The latest Midwest Fishing Report showcases a combination of lakefront catches and inland waters fishing opportunities across the region. Lakefront coho along with smallmouth bass on Lake Michigan and in local inland waters stand out this week.
John Honiotes at Boondocks recently shared a striking image of a massive walleye that was surveyed at Shabbona Lake, hinting at some exciting fishing prospects.
For anglers in the Chicago area, several local bait shops such as Park Bait, Bridgeport Bait and Tackle, and Fishtech in Morton Grove are now offering parking passes valid in designated anglers’ lots at DuSable and Burnham harbors. For just $20 for a two-month pass, anglers can access these convenient parking areas. Any inquiries can be directed to [email protected].
In Navy Pier news, the north side is now open to fishing enthusiasts. Affordable parking rates are being offered at $9 daily starting at 5 a.m., along with a requirement to leave by 10 a.m. to take advantage of this discount. For those interested in this deal, a prepayment option is available for tickets.
Smelt fishing rules remain consistent; the season runs through April 30, during which netting is permitted from 7 p.m. until 1 a.m. Regulations, including restrictions on fires and parking, continue to be enforced.
Local anglers have been buzzing about the fishing conditions at various area lakes. A message from Brian Konet highlights some of the recent activity, while Dave Kranz, famous for his YouTube channel focused on outdoor adventures, shared updates indicating promising scenarios for anglers.
Ken “Husker” O’Malley also weighed in with positive insights and imagery from his latest trips, expressing excitement about stable weather conditions that could benefit fishing.
In addition, Pete Lamar, Rob Abouchar, and others have contributed their reports and photos showcasing the current fishing atmosphere.
Braidwood Lake is open daily from 6 a.m. to sunset, providing another viable fishing location for those looking to cast their lines.
At the Chain O’ Lakes area, reports from Triangle Sports and Marine in Antioch indicate a productive season for bluegill and crappie, particularly in the channels, with bass activity also on the rise.
As a reminder for those heading to the Chain O’ Lakes, updates on water conditions can be accessed at foxwaterway.com or by calling (847) 587-8540. Note that the Stratton Lock and Dam is closed through April 30.
Cooling lakes such as Braidwood, Heidecke, and LaSalle are open from 6 a.m. to sunset for those looking to angle in newer waters.
Delavan Lake in Wisconsin has also been highlighted, with Arden Katz sending a recent catch report to enthusiasts.
For downstate anglers, Powerton runs from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and the Emiquon Preserve is accessible from sunrise to sunset. It’s imperative for visitors to renew access permits and liability waivers, available Tuesday through Saturday.
As we look ahead, Hennepin-Hopper is set to reopen on May 1, offering further opportunities to local angling fans.
Mike Norris provided an update from the Green Lake area in Wisconsin, while reports from the Green and Sturgeon Bays can be accessed through the Wisconsin DNR weekly report.
Heidecke Lake also remains open from 6 a.m. to sunset, while anglers seeking information on Lake Erie can check in with the Ohio DNR Report.
Vince Oppedisano and Capt. Ernesto Amparan of Thin Blue Line Fishing LLC shared valuable insights and photos of recent catches from the Chicago lakefront.
Capt. Bob Poteshman of Confusion Charters recently had a successful outing, reporting great fishing conditions, especially around North Point, where bait is plentiful. Weekend fishing from the Montrose area also yielded good results with coho and brown trout caught near the harbor.
Summer hours at LaSalle Lake are set from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. until October 31, adhering to the lake’s operational guidelines.
Madison Lakes in Wisconsin is keeping anglers updated through D&S Bait, Tackle & Fly Shop’s reports. Mazon’s fishing hours remain from 6 a.m. to sunset, with construction ongoing around Ponderosa and Eagle lakes in the South Unit.
In Northern Wisconsin, Kurt Justice from Kurt’s Island Sport Shop in Minocqua reported favorable conditions as well.
In Northwest Indiana, Spring stream trout season is approaching, with Fancher Lake recently stocked with rainbow trout. Capt. Rich Sleziak of Slez’s Bait in Lake Station has been monitoring the activity closely.
Along the Root River in Wisconsin, anglers can find the latest updates through typical Wednesday or Tuesday reports from the Wisconsin DNR.
Lastly, Shabbona Lake is experiencing rising water temperatures, especially at 54 degrees, signaling an active fishing season ahead. Boondocks, which currently has summer hours set from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m., offers a great local resource for the surrounding area.
The Midwest fishing scene is truly alive with opportunities as both experienced and novice anglers ready themselves for a fruitful season ahead.
image source from：https://chicago.suntimes.com/outdoors/2025/04/22/chicago-fishing-coho-smallmouth-largemouth
