Damn Good Chicago Fishing Guides

Check real-time availability and compare rates on Chicago fishing trips. Confidently book your next day on the water.

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Damn Good Guides

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Recently Booked Fishing Guides In Chicago, Il

Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Lake Fishing Trip in Chicago

Weekday Fishing Trip

NEW
38 ft 1 - 6 People From $1,030
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Lake Fishing Trip near Chicago

Weekend Salmon Run

NEW
35 ft 1 - 6 People From $660
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Lake Fishing Trip near Chicago

Lake Michigan Lunkers!

NEW
36 ft 1 - 12 People From $850
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Lake Fishing Trip near Chicago

Kings, Coho, & Big Ol' Lake Trout

100% (1)
32 ft 1 - 6 People From $590
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Lake Fishing Trip near Chicago

Lake Michigan Magic

NEW
40 ft 1 - 12 People From $850
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Lake Fishing Trip near Chicago

St. Joe Weekend Slammer

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31 ft 1 - 6 People From $875

Top Types of Trips in Chicago

Top Species for Fishing in Chicago

“Our Damn Good Guides go above and beyond, and we’ve handpicked every single one. We’re passionate about the outdoors and look forward to getting you out on the trip of a lifetime, every time.”

Jonathan and Attison   |   Co-founders   |   Austin, Texas

Target Species in Chicago

View Full Species Seasonality Chart »
  • Get it while it's HOT!
  • This species is in play.
  • You might get lucky (as long as things are in-season).
  • Couldn't tell ya! (no data)

Lake Fishing Guides In Chicago, Il

Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Lake Fishing Trip in Chicago

Weekday Fishing Trip

NEW
38 ft 1 - 6 People From $1,030
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Lake Fishing Trip near Chicago

Lake Michigan 6 Hour Trip

NEW
39 ft 1 - 6 People From $1,000
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Lake Fishing Trip near Chicago

Lake Michigan 4 Hour Twilight

NEW
39 ft 1 - 6 People From $750
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Lake Fishing Trip near Chicago

Half Day Salmon Slammer

NEW
31 ft 1 - 6 People From $825
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Lake Fishing Trip near Chicago

Kings, Coho, & Big Ol' Lake Trout

100% (1)
32 ft 1 - 6 People From $590
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Lake Fishing Trip near Chicago

Lake Michigan 8 Hour Trip

NEW
39 ft 1 - 6 People From $1,200

More Fishing Guides In Chicago, Il

Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Lake Fishing Trip near Chicago

Weekday Salmon Run

NEW
35 ft 1 - 4 People From $620
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Lake Fishing Trip near Chicago

Lake Michigan 8 Hour Trip

NEW
39 ft 1 - 6 People From $1,200
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Lake Fishing Trip near Chicago

Lake Michigan Angler's Delight

NEW
40 ft 1 - 12 People From $850
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Lake Fishing Trip near Chicago

Lake Michigan 6 Hour Trip

NEW
39 ft 1 - 6 People From $1,000
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Lake Fishing Trip near Chicago

Lake Michigan 4 Hour Twilight

NEW
39 ft 1 - 6 People From $750
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Lake Fishing Trip near Chicago

Kenosha Salmon Hookfest

100% (1)
33 ft 1 - 6 People From $875
See All Trips in Chicago

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Everything to Know About Booking a Fishing Guide in Chicago

What are the best fishing trips in Chicago?

Why should I book a fishing trip in Chicago with Captain Experiences?

Our Damn Good Guides currently offer 1 trip in Chicago: Weekday Fishing Trip guided by Gintas.

Our guides in Chicago are rated a 5 out of 5 based on 3806 verified reviews on Captain Experiences.

All guides on Captain Experiences are 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.

Looking for kid friendly guides / fishing lessons in Chicago? Check out our beginner and family friendly guides in Chicago.

What types of fishing trips are common in Chicago?

Lake fishing is the most popular type of fishing in Chicago.

The most commonly sought after species in Chicago are: 1. chinook salmon, 2. lake trout, 3. coho salmon, 4. brown trout, and 5. steelhead.

The most common fishing techniques in Chicago are trolling, light tackle fishing, and artificial lure fishing but bottom fishing and heavy tackle fishing are popular as well.

How much does a Chicago fishing trip cost?

Prices in Chicago can range anywhere from about $720 to $2,300, but the average price for a half day trip in Chicago is $1,157. The average price for a full day trip in Chicago is $1,504.

Is booking a fishing guide worth the money?

Hiring a guide provides a number of benefits and many choose to book a fishing guide for a combination of experience, local knowledge, convenience, and cost-effectiveness.

Working with experienced fishing guides who know the best local spots and techniques can dramatically increase your odds of a great day. Having someone who is on the water every day and knows the area like the back of their hand is going to give you the best chances of success.

Booking a guide is also more cost effective, especially if you only get out a handful of times per year. When you consider all of the costs you would incur on your own such as the price of a boat, maintenance, insurance, gas, high-quality gear and tackle, repairs, and more, you’ll find that DIY is sometimes not worth the expense.

Even if you’ve got a great setup already in your home waters, booking a guide also provides a great opportunity to experience new techniques, new locations, or even a chance at a new target species to knock off the bucket list.

What month is best for fishing in Chicago?

The most popular season for fishing in Chicago is summer, and most anglers book their trips 0 days in advance.

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

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

Recent Reviews

  • ★★★★★
    When you consider a fishing charter, you should consider the abilities and experience of the Captain himself. Captain Jeremee has a wealth of knowledge that will benefit you and your entire group on a trip with him. He studies water intensely, water and weather conditions, the fish behavior, the up to the minute conditions and applies a tremendous skill set to meet your needs. Jeremee works well with even the young an inexperienced fisherman. Would you rather have Deshawn Watson or Jared Goff as your quarterback? Jeremee is a standout elite captain that will be my quarterback for many years to come. Please take it from an experienced fisherman that has had many outings with other Captains across the country including salt water excursions. Captain Jeremee is the real deal!

    Christopher L. | October 20, 2024

    Trip: Salmon & Trout Fishing

  • ★★★★★
    Chris did a great job rescheduling and made the trip fun. We all had a great time and we will enjoy grilling the trout and salmon tonight and talk about the fishing. Thank you!!!

    Ron B. | August 12, 2023

    Trip: Kings, Coho, & Big Ol' Lake Trout

  • ★★★★★
    Absolutely fantastic trip with Shane. He explained everything we needed to know and set expectations before the trip and was easy to find when we got there. Super knowledgable, patient, and fun, his boat was clean and he was extremely efficient. Learned a lot, got on some major trout and salmon action, and had a blast. Looking forward to the next time we can get out there with him!

    Shawna S. | September 20, 2022

    Trip: Kenosha Salmon Hookfest

Didn't Find What You Were Looking For?

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