Chicago River

As a river in Illinois, United States, Chicago River fishes best when the flow is steady and the water is clear enough to see a foot or two down. Anglers who do well at Chicago River pay attention to small things: the angle of the current, the colour of the water, what's hatching, where the wading birds are working. Fly anglers can match local insect activity; spin anglers can run small spinners or soft plastics through the same lies.

Location

41.8335, -87.6595 · View on OpenStreetMap →

Species at This Spot

Channel catfishCommon carpLargemouth bassBluegillBlack crappieFreshwater drum

Fishing Techniques

• For Channel catfish

  Fish near structure like submerged trees or rocks, as channel catfish often use these areas for ambush points and shelter.

• For Common carp

  Pre-bait the area with a similar bait you plan to fish with to attract carp and increase your chances.

• For Largemouth bass

  Vary your retrieve speed and lure presentation until you find what the bass are keying on, as their preferences can change daily based on weather and water conditions.

Recommended Gear

Tackle commonly used to target the species at Chicago River.

Plan Your Trip

Before fishing Chicago River, make sure your licence covers Illinois, United States and that any species-specific seasons are open. Local regulations change year to year, so check the current rules rather than going from memory.

Nearby Spots in Illinois

See all fishing spots in Illinois →

Other Fishing Regions in United States