Perch on southern Lake Michigan lead this sprawling raw-file Midwest Fishing Report; for ice fishing, you need to head north well into Wisconsin.
Even in far northern Illinois, ice is gone on Island Lake, as shown on the festve holiday scene captured by Rob Abouchar at the top.
LAKEFRONT PERCH
Capt. Rich Sleziak at Slez’s Bait in Lake Station texted:
Still perch, perch, perch that’s about all u here.
Navy pier, and what everybody calls the 87th street slip for shore fishers has been fair to good most days using xl- fatheads, Rosie reds and lil pieces of shrimp.
Groups in boats fishing up in the river from 106th street and up and moving around a lot to get a decent batch of perch.
Stacey Greene at Park Bait at Montrose Harbor texted:
WE ARE STILL OPEN AND STOCKED WITH BAIT THROUGH SUNDAY DEC. 17th.
PERCH STILL LEAD THE REPORT. SOME STRONGER WINDS AND A FEW PASSING SHOWERS SLOWED THINGS DOWN AT NAVY PIER OVER THE WEEKEND. THE PERCH ARE NOT GONE JUST BEING A LITTLE HARDER TO FIND AND CATCH. SOME DAYS YOU HAVE TO WORK FOR THEM. SOUTH BY THE SLIP IS STILL OFF AND ON. TIMES OF THE DAY FLUCTUATING. SOME HAVE BEEN CAUGHT AT DIVERSEY HARBOR, HAVE NOT HAD ANY OTHER HARBOR REPORTS. BITE HAS ALSO BEEN VERY LIGHT I THINK MAYBE A CIRCLE HOOK COULD HELP? BITE HAS BEEN MOSTLY ON MINNOWS OF ANY SIZE BUT THEY ARE HITTING WORMS, SHRIMP, WAX WORMS & SPIKES. WE NOW HAVE RED SPIKES IN STOCK. DONT JUST STICK TO ONE THING IF WHAT YOUR USING ISN’T WORKING CHANGE IT UP!
AUGER SHARPENING
For the 24th year, Fran Connelly is sharpening of auger blades. Find “Ice Auger Sharpening” on Facebook or drop off blades at either Lee’s Bait & Tackle (Elk Grove Village or Carol Stream).
NAVY PIER ANGLING
North side of Navy Pier is open for anglers. Discounted parking for anglers is $9 daily, beginning at 5 a.m.; must be out by 10 a.m. for the discount. Click here to prepay for the discounted tickets.
UPDATE ON CHICAGO PASSES
The Northerly Island Visitor Center remains closed. So for now parking passes or pier passes may be bought Thursdays, 9 a.m.-3 p.m., at the Lincoln Park Cultural Center, 2045 N. Lincoln Park West in Lincoln Park (credit card only, street parking only) or at Park Bait at Montrose Harbor (cash only). The last day at Park Bait for the year now looks to be Sunday, Nov. 17. I would suggest emailing fishing@chicagoparkdistrict.com with questions.
Chicago Park District’s parking passes ($20 for two months) are for the anglers’ parking lots at DuSable and Burnham harbors.
The park district pier passes ($10 for the season) allow legal access to select piers at Jackson Park, Burnham, DuSable, Diversey, Belmont and Montrose harbors.
AREA LAKES
Dave Kranz of Dave’s Bait, Tackle and Taxidermy in Crystal Lake and with his You-Tube channel, Dave Kranz Living the wild outdoors, texted:
I have some customers that are traveling north to ice fish. I am sure ice is forming and moving south everyday. . . . Make sure to tell those getting gifts or gift certificates for you this holiday season, to shop at your local favorite tackle store.
Ken “Husker” O’Malley of Husker Outdoors emailed the photo above and this:
Hey Dale,
Here’s a recap from the past weeks fishing. Water temps continue to hover around the lower 40’s. The extended forecast for this week will keep them there with above above average temps expected. Bluegill have excellent during the major and minor bite windows. It has been non stop action during those periods. I’m finding active biters holding tight to isolated weed clumps or wood. Accurate casting is a must as they will not venture very far from cover to bite. A couple feet one way or the other will not entice a bite. The bait of choice continues to be a Wiggleyourworm_fishing custom 5mm ice jig in wonderbread tipped with a bees moth. A can’t beat this kind of action on the long rods in December.
. . .
TTYL
Ken Husker O’Malley
Husker Outdoors Waterwerks fishing team
Rob Abouchar messaged the photo above and this:
Hi Dale happy holidays! The last of the ice fully melted last Friday on island lake so Saturday i got some minnows from Dave’s in crystal lake. After a full afternoon of fishing the bobber went down. I had to do a double take because I was shocked i actually got bit . Setting the hook i almost dropped the rod . A nice largemouth bass was netted by my neighbor jim . The fish hit a large golden roach minnow on a green google eye jig under a slip float and split shot in 4 feet of frigid water. All i could think was merry fishmas!
On the music front making first plans for recording more original material this time hopefully rock blues country and such. Lots of classic cuts from past to present to choose from. And the Bob Marley bash February 17th is on the calendar with hurricane reggae band. Hopefully i can join in on melodica.
Tight lines and good health!
Rob
And my Tuesday is made with Abouchar’s music update.
CHAIN O’LAKES AREA
Launches are useable. Ice is gone.
NOTE: Check updates on water conditions at foxwaterway.com or (847) 587-8540.
NOTE 2: Stratton Lock and Dam is closed through April 30, 2024.
COOLING LAKES
Braidwood, Heidecke and LaSalle are closed.
DOWNSTATE
POWERTON: Closed. Bank fishing reopens Christmas.
EMIQUON PRESERVE: Running through the end of duck season, fishing is only allowed after noon. Access permits and liability waivers are available Tuesday to Saturday at Dickson Mounts Museum, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
SPRING LAKE: Boat fishing is closed. Through the end of duck season, bank fishing is allowed after 1 p.m. Site superintendent Thad Cook noted, “Boaters cannot use the ramp on the causeway but can use the ramp at Sky Ranch Road during waterfowl season. They are allowed to boat north of Sky Ranch Rd bridge and south down to the buoy markers and sign at Maple Island.”
HENNEPIN-HOPPER: Closed.
SHELBYVILLE: Check with Ken Wilson of Lithia Guide Service.
SOUTHERN ILLINOIS: Check with Jason Johns of Boneyard Fishing.
FOX RIVER
Dave Kranz of Dave’s Bait, Tackle and Taxidermy in Crystal Lake and with his You-Tube channel, Dave Kranz Living the wild outdoors, texted:
. . . Some are still open water fishing here at the Dams on the Fox River. Live bait is the best under these cold water conditions. Walleye at the McHenry Dam, smallmouth below Algonquin. Make sure to tell those getting gifts or gift certificates for you this holiday season, to shop at your local favorite tackle store.
GREEN LAKE AREA, WISCONSIN
Guide Mike Norris emailed:
Fishing Report – 12/11/2023
Mike Norris
Big Green Lake: We lost what little ice we had late last week when air temps rose into the mid-50s. While that was terrible news for hard-water anglers, soft-water anglers took advantage of the open water and warm weather. With clear water and a maximum depth of 236 feet, Big Green Lake doesn’t freeze until mid-January, and monstrous fish can roam the shallows this time of year. And despite the December cold, I still hunt for northern pike, smallmouth bass, and walleye this time of year. Live bait rigging is my preferred method for catching smallmouth. And for brave anglers targeting walleyes after sunset, casting and trolling crankbaits near gravel-strewn bottom structures can be rewarding.
Beaver Dam and Fox Lake: Both lakes had just enough ice to support anglers walking, and nice-sized crappies were the reward. But that all ended late in the week with the above-normal temperatures. Unfortunately, there are always a few who think the ice is still safe, and I know of two rescues that took place on Beaver Dam Lake last Wednesday and on Friday. Before venturing out, check on ice thickness with friends or local bait shops. And always go with a buddy who can help get you out if you fall through the ice when traversing early-season ice, or don’t go at all.
KANKAKEE RIVER
George Peters emailed the photo above and this:
Last week 50 degrees, water went up to 47 in the pm. Deep water fish fed a bit on slow moving baits. Weekend cold front will slow things down again. G. Peters
LAKE ERIE
Click here for the Ohio DNR Report.
LAKEFRONT
Tony Hammond messaged the photos above and below, and this:
My buddy [Andrew Haywood] got his first perch and lake trout on friday! Lol
Stacey Greene at Park Bait at Montrose Harbor texted:
WE ARE STILL OPEN AND STOCKED WITH BAIT THROUGH SUNDAY DEC. 17th.
PERCH STILL LEAD THE REPORT. SOME STRONGER WINDS AND A FEW PASSING SHOWERS SLOWED THINGS DOWN AT NAVY PIER OVER THE WEEKEND. THE PERCH ARE NOT GONE JUST BEING A LITTLE HARDER TO FIND AND CATCH. SOME DAYS YOU HAVE TO WORK FOR THEM. SOUTH BY THE SLIP IS STILL OFF AND ON. TIMES OF THE DAY FLUCTUATING. SOME HAVE BEEN CAUGHT AT DIVERSEY HARBOR, HAVE NOT HAD ANY OTHER HARBOR REPORTS. BITE HAS ALSO BEEN VERY LIGHT I THINK MAYBE A CIRCLE HOOK COULD HELP? BITE HAS BEEN MOSTLY ON MINNOWS OF ANY SIZE BUT THEY ARE HITTING WORMS, SHRIMP, WAX WORMS & SPIKES. WE NOW HAVE RED SPIKES IN STOCK. DONT JUST STICK TO ONE THING IF WHAT YOUR USING ISN’T WORKING CHANGE IT UP!
QUITE A FEW LAKERS IN THE MIX SO BE READY FOR A NICE FIGHT. YOU CAN USE LARGE SHINERS OR JUST JIG A NICE BLADE BAIT, JIGGING SPOON OR CAST A LURE. WE HAVE A NICE SELECTION OF JIGGING SPOONS.STEELHEAD STILL HITTING AROUND THE HARBORS ON THE USUAL BAITS LARGE SHINERS, CRAWLERS, SHRIMP, HAIR JIGS WITH WAX WORMS, OR CASTING LURES.
PARKING AND PIER PASSES AVAILABLE HERE.
JUST GET OUT AND TRY, YOU CANT CATCH FROM THE COUCH!
Lori Ralph at the Salmon Stop in Waukegan texted the photo above and this:
Powerlining Rainbow on government [on Monday], not me a friend
Good morning, The pic I sent you was from yesterday from a friend of mine who fishes the pier alot.
SALMON SNAGGING: Here are the details from the IDNR:
4) Snagging for Chinook and coho salmon only is permitted from the following Lake Michigan shoreline areas from October 1 through December 31; however, no snagging is allowed at any time within 200 feet of a moored watercraft or as posted: A) Lincoln Park Lagoon from the Fullerton Avenue Bridge to the southern end of the Lagoon. B) Waukegan Harbor (in North Harbor basin only). C) Winnetka Power Plant discharge area. D) Jackson Harbor (Inner and Outer Harbors).
MADISON LAKES, WISCONSIN
Click here for the update from D&S Bait, Tackle & Fly Shop .
MAZONIA
Closed, except Monster Lake is open all year.
Hours are 6 a.m. to sunset.
NORTHERN WISCONSIN
Kurt Justice at Kurt’s Island Sport Shop in Minocqua emailed:
Things got a little wet and slippery for a while on the ice as the warm up late last week melted off the light snow from the early part of the week. That was OK, we didn’t lose ice just that annoying snow cover. Unfortunately, more snow came in with the drop in temps to cover things back up. Fishing was fair to good overall, not at all like the previous week, but rarely do we see action that good.
Walleye: Good-Fair – Jigging raps and spoons still taking fish, just not as aggressive of a bite as earlier. Tip-ups with medium golden shiners or river shiners still scoring in that 6-10’ of green weeds. Pre-dawn and dusk best.
Northern Pike: Good-Fair – Big shiners and suckers on tip-ups tops. Anglers using Jaw Jackers baited with the same having fun catching on rod and reel. No big Pike reports this week, but plenty of eaters.
Largemouth Bass: Good-Fair – Liking the warm up last week. Flags flying for anglers using medium shiners on tip-ups for Pike. Plenty others caught by Bluegill and Crappie anglers.
Bluegill: Good-Fair – Tentative at times, lots of talk of lookers but not biting. When this happens best to go small. Try a 2.5 mm tungsten tipped with a single red spike or smidge of plastic. An active presentation draws them in, but once they show up on your locator or camera its best to go small and slow.
Crappies: Fair – Once again, cautious bite. While Crappie minnows had been the preferred bait last week, a switch to a smaller, more subdued presentation was needed by the weekend. One exception was anglers fishing deeper water, 20-25’, there tip-downs with small minnows best.
Yellow Perch: Fair – Not being targeted, but incidental catches by Crappie and Gill anglers.
Looks as if this cool/warm pattern will persist through Christmas Day. Luckily the warm just takes the top layer (snow) down, then cold (teens 12/11) firms things back up. Unfortunately, the cold we need to really build a nice base (12-15) isn’t in the forecast for the next two weeks. Walking and checking are safest forms of travel for now, most reports of ice thickness range 3 ½-6, some North (South facing) shorelines thinner.
Upcoming Tournaments
Jan 6th – 73rd Annual Rib Lake Area Ice Fishing Contest – Rib Lake
Jan 6th – 16th Annual NCO Club & AMVETS Post 724 Ice Fishing Tournament – Lake Nokomis
Kurt Justice
Kurt’s Island Sports Shop – Like us on Facebook
NORTHWEST INDIANA
Capt. Rich Sleziak at Slez’s Bait in Lake Station texted:
Still perch, perch, perch that’s about all u here.
Navy pier, and what everybody calls the 87th street slip for shore fishers has been fair to good most days using xl- fatheads, Rosie reds and lil pieces of shrimp.
Groups in boats fishing up in the river from 106th street and up and moving around a lot to get a decent batch of perch.
Crappie are being caught fishing the boat slips near 249 bridge down from portage marina using minnows. Must be in a boat to cover water moving dock to dock.
Christina Petrites at Stan’s Bait & Tackle Center in Hammond emailed:
Hi, Dale! I hope that you & your loved ones are gearing up for the holiday season. Here’s what’s been happening in the fishing world in our area during this very special time of year:
Perch fishing in the slips & on the Little Calumet River is still going strong. Fatheads & rosy reds are working great, with the latter taking a slide edge in catches; beemoths as a backup are holding their own also.
Pier fishing for Steehead is really starting to take off; those venturing out are catching good numbers of fish on skein & shrimp.
Whitefish are still around, just not in big numbers; anglers are using single eggs or jigging for them.
River fishing has remained steady, with anglers mostly using small Maglips & Hot-n-Tots.
Some anglers are still catching nice-sized Crappies on inland lakes with minnows.
Anglers have also made us aware that they are having some issues with the excessive drainage of the annual Fox Lake waterway system from the army core of engineers; it has negatively impacted fishing in that area this time of year. The inordinate amount of water evacuation in the area makes current conditions difficult for boat launching from any Fox Lake harbor & Chain-o-Lakes region. Most of the fish in that area have moved to deeper water.
Though the overall bite has slowed down some due to the current shallow conditions of the water, Walleye are primarily the fish that can still be found-as their preferred movement is over shallow rock; anglers are working lipless crank baits & blades, primarily on drops adjacent to shallow rock.
Also in the Chain-o-Lakes area, duck hunting continues through this week-SO WATCH OUT FOR HUNTERS! There’s little worse than catching a decoy line in your propeller…
ROCK RIVER, WISCONSIN
Arden Katz texted the photo above and said walleye and sauger are being caught at Jefferson Dam on Kalin’s swimbaits and 1/8-ounce jig (uses a fly on a three-way rig).
SHABBONA LAKE
Through January 31, winter site hours are 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
Boondocks is closed.
SOUTHWEST MICHIGAN
Staff at Tackle Haven in Benton Harbor said fishing is slow, but a few steelhead are being caught in the river.
Paddle and Pole hosts the Berrien Springs Fish Ladder Camera.
WOLF RIVER, WISCONSIN
Guide Bill Stoeger in Fremont texted:
Ice conditions in the area are generally poor. A few fishermen venturing out on the smaller bayous, with perch and bluegill action has been good. The river did open up again, although when the ice left, so did the walleye. I fished 3 days last week, had 1-12 walleye.
