Coho Salmon - Chicago Area Fishing

Coho salmon, Lake Michigan, and Chicagoland fishing go together as well as peanut butter, jelly, and Wonder Bread. The Coho salmon was introduced to the Great Lakes in 1966. Coho salmon made Lake Michigan famous for fishing because of the plentiful numbers. In the late 70’s thru the 1980’s Port of Waukegan, IL. was dubbed “The Coho Salmon Capital of the World”.

Since that time people from all over the world come to the Great Lakes for the world class fishing. Coho salmon is native to the Pacific Ocean and has been stocked in Lake Michigan for 57 years. In the winter months, coho salmon migrate to the southern tip of Lake Michigan following the bait fish. If an angler can find lake access in the winter, Coho may be caught year round. Colder water Coho fishing is best by casting or trolling crank-baits.

In the spring Coho start to migrate north on the shoreline. Honestly, springtime is the best time to catch coho salmon because they swim in the warmer shallow waters to feed on the bait fish. There are some great bait combinations fisherman like to use to catch coho as the water temperature warms; such as an orange dodger and peanut fly or a 3” pearl green fly with silver rainbow tinsel. (a.k.a. The Scotty Fly) You can try a variety of colors to see what the fish are biting on. 2024 we saw the best Coho salmon fishing we’ve seen in decades. Both the size and numbers of fish were respectful. 

However, the best way to catch the fish is to join the experience with Captain Nick aboard Spendthrift Charters out of Waukegan, IL. You won’t have to worry about bait combinations, getting the lines ready, filleting the fish or cleaning up. You get to enjoy the day just catching one Coho after the next until you reach your limit. Join Nick for a great day on Lake Michigan. Call and book your springtime date and let’s try to catch a new state record.  

By the way, Coho is absolutely delicious! Nutritional facts of coho salmon: Low in sodium and an excellent source of protein, omega-3 fatty acids, niacin, vitamin B12, and selenium.