Walleye Fishing In Chicago

[Anthony]

Hello, I have been fishing in Chicago for the last three years.
I cannot seem to find any Walleye.

Please advise of any Walleye Hot Spots in the Chicagoland Area!!!

[cranker']

Well, there aren't as many as we'd like but there are more than a few where you can scrape up some if ya work for um. Being a river fisherman at heart I'd have to lean towards the Illinois River as one of the best in the area. Great spring/fall sauger fishery. Then we've got the Chain-O-Lakes to the north, Shabonna to the west, Heidecke Lake in Grundy county, the Kankakee river on the South side, and finally last but definitely not least would be the extreme southern end of lake michigan. Most of the above lakes are know for size more than quantity of fish, with lake michigan taking that to the extreme.
Heidecke Lake (power plant lake) can be extremely tough at times but it's got some hogs in it-the earlier in the year you get out there the better. The Kankakee River has a 'decent' population of eyes but don't expect to catch more than 1 or 2 a trip (if your that lucky). I got skunked many times on that river, but it is quite relaxing in certain spots. Also a ##### of a smallmouth fishery. Haven't fished the others enough to give ya creditable on them but the Chain has a very healthy population of eye's from everything I've gathered.
If you ever get the chance, the southern tip of Lake Michigan has some SOWS in it. You WILL put quite a few hours into catching a fish or two but most average 5lbs+. Mark my words, the next state record walleye for Indiana & Illinois will be taken out of the big lake. If ya happen to know anyone that fishes the various plants on 'dead lines' on their night shift they can attest to the size of these fish. Rumor has it the Indiana state record was caught and filleted (ouch!!!) last year by some yo-ho who didn't know what he'd caught while on the night shift (they were bottom fishing for cats/carp).
Hope this helps a little, sorry to ramble some. Starting to get myself outta hunting mode and into fishin' mode. Tight lines...

[coon dog]

Try lake Geneva in Wisc. your not that far away, and it has some huge eyes in it,almost strictly a nite bite lake for walleyes, deep clear and lots of daytime boat traffic. I have fished this lake for 8 years and know, for true trophies this is the place to be. It is a tough lake to figure out. but well worth it. The only down side is that I live about an hour away, and after working all day then fishing all nite the drive home is a killer. hope this helps

[Hawgboy]

Illiana Walleye Club has a meeting at the vfw in Lansing thur the 15th AT 7pm. Ridge rd 1 block east of torrence ave

[Waz]

No Walleye in Illinois. Especially The Fox Chain of Lakes. Go to Wisconsin or Minnisota.

[Fuzzy]

It's true - the few walleyes we have are all infected with parasites too. ;-)

[rickt]

Try the reef system on the southern part of Lake Michigan. Catching 3-4 lb. "Jumbo Perch??" at night only. They disappear during the day.

[steve(IL)]

Come on up to the Chain! Fight the jet ski's, 40 ft 600hp superboats, drunken cabin cruisers and feeble pontoon boats that cut between you and the shoreline you are casting to.(That's on a week day - don't even try a weekend). Then, after years of trying, you might catch some walleyes which will mostly be outside the slot limit. If you do catch a legal fish, the red sores, ulcers and parasites will make you think twice about keeping it. A little known hotspot is the warm water discharge below the sewage treatment plant. (Tip - I learned the hard way - don't fish there on Sunday because all the condoms that got flushed Saturday night float by and foul your hooks.) Haven't spent much time on the other waters mentioned. I do know that Shabbona is a fishing only lake - no power boats, etc.

Urban fishing - you can't beat it! ;-)

[OOC]

Well put,Steve!The only problem is everbody thinks you're exagerating!

[eyes]

Wolf lake In. side at night, It's been good the last few weaks.

[mbrandt]

Your right, but remember, you learn to catch walleye here and you can catch them almost anywhere. Don't forget, this is where Gofron learned.

Mark

[Waz]

Anthony, seriously if you want to learn how to catch walleye at the the chain either come and participate in a CWS tournament. If not then come on done for the weigh in. You will see what type of fish are caught on a Sunday on one of the busiest waterways in the country. You might also get some tips from pro's like Gofron or Vojak among others. Also those are not condoms. Those are bobbers that OCC has lost. If found please return.

[steve(IL)]

:-) I'd like to respectfully submit that they are in fact condoms - better known as Hudson River Whitefish back in NY.
OOC, being the enterprising fellow he his, just made use of what was available to him (it's the blowing more air into them part that I can't make peace with).

Anthony - check out ChainWalleyeSeries.com and look at past tournament results. Guys bust their butts out in heavy boat traffic and usually half or better get blanked!! These are guys paying money to fish - they have some idea of what they are doing and they have trouble catching fish. The Chain does not give up walleyes easily.

[Waz]

If you want to catch walleye easily, drive 4 to 24 hours from Chicago. If you want to to go for a morning or afternoon of fishing within 1 hour of Chicago,go learn the chain. Catching is fun learning is an experience. There are some days they don't bite. On other days it can be fantastic. Many had some 20 to 30 walleye days on the chain last year. Besides the fishing the chain offers some of the most beautiful scenery it the world. Just anchor by the route 12 bridge on a 90 dergree summer day and watch it drift by.

[OOC]

OOC fishihg with a bobber!What'll be the day......I've seen those bobbers you guys fish with.You know,the flat, rectangular, yellow ones with the red flags!You both know how reluctent I am to give up hard earned Chain info.,but here's a little secret I'll share!Don't discard those used condoms you caught.Instead,slice them up right on top of your gunnels to resemble Uncle Josh Ripple Rinds!White is OK but hot pink is better and best is those glow in the dark ones!And a bonus,you need not add any scent!