City Marina →
5. Lake K10 (Chinook Salmon, Coho Salmon, Rainbow Trout, Yellow Perch, Largemouth Bass)
Lake K10, IllinoisLake K10 offers good fishing opportunities in the Northern Illinois & Chicago of Illinois with scenic natural surroundings.
6. Antioch Lake (Chinook Salmon, Coho Salmon, Rainbow Trout, Yellow Perch, Largemouth Bass)
Antioch Lake, IllinoisPopular fishing lake in the Northern Illinois & Chicago Region region of Illinois.
7. Bangs Lake (Chinook Salmon, Coho Salmon, Rainbow Trout, Yellow Perch, Largemouth Bass)
Bangs Lake, IllinoisPopular fishing lake in the Northern Illinois & Chicago Region region of Illinois.
8. Big Bear Lake (Chinook Salmon, Coho Salmon, Rainbow Trout, Yellow Perch, Largemouth Bass)
Big Bear Lake, IllinoisPopular fishing lake in the Northern Illinois & Chicago Region region of Illinois.
9. Bluff Lake (Chinook Salmon, Coho Salmon, Rainbow Trout, Yellow Perch, Largemouth Bass)
Bluff Lake, IllinoisPopular fishing lake in the Northern Illinois & Chicago Region region of Illinois.
Boat Launch: Long Lake Car-Top Boat Launch →
10. Butler Lake (Chinook Salmon, Coho Salmon, Rainbow Trout, Yellow Perch, Largemouth Bass)
Butler Lake, IllinoisPopular fishing lake in the Northern Illinois & Chicago Region region of Illinois.
Boat Launch: Lake Carina Car-Top Boat Launch →
11. Channel Lake (Chinook Salmon, Coho Salmon, Rainbow Trout, Yellow Perch, Largemouth Bass)
Channel Lake, IllinoisPopular fishing lake in the Northern Illinois & Chicago Region region of Illinois.
12. Countryside Lake (Chinook Salmon, Coho Salmon, Rainbow Trout, Yellow Perch, Largemouth Bass)
Countryside Lake, IllinoisPopular fishing lake in the Northern Illinois & Chicago Region region of Illinois.
13. Cranberry Lake (Chinook Salmon, Coho Salmon, Rainbow Trout, Yellow Perch, Largemouth Bass)
Cranberry Lake, IllinoisPopular fishing lake in the Northern Illinois & Chicago Region region of Illinois.
Boat Launch: Long Lake Car-Top Boat Launch →
14. Crystal Lake (Chinook Salmon, Coho Salmon, Rainbow Trout, Yellow Perch, Largemouth Bass)
Crystal Lake, IllinoisPopular fishing lake in the Northern Illinois & Chicago Region region of Illinois.
15. Deep Lake (Chinook Salmon, Coho Salmon, Rainbow Trout, Yellow Perch, Largemouth Bass)
Deep Lake, IllinoisPopular fishing lake in the Northern Illinois & Chicago Region region of Illinois.
Boat Launch: Long Lake Car-Top Boat Launch →
16. Diamond Lake (Chinook Salmon, Coho Salmon, Rainbow Trout, Yellow Perch, Largemouth Bass)
Diamond Lake, IllinoisPopular fishing lake in the Northern Illinois & Chicago Region region of Illinois.
17. Druce Lake (Chinook Salmon, Coho Salmon, Rainbow Trout, Yellow Perch, Largemouth Bass)
Druce Lake, IllinoisPopular fishing lake in the Northern Illinois & Chicago Region region of Illinois.
Boat Launch: Lake Carina Car-Top Boat Launch →
18. Duck Lake (Chinook Salmon, Coho Salmon, Rainbow Trout, Yellow Perch, Largemouth Bass)
Duck Lake, IllinoisPopular fishing lake in the Northern Illinois & Chicago Region region of Illinois.
Boat Launch: Swany's on Long Lake Marina →
19. Echo Lake (Chinook Salmon, Coho Salmon, Rainbow Trout, Yellow Perch, Largemouth Bass)
Echo Lake, IllinoisPopular fishing lake in the Northern Illinois & Chicago Region region of Illinois.
20. Fish Lake (Chinook Salmon, Coho Salmon, Rainbow Trout, Yellow Perch, Largemouth Bass)
Fish Lake, IllinoisPopular fishing lake in the Northern Illinois & Chicago Region region of Illinois.
Boat Launch: Swany's on Long Lake Marina →
21. Forest Lake (Chinook Salmon, Coho Salmon, Rainbow Trout, Yellow Perch, Largemouth Bass)
Forest Lake, IllinoisPopular fishing lake in the Northern Illinois & Chicago Region region of Illinois.
22. Fourth Lake (Chinook Salmon, Coho Salmon, Rainbow Trout, Yellow Perch, Largemouth Bass)
Fourth Lake, IllinoisPopular fishing lake in the Northern Illinois & Chicago Region region of Illinois.
Boat Launch: Long Lake Car-Top Boat Launch →
23. Fox Lake (Chinook Salmon, Coho Salmon, Rainbow Trout, Yellow Perch, Largemouth Bass)
Fox Lake, IllinoisPopular fishing lake in the Northern Illinois & Chicago Region region of Illinois.
Boat Launch: Swany's on Long Lake Marina →
24. Gages Lake (Chinook Salmon, Coho Salmon, Rainbow Trout, Yellow Perch, Largemouth Bass)
Gages Lake, IllinoisPopular fishing lake in the Northern Illinois & Chicago Region region of Illinois.
Boat Launch: Lake Carina Car-Top Boat Launch →
25. Goose Lake Prairie State Natural Area (Chinook Salmon, Coho Salmon, Rainbow Trout, Yellow Perch, Largemouth Bass)
Goose Lake Prairie State Natural Area, IllinoisPopular fishing lake in the Northern Illinois & Chicago Region region of Illinois.
26. Grass Lake (Chinook Salmon, Coho Salmon, Rainbow Trout, Yellow Perch, Largemouth Bass)
Grass Lake, IllinoisPopular fishing lake in the Northern Illinois & Chicago Region region of Illinois.
Boat Launch: Long Lake Car-Top Boat Launch →
27. Grays Lake (Chinook Salmon, Coho Salmon, Rainbow Trout, Yellow Perch, Largemouth Bass)
Grays Lake, IllinoisPopular fishing lake in the Northern Illinois & Chicago Region region of Illinois.
28. Griswold Lake (Chinook Salmon, Coho Salmon, Rainbow Trout, Yellow Perch, Largemouth Bass)
Griswold Lake, IllinoisPopular fishing lake in the Northern Illinois & Chicago Region region of Illinois.
29. Hastings Lake (Chinook Salmon, Coho Salmon, Rainbow Trout, Yellow Perch, Largemouth Bass)
Hastings Lake, IllinoisPopular fishing lake in the Northern Illinois & Chicago Region region of Illinois.
Boat Launch: Long Lake Car-Top Boat Launch →
30. Heidecke Lake State Fish and Wildlife Area (Chinook Salmon, Coho Salmon, Rainbow Trout, Yellow Perch, Largemouth Bass)
Heidecke Lake State Fish and Wildlife Area, IllinoisPopular fishing lake in the Northern Illinois & Chicago Region region of Illinois.
31. Highland Lake (Chinook Salmon, Coho Salmon, Rainbow Trout, Yellow Perch, Largemouth Bass)
Highland Lake, IllinoisPopular fishing lake in the Northern Illinois & Chicago Region region of Illinois.
Boat Launch: Long Lake Car-Top Boat Launch →
32. Homer White Lake (Chinook Salmon, Coho Salmon, Rainbow Trout, Yellow Perch, Largemouth Bass)
Homer White Lake, IllinoisPopular fishing lake in the Northern Illinois & Chicago Region region of Illinois.
Boat Launch: Sterlink Lake Boat Launch →
33. Honey Lake (Chinook Salmon, Coho Salmon, Rainbow Trout, Yellow Perch, Largemouth Bass)
Honey Lake, IllinoisPopular fishing lake in the Northern Illinois & Chicago Region region of Illinois.
34. Island Lake (Chinook Salmon, Coho Salmon, Rainbow Trout, Yellow Perch, Largemouth Bass)
Island Lake, IllinoisPopular fishing lake in the Northern Illinois & Chicago Region region of Illinois.
35. LaSalle Lake State Fish and Wildlife Area (Chinook Salmon, Coho Salmon, Rainbow Trout, Yellow Perch, Largemouth Bass)
LaSalle Lake State Fish and Wildlife Area, IllinoisPopular fishing lake in the Northern Illinois & Chicago Region region of Illinois.
36. Lake Arlington (Chinook Salmon, Coho Salmon, Rainbow Trout, Yellow Perch, Largemouth Bass)
Lake Arlington, IllinoisPopular fishing lake in the Northern Illinois & Chicago Region region of Illinois.
Boat Launch: Beck Lake Boat Launch →
37. Lake Barrington (Chinook Salmon, Coho Salmon, Rainbow Trout, Yellow Perch, Largemouth Bass)
Lake Barrington, IllinoisPopular fishing lake in the Northern Illinois & Chicago Region region of Illinois.
38. Lake Calumet (Chinook Salmon, Coho Salmon, Rainbow Trout, Yellow Perch, Largemouth Bass)
Lake Calumet, IllinoisPopular fishing lake in the Northern Illinois & Chicago Region region of Illinois.
39. Lake Catherine (Chinook Salmon, Coho Salmon, Rainbow Trout, Yellow Perch, Largemouth Bass)
Lake Catherine, IllinoisPopular fishing lake in the Northern Illinois & Chicago Region region of Illinois.
40. Lake County (Chinook Salmon, Coho Salmon, Rainbow Trout, Yellow Perch, Largemouth Bass)
Lake County, IllinoisPopular fishing lake in the Northern Illinois & Chicago Region region of Illinois.
Boat Launch: Lake Carina Car-Top Boat Launch →
41. Lake Fairfield (Chinook Salmon, Coho Salmon, Rainbow Trout, Yellow Perch, Largemouth Bass)
Lake Fairfield, IllinoisPopular fishing lake in the Northern Illinois & Chicago Region region of Illinois.
42. Lake Killarney (Chinook Salmon, Coho Salmon, Rainbow Trout, Yellow Perch, Largemouth Bass)
Lake Killarney, IllinoisPopular fishing lake in the Northern Illinois & Chicago Region region of Illinois.
43. Lake Michigan (Chinook Salmon, Coho Salmon, Rainbow Trout, Yellow Perch, Largemouth Bass)
Lake Michigan, IllinoisPopular fishing lake in the Northern Illinois & Chicago Region region of Illinois.
- ⚠ This water: All Fish: All devices used for sport fishing on Lake Michigan must be attended at all times
- ⚠ This water: Lake Trout: 2 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
- ⚠ This water: Lake Whitefish or Round Whitefish: 12 Fish Daily Harvest Limit, singly or in the aggregate
- ⚠ This water: Large or Smallmouth Bass: 21 inch Minimum Length Limit; 1 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
- ⚠ This water: Trout and Salmon: 10 inch Minimum Length Limit; 5 Fish Daily Harvest Limit, singly or in the aggregate, except for Lake Trout
- ⚠ This water: Yellow Perch: 15 Fish Daily Harvest Limit (6); Closed May 1 through June 15
- ⚠ This water: All Fish: 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1)
- ⚠ This water: Channel Catfish: 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
- ⚠ This water: Large or Smallmouth Bass: 15 inch Minimum Length Limit
- ⚠ This water: Trout: Spring Closed Season (8)
44. Lake Opeka (Chinook Salmon, Coho Salmon, Rainbow Trout, Yellow Perch, Largemouth Bass)
Lake Opeka, IllinoisPopular fishing lake in the Northern Illinois & Chicago Region region of Illinois.
Boat Launch: Big Bend Lake Boat Launch →
45. Lake Villa (Chinook Salmon, Coho Salmon, Rainbow Trout, Yellow Perch, Largemouth Bass)
Lake Villa, IllinoisPopular fishing lake in the Northern Illinois & Chicago Region region of Illinois.
Boat Launch: Long Lake Car-Top Boat Launch →
46. Lake Zurich (Chinook Salmon, Coho Salmon, Rainbow Trout, Yellow Perch, Largemouth Bass)
Lake Zurich, IllinoisPopular fishing lake in the Northern Illinois & Chicago Region region of Illinois.
47. Lake in the Hills (Chinook Salmon, Coho Salmon, Rainbow Trout, Yellow Perch, Largemouth Bass)
Lake in the Hills, IllinoisPopular fishing lake in the Northern Illinois & Chicago Region region of Illinois.
48. Long Lake (Chinook Salmon, Coho Salmon, Rainbow Trout, Yellow Perch, Largemouth Bass)
Long Lake, IllinoisPopular fishing lake in the Northern Illinois & Chicago Region region of Illinois.
Boat Launch: Long Lake Car-Top Boat Launch →
49. Loon Lake (Chinook Salmon, Coho Salmon, Rainbow Trout, Yellow Perch, Largemouth Bass)
Loon Lake, IllinoisPopular fishing lake in the Northern Illinois & Chicago Region region of Illinois.
Boat Launch: Long Lake Car-Top Boat Launch →
50. McCullom Lake (Chinook Salmon, Coho Salmon, Rainbow Trout, Yellow Perch, Largemouth Bass)
McCullom Lake, IllinoisPopular fishing lake in the Northern Illinois & Chicago Region region of Illinois.
51. Monee Reservoir (Chinook Salmon, Coho Salmon, Rainbow Trout, Yellow Perch, Largemouth Bass)
Monee Reservoir, IllinoisPopular fishing lake in the Northern Illinois & Chicago Region region of Illinois.
52. Mud Lake (Chinook Salmon, Coho Salmon, Rainbow Trout, Yellow Perch, Largemouth Bass)
Mud Lake, IllinoisPopular fishing lake in the Northern Illinois & Chicago Region region of Illinois.
53. Murphy Lake (Chinook Salmon, Coho Salmon, Rainbow Trout, Yellow Perch, Largemouth Bass)
Murphy Lake, IllinoisPopular fishing lake in the Northern Illinois & Chicago Region region of Illinois.
Boat Launch: Big Bend Lake Boat Launch →
54. Round Lake (Chinook Salmon, Coho Salmon, Rainbow Trout, Yellow Perch, Largemouth Bass)
Round Lake, IllinoisRound Lake offers good fishing opportunities in the Northern Illinois & Chicago of Illinois with scenic natural surroundings.
Boat Launch: Long Lake Car-Top Boat Launch →
55. Third Lake (Chinook Salmon, Coho Salmon, Rainbow Trout, Yellow Perch, Largemouth Bass)
Third Lake, IllinoisPopular fishing lake in the Northern Illinois & Chicago Region region of Illinois.
56. Timberlake, Barrington, Lake County (Chinook Salmon, Coho Salmon, Rainbow Trout, Yellow Perch, Largemouth Bass)
Timberlake, Barrington, Lake County, IllinoisPopular fishing lake in the Northern Illinois & Chicago Region region of Illinois.
57. Tower Lakes (Chinook Salmon, Coho Salmon, Rainbow Trout, Yellow Perch, Largemouth Bass)
Tower Lakes, IllinoisPopular fishing lake in the Northern Illinois & Chicago Region region of Illinois.
Boat Launch: Fox River Marina →
58. Valley Lake (Chinook Salmon, Coho Salmon, Rainbow Trout, Yellow Perch, Largemouth Bass)
Valley Lake, IllinoisPopular fishing lake in the Northern Illinois & Chicago Region region of Illinois.
Boat Launch: Lake Carina Car-Top Boat Launch →
59. Wolf Lake (Chinook Salmon, Coho Salmon, Rainbow Trout, Yellow Perch, Largemouth Bass)
Wolf Lake, IllinoisPopular fishing lake in the Northern Illinois & Chicago Region region of Illinois.
- ⚠ This water: All Fish: 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1)
- ⚠ This water: Channel Catfish: 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
- ⚠ This water: Large or Smallmouth Bass: 14 inch Minimum Length Limit; 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
- ⚠ This water: Trout: Fall Closed Season (7), Spring Closed Season (8)
- ⚠ This water: All Fish: 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1)
- ⚠ This water: Large or Smallmouth Bass: 12 inch Minimum Length Limit
- ⚠ This water: All Fish: 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1)
- ⚠ This water: Channel Catfish: 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
- ⚠ This water: Large or Smallmouth Bass: 15 inch Minimum Length Limit; 1 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
- ⚠ This water: All Fish: 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1)
- ⚠ This water: Bluegill or Redear Sunfish: 15 Fish Daily Harvest Limit with no more than 5 Fish greater than or equal to 8 inches
- ⚠ This water: Channel Catfish: 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
- ⚠ This water: Large or Smallmouth Bass: Protected Slot Length Limit with no possession of Fish greater than or equal to 14 inches and less than 18 inches; 3 Fish Daily Harvest Limit with no more than 1 Fish greater than or equal to 18 inches and 2 Fish less than 14 inches
- ⚠ This water: Striped, White, or Hybrid Striped Bass: Catch and Release Fishing Only (9)
- ⚠ This water: White, Black, or Hybrid Crappie: 15 Fish Daily Harvest Limit with no more than 10 Fish greater than or equal to 10 inches and 5 Fish less than 10 inches
- ⚠ This water: All Fish: 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1)
- ⚠ This water: Channel Catfish: 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
- ⚠ This water: Large or Smallmouth Bass: 15 inch Minimum Length Limit; 1 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
- ⚠ This water: Trout: Spring Closed Season (8)
- ⚠ This water: Trout: Spring Closed Season (8)
60. Wonder Lake (village) (Chinook Salmon, Coho Salmon, Rainbow Trout, Yellow Perch, Largemouth Bass)
Wonder Lake (village), IllinoisPopular fishing lake in the Northern Illinois & Chicago Region region of Illinois.
Fishing Tips for the Northern Illinois & Chicago Region
- Get a licence — All anglers need a valid state fishing licence — check your state's wildlife agency site.
- Check the weather & water conditions — always check forecasts and wind before heading out, especially on big water.
- Know the regulations — size and catch limits vary by water body in Illinois; check the local regulations first.
- Best times — early morning and late evening are prime. Many Northern Illinois & Chicago Region waters fish best in spring and fall.
- Use the right gear — match your rod, line, and tackle to the species you're chasing and the water you're fishing.
More Regions in Illinois
Get CatchTales
Ready to start bragging? Download the app and hit the water.