Damn Good Waukegan Fishing Guides

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Recently Booked Fishing Guides In Waukegan, Il

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Certified Damn Good Guides offer 10/10 trips. Guides earn this badge through quality reviews, quick and responsive communication, and low cancellation rates.
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Lake Fishing Trip in Waukegan

Salmon & Trout Fishing

NEW
36 ft 1 - 12 People From $750
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Lake Fishing Trip in Waukegan

Epic Salmon And Trout Trip

NEW
36 ft 1 - 6 People From $650
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Lake Fishing Trip in Waukegan

Weekday Special - 36' Trojan

NEW
36 ft 1 - 3 People From $500
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Lake Fishing Trip near Waukegan

Lake Michigan Angler's Delight

NEW
40 ft 1 - 6 People From $850
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Lake Fishing Trip near Waukegan

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 Waukegan

Weekend Salmon Run

NEW
35 ft 1 - 6 People From $660

Top Types of Trips in Waukegan

Top Species for Fishing in Waukegan

“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 Waukegan

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)

More Fishing Guides In Waukegan, Il

Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Lake Fishing Trip near Waukegan

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 Waukegan

Lake Michigan Lunkers!

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

Lake Fishing Trip near Waukegan

Weekday Salmon Run

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

Lake Fishing Trip near Waukegan

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 Waukegan

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 Waukegan

Fox Chain O' Lakes Ice Fishing

NEW
1 - 3 People From $395
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Everything to Know About Booking a Fishing Guide in Waukegan

What are the best fishing trips in Waukegan?

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

Our Damn Good Guides currently offer 14 trips in Waukegan, and the most popular trips in the area are Salmon & Trout fishing guided by Jim, Epic Salmon and Trout Trip guided by Jim, and Weekday Special - 36' Trojan guided by Jim.

Our guides in Waukegan are rated a 5 out of 5 based on 3714 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 Waukegan? Check out our beginner and family friendly guides in Waukegan.

What types of fishing trips are common in Waukegan?

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

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

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

How much does a Waukegan fishing trip cost?

Prices in Waukegan can range anywhere from about $658 to $1,860, but the average price for a half day trip in Waukegan is $671. The average price for a full day trip in Waukegan is $1,332.

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 Waukegan?

The most popular season for fishing in Waukegan is fall, and most anglers book their trips 43 days in advance.

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

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

Popular Types of Fishing In Waukegan

Waukegan fishing charters offer a variety of options for anglers of all levels. The most common types of charters include half-day and full-day trips, as well as private and group charters.

For those looking to catch salmon and trout, the most popular option is a Lake Michigan charter. These charters typically depart from the Waukegan Harbor and visit landmarks such as the Waukegan South Pier and the Waukegan Lighthouse.

If you're interested in catching bass and other freshwater fish, a charter on the nearby Fox River may be more your speed. These charters often depart from the Waukegan Marina and visit landmarks such as the Bowen Park Dam and the Waukegan Riverwalk.

No matter which type of Waukegan fishing charter you choose, you're likely to catch a variety of fish, including salmon, trout, bass, perch, and walleye. So grab your gear and get ready for a day of adventure on the water!

The Best Places To Fish In Waukegan

Waukegan, Illinois is a great destination for fishing enthusiasts. With its proximity to Lake Michigan, there are plenty of opportunities to catch a variety of fish. Here are some of the best places to fish in Waukegan, Illinois:

1. Waukegan Harbor: This is a popular spot for fishing charters, as it offers easy access to Lake Michigan and a variety of fish species.

2. North Point Marina: Another great spot for fishing charters, North Point Marina offers a variety of fishing opportunities, including salmon, trout, and perch.

3. Bowen Park: This park offers a peaceful setting for fishing, with a pond stocked with bass, bluegill, and catfish.

4. Waukegan Beach: This is a great spot for shore fishing, with opportunities to catch salmon, trout, and perch.

5. Glen Flora Country Club: This private club offers fishing opportunities for members, with a stocked pond and access to the Des Plaines River.

Whether you're looking for a fishing charter or a peaceful spot to cast your line, Waukegan, Illinois has plenty of options for anglers of all levels.

Other Things To Do In Waukegan

While Waukegan fishing charters are a popular attraction, there are plenty of other things to do in this vibrant city. Take a stroll through the Waukegan History Museum to learn about the city's rich past, or explore the stunning Bowen Park and its beautiful gardens. For a fun day out with the family, head to Six Flags Great America amusement park or the Jump America trampoline park. If you're looking for a cultural experience, catch a show at the Genesee Theatre or visit the Jack Benny Center for the Arts. And don't forget to indulge in some delicious local cuisine at one of Waukegan's many restaurants.

Recent Reviews

  • ★★★★★
    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

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