July 26 Fishing Report – Waukegan Harbor

Hey all, sorry we’ve been not posting reports in a while. We were away on a family trip and didn’t want to leak anything during Salmon-O-Rama, but we are back! Here is the report for this past week. Fishing is consistent with an number of King Salmon every trip along with Coho, Steelhead, and Lake Trout. Average catches between 10-14 fish per charter. King Salmon fishing is better than we’ve seen in years and should only continue to increase in numbers as we enter August. We have been fishing in front of the harbor in 80-100’ foot for the past couple weeks with our presentations at 50’ or below in the water column. Our best of the best and most consistent presentations are at the link below:

  • Rigger 1 - 3 color SWR with a Michigan Stinger UV NBK dow 40’
  • Rigger 2 - Moonshine RV Bloody Nose down 70’
  • Rigger 3 - Running about 5’ from the bottom with a Silver Glow (Trash Can) Dodger and a Rapture Trolling Flies Pink Sting Lake Trout Rig
  • Wire Dipsy 1 - back 120’ mag diver with NBK Flasher and Green Crinkle 4” Fly
  • Wire Dipsy 2 - back 100 mag diver with a White Double Crushed Glow tape and a Rapture Trolling Flies Silver Hypnotist (This has been a staple for weeks)
  • 10 color leads running on each side - 1 with a Moonshine RV Bloody Nose the other with a Stinger UV PK Special
  • 200 Copper with a Moonshine Carbon 14 spoon
  • 300 Copper with a Stinger 57 Chevy spoon

As you can see, we are starting to downsize the spread as the water temps heat up and push the fish further down into the water column. Good luck out there!

Welcome to Spendthrift Charters!

Frequently called the "Best Chicago Fishing Charters" in Chicagoland and proudly serving the Chicago and Waukegan, Illinois areas for over 40 years, Captain Jerry Nied has been chartering the finest of fishing trips. Spendthrift Charters is one of the largest fishing charter fishing vessels available on Lake Michigan today. We currently have three 39-ft Tiara ships to satisfy every fishing need, no matter the size of the group. Captain Jerry is a full time U.S. Coast Guard and licensed captain. Fishing charters are available 7 days a week. Call now for the next available Chicago fishing charter departure time!

Mail: 1091 West Dearborn Ln. Vernon Hills, IL. 60061

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