Fishing and dads just go together. My own dad used to drag me deep sea fishing in Florida — it was good, nauseating fun except for the time we got lost in a small motor boat during a severe lightning storm, shark fins silhouetted against the horizon …
In Chicago, the waters are much calmer. The fish are less edible, sure, but that’s what tartar sauce is for! Or catch and release.
On Sunday, consider casting a line with the old man at one of these local spots.
🐟 Favorite Lake Michigan Spot: Montrose Harbor
Montrose Harbor is popular for a reason. You can fish inside the harbor, around the peninsula, or along “The Horseshoe,” and there’s a range of seasonal fish. Right now, you can expect panfish, carp, bass, freshwater drum, and the occasional trout. Perch season starts Monday.
- Bonus:
Montrose Harbor has its own bait shop … and in a nearby shack, some of the city’s best hot dogs.
🐟 Favorite Smaller Lake: Wolf Lake
Technically, Wolf Lake belongs to both Chicago and Indiana, straddling the line between Hegewisch and Hammond. Luckily, there’s enough fish to share.
The bluegill and bass population recently increased and fishers report catching large walleye. Its shallow depth and clear water also make it a good spot to reel in northern pike.
🐟 Favorite Lagoon: Lincoln Park Lagoon
Did you know there are 17 fishable park lagoons in Chicago? Each offers a casual hangout for anglers, but we’re shouting out Lincoln Park for its biodiversity.
The North Side lagoon is home to bluegill, channel catfish, and largemouth bass in the summer — plus chinook and coho salmon.
- Fun fact: Snagging for salmon is only allowed in the Lincoln Park Lagoon and the Jackson Park Harbors.
This fisherman in an awesome hat shows off his catch from the DuPage River. (Bob Long Jr / Flickr)
🐟 Favorite River Spot: Bubbly Creek
Bubbly Creek’s name derives from Chicago’s "Stinking River" days, when gasses bubbled up from dumped livestock guts. Despite its enduring moniker, the waterway is much cleaner these days. Clean enough to fish in!
Sun-Times outdoor columnist Dale Bowman calls the Bubbly Creek contours “wonderful” for fishing, but expect a lot of carp.
- Bonus: Bubbly Creek is a short walk to Bridgeport Bait & Tackle as well as the McKinley Park Lagoon, which will host Family Fishing June 28.
Happy Father’s Day!
