Hey folks, this is Artificial Lure here with your November 3rd, 2025 Lake Michigan, Chicago fishing report.

We’re waking up to classic early November in the Windy City: sunrise at 5:56 AM, sunset right before 5:54 PM according to Tides4Fishing. Tidal swing today is moderate—we’ve got low tide at 4:36 AM and 5:07 PM, while the high tide hits at 10:53 AM and again at 11:29 PM. That midday tide push is always worth noting, especially if you’re targeting structure-oriented species that feed aggressively as water moves.

Weather-wise, we’re holding in the upper 40s to low 50s, with sunshine and mild winds reported around 5 mph from the lake, and just a slim chance of rain. Lake surface temps are running between 48 and 54 degrees per the National Data Buoy Center, which means we’re getting deep into the fall transition, but no hardwater yet.

Fish activity is steady, with the morning major solunar bite hitting roughly 8:13 to 10:43 AM according to Watertemps.com. If you want to maximize your chances, plan to hit the water for those windows and then again at dusk.

Now to what’s being caught: Bass action is still present but slowing. Anglers targeting harbors and river mouths in the city, like Burnham and Diversey, have reported a mixed bag of smallmouth and largemouth bass, mainly on slow presentations like drop-shots with green pumpkin worms and craws. Berkley Powerbait Maxscent The General in 4-inch green pumpkin remains a killer, according to patterns from Mille Lacs pro anglers. If you’re after smallmouth, focus on mid-depth boulder fields in 8-15 feet—try drop-shotting Z-Man Trick ShotZ or a Ned rig. These finesse rigs are taking numbers as bass school up, but be patient: the bite’s more subtle as water cools.

Perch are starting to bunch up as well—look for tight schools around Montrose and Navy Pier. Live minnows on drop-shot rigs or tiny spoons like Swedish Pimples are accounting for numbers. Nightcrawlers and small jigs tipped with spikes or waxworms are taking panfish and the occasional jumbo perch around marina docks.

Lake trout and browns are active close to shore. Spinners, spoons, and crankbaits are generating strikes, particularly early. Trollers just outside the breakwalls are hooking up on shad-pattern crankbaits and flutter spoons. For bigger trout, white tube jigs or hair jigs bounced along the bottom work best.

Salmon runs in Chicago’s tribs are mostly played out, but a few stubborn kings and cohos linger in the deeper pools. Go natural: drift spawn sacs or pink egg imitations right along the bottom. With the water running clearer thanks to little recent rain, lighter leaders are helping to fool pressured fish. According to recent Northern Angler reports, egg wash is huge and trout are keying on fresh spawn—mimic with beads or yarn flies for a shot at steelies.

As for hot spots, here are two sure bets:

- **Montrose Harbor**: Schools of perch and some late-run trout, especially on outer walls and inside the harbor mouths.
- **Navy Pier and Burnham Harbor**: Mixed panfish, trout, and occasional bass. Here, use light line and work small plastics around pilings.

Best lures and baits right now? Green pumpkin drop-shot worms, Ned rigs, live fathead minnows, and small spoons for panfish. For trout, metallic spoons and natural egg imitations; for perch, minnows, spikes, and tiny plastics work best. If working bass, craw-style plastics like Berkley Chigger Craws have year-round appeal per Major League Fishing patterns.

Wind should be manageable, but check the Small Craft Advisory as Winthrop to Wilmette Harbor is under one until this evening according to the National Weather Service. Waves 1-3 feet, so be safe if you’re heading out beyond harbor mouths.

The big fish aren’t everywhere, but the numbers have been suprisingly good for this late in the year. Bundle up, bring your patience,...