Illinois Fishing Guides

Easily find an Illinois fishing guide that fits your needs. Confidently book your next day on the water.


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Recently Booked Fishing Guides In Illinois

Lake Fishing Trip in Winthrop Harbor

Lake Michigan 4 Hour Twilight

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39 ft 1 - 6 People From $108 / person
Damn Good

Lake Fishing Trip in Channel Lake

Fox Chain O' Lakes Ice Fishing

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1 - 3 People From $132 / person

Lake Fishing Trip in Waukegan

Epic Salmon And Trout Trip

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36 ft 1 - 6 People From $125 / person

Lake Fishing Trip in Winthrop Harbor

6 Hour 1/2 Day Charter AFTERNOON

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36 ft 1 - 6 People From $142 / person

Lake Fishing Trip in Winthrop Harbor

Lake Michigan 6 Hour Trip

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39 ft 1 - 6 People From $167 / person

Lake Fishing Trip in Winthrop Harbor

Lake Michigan 8 Hour Trip

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39 ft 1 - 6 People From $200 / person

Most Popular Types of Trips in Illinois

“Our Damn Good Guides go above and beyond to provide you an incredible trip, and we’ve handpicked every single one. We’re passionate about the outdoors and about empowering people to find the perfect-match guide for the trip of a lifetime, every time.”

Jonathan and Attison   |   Co-founders   |   Austin, Texas

Choose your trip by skill level

Fishing Guides In Illinois

Just north of Chicago, on the banks of Lake Michigan, lies Waukegan, IL. Join Captain Jim and set out from this quiet suburb for an action-packed adventure on Lake Michigan! You will have a chance to haul up massive Salmon and Lake Trout, which are not only fun to catch but taste delicious too. While trolling along the deep blue waters of the lake, wait for the scream of the reel and get ready to battle with your dinner! Jim's 36’ Trojan sportfisher is spacious and luxurious, and offers a comfortable ride out to the prime fishing grounds. She is powered by twin diesel engines with a total of 660 horsepower, so you'll be out there in no time. She also comes equipped with an ice box to store your catch until Captain Jim can clean and fillet it at the end of the day. Everything you need for an amazing day on the water is provided. Jim brings all equipment including rods, reels, bait, tackle, and life jackets. If you want to bring food and drinks, you’re more than welcome to. A half day on the water can feel like a long time, and you don’t want to be hungry! You should also be prepared with appropriate clothing and sun protection. Be sure to check the weather reports before your journey so you know what to wear! Read More

Lake Fishing Trip in Waukegan

Weekday Special - 36' Trojan

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36 ft 1 - 3 People From $167 / person

We run 8hr charters all season. We recommend 8hr trips to all of our guests in August & September. In most cases, we run off shore further in the summer months to reach cold water and active fish. This longer trip allows us to get in on the early morning bite but also gives us a chance to change up techniques as the day progresses. Read More

Deep Sea Fishing Charter in Winthrop Harbor

8 Hour Full Day Charter MORNING

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36 ft 1 - 6 People From $175 / person

Morning or Afternoon, the 6hr charter is our most popular charter. Morning charters normally leave the dock between 4am-6am Read More

Deep Sea, Nearshore Fishing Charter in Winthrop Harbor

6 Hour 1/2 Day Charter MORNING

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36 ft 1 - 6 People From $142 / person
See All Trips in Illinois

Everything to Know About Booking a Fishing Guide in Illinois

What are the best fishing trips in Illinois?

Our Damn Good Guides currently offer 9 trips in Illinois, and the most popular trips in the area are Lake Michigan 4 Hour Twilight guided by Josh, Fox Chain O' Lakes Ice Fishing guided by Trevor, and Epic Salmon and Trout Trip guided by Jim.

All guides on Captain Experiences are licensed, insured, and vetted by our team. You can access their reviews, click through trip photos, read bios to get to know them, and preview trip details like species, techniques, group sizes, boat specs and more.

The most popular cities to book a charter in Illinois are Winthrop Harbor, Waukegan and Channel Lake.

Looking for kid friendly guides in Illinois? Check out our beginner and family friendly guides in Illinois.

What types of fishing trips are common in Illinois?

Deep Sea fishing is the most popular in Illinois as well as lake fishing and nearshore fishing.

The most commonly sought after species in Illinois are: 1. chinook salmon, 2. coho salmon, 3. lake trout, and 4. brown trout.

The most common fishing techniques in Illinois are trolling, artificial lure fishing, and light tackle fishing but ice fishing is popular as well.

How much does an Illinois fishing trip cost?

in Illinois prices can range anywhere from an affordable $395 to $1,200, but the average price for a half day trip in Illinois is $608. The average price for a full day trip in Illinois is $880.

What month is best for fishing in Illinois?

The most popular season for fishing in Illinois is winter, and most anglers book their trips 58 days in advance.

Do I need a Illinois fishing license and what are the bag limits in Illinois?

See here for more information on fishing licenses in Illinois, bag limits for target species, and fishing season regulations in Illinois. When in doubt, your fishing guide will always know the right rules and regulations in Illinois.

The Best Places to Fish in Illinois

Top Types of Fishing in Illinois

Didn't Find What You Were Looking For?

Our guides are Damn Good Guides, which means they’re licensed, insured and vetted by our team of outdoor experts who know them on a first-name basis. We hand pick our Damn Good Guides, and our network spans all across the country and beyond.

The proof is in the pudding, and we’re incredibly proud of our 4.9 / 5 average review score. Hit the button below to see more trip options:

See All Trips in Illinois