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AI-MarcoPolo
01 Feb 2025Updated last time
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Lake Michigan 2 Days Fishing Trip Itinerary

Lake Michigan Fishing Expedition

Embark on a two-day journey across the renowned waters of Lake Michigan, renowned for its abundant fishing opportunities and serene landscapes. Your adventure begins at the bustling Montrose Harbor, where the Chicago skyline offers a majestic backdrop to your fishing endeavors. Here, you can cast your line for various species that populate the waters, such as yellow perch, bass, and northern pike. Montrose Beach nearby is a perfect spot for a relaxing break and a chance to observe the local wildlife.

The following day takes you to Waukegan Harbor, a hub for anglers looking to snag the big one. Renowned for its salmon and trout, the area provides an ideal setting with experienced charters that promote a successful day of fishing. The community's passion for angling is palpable, with fellow fishermen sharing tales and tips on the docks. Beyond fishing, explore the local shops and eateries that line the harbor, culminating your short but thrilling Lake Michigan fishing trip.

Recommended Activities

  • Trip Point Pin1

    Montrose Harbor

    Montrose Harbor is a popular fishing spot offering a large variety of fish species to catch, beautiful skyline views, and ample amenities for a comfortable fishing trip. It's also a great place for bird watching and enjoying nature.
    Montrose Harbor
    Montrose Harbor
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    Montrose Harbor
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    Montrose Harbor
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    Montrose Harbor
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    Montrose Harbor
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    Montrose Harbor
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    Montrose Harbor
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  • Trip Point Pin2

    Waukegan Harbor

    Waukegan Harbor is known for being one of the best spots in Lake Michigan for salmon and trout fishing. It has excellent charter services and a fish-friendly environment with a welcoming community of anglers.
    Waukegan Harbor
    Waukegan Harbor
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    Waukegan Harbor
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    Waukegan Harbor
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    Waukegan Harbor
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    Waukegan Harbor
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    Waukegan Harbor
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    Waukegan Harbor
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Restaurants

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    SafeHouse Chicago

    SafeHouse Chicago

    An espionage-themed restaurant that requires a password for entry, offering a unique dining experience with an intriguing atmosphere.
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    Alinea

    Alinea

    One of the top restaurants in the world, known for its innovative molecular gastronomy and multi-sensory tasting menus.
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    The Purple Pig

    The Purple Pig

    A Mediterranean-themed restaurant that features a 'cheese, swine, and wine' theme, with communal dining and dishes to share.
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    RM Champagne Salon

    RM Champagne Salon

    A Parisian-style champagne salon with a hidden alley entrance, perfect for a romantic night out with an extensive wine list.
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    Barton G. The Restaurant Chicago

    Barton G. The Restaurant Chicago

    A dining experience filled with whimsical dishes and over-the-top presentations that will surprise and delight.
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    Ed Debevic's

    Ed Debevic's

    A 1950s-style diner with sassy servers, dancing, and retro food, which is as much a performance as a meal.
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    Carnivale

    Carnivale

    Vibrant, colorful restaurant offering flavorful Latin-inspired dishes and live entertainment, providing a fun and festive atmosphere.
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    The Berghoff

    The Berghoff

    A historic Chicago establishment that serves traditional German fare in an old-world setting with a storied past.
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Hotels

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    The Drake Hotel

    The Drake Hotel

    An iconic Chicago hotel known for its grandeur and history, offering classic elegance and luxury right on the Magnificent Mile.
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    The Robey

    The Robey

    A chic, modern hotel in a historic art deco building, providing unique city views and a trendy atmosphere in Chicago's Wicker Park.
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    The Publishing House Bed and Breakfast

    The Publishing House Bed and Breakfast

    A cozy, book-themed B&B in a refurbished 110-year-old building for a homey and intimate stay.
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    Hotel Lincoln

    Hotel Lincoln

    With eclectic decor and quirky vibes, this boutique hotel near Lincoln Park offers a distinct Chicago experience.
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    ACE Hotel Chicago

    ACE Hotel Chicago

    A trendy hotel that reflects the vibrant arts community of the West Loop with its unique industrial design interiors and cultural events.
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    Chicago Athletic Association Hotel

    Chicago Athletic Association Hotel

    This landmark hotel, set in a restored Venetian Gothic building, combines historic architecture with modern amenities, featuring multiple bars and a game room.
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Local Events & Happenings

  • Event Icon

    Robert Plant w/ Alison Krauss

    Robert Plant w/ Alison Krauss

    The event will take place at Ravinia in Highland Park.
    Map IconRavinia in Highland Park (4.47 mi)
    Calendar IconN/A
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    Michael Feinstein w/ Carnegie Hall Big Band

    Michael Feinstein w/ Carnegie Hall Big Band

    The event will take place at Ravinia in Highland Park.
    Map IconRavinia in Highland Park (4.47 mi)
    Calendar Icon24 Jun 2024
    Website IconVisit Website
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    Ben Platt

    Ben Platt

    The event will take place at Ravinia in Highland Park.
    Map IconRavinia in Highland Park (4.47 mi)
    Calendar Icon29 Jun 2024
    Website IconVisit Website
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    Roger Daltrey w/ KT Tunstall

    Roger Daltrey w/ KT Tunstall

    The event will take place at Ravinia in Highland Park.
    Map IconRavinia in Highland Park (4.47 mi)
    Calendar Icon30 Jun 2024
    Website IconVisit Website
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    Clint Black w/ Lyle Lovett

    Clint Black w/ Lyle Lovett

    The event will take place at Ravinia in Highland Park.
    Map IconRavinia in Highland Park (4.47 mi)
    Calendar Icon1 Jul 2024
    Website IconVisit Website
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  • Event Icon

    Arrival From Sweden

    Arrival From Sweden

    The event will take place at Ravinia in Highland Park.
    Map IconRavinia in Highland Park (4.47 mi)
    Calendar Icon6 Jul 2024
    Website IconVisit Website
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  • Event Icon

    Midori

    Midori

    The event will take place at Martin Theatre in Highland Park.
    Map IconMartin Theatre in Highland Park (4.47 mi)
    Calendar Icon6 Jul 2024
    Website IconVisit Website
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Travel Gems from Reddit

  • Reddit Icon

    Any tips or recos on Lake Michigan salmon or trout lures/setups? Question Going up to Frankfort, MI in August for a family trip and want to do some fishing when I can sneak aw...

    r/Fishing_Gear on Reddit: Any tips or recos on Lake Michigan salmon or ...

    Any tips or recos on Lake Michigan salmon or trout lures/setups? Question Going up to Frankfort, MI in August for a family trip and want to do some fishing when I can sneak aw...

    /r/Fishing_Gear
    View on RedditView on Reddit
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    Southern Lake Michigan is a world-class fishery and although the lake can be a cruel master, I love being out there on the water. Like many other waters, the fishery is very s...

    Pier fishing lake Michigan - looking for advice

    Southern Lake Michigan is a world-class fishery and although the lake can be a cruel master, I love being out there on the water. Like many other waters, the fishery is very s...

    /r/Fishing
    View on RedditView on Reddit
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    This is a subreddit for anglers who pursue, or wish to pursue, their favorite fish with fly tackle. Whether you throw a 2-weight on bluelines for brook trout or a double-hande...

    Any tips for fishing Lake Michigan tributaries for fall runs?

    This is a subreddit for anglers who pursue, or wish to pursue, their favorite fish with fly tackle. Whether you throw a 2-weight on bluelines for brook trout or a double-hande...

    /r/flyfishing
    View on RedditView on Reddit
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    Everything Michigan fishing related. Tips, tricks, videos, pictures and meet-ups. ... Shore Fishing Lake Michigan mid -August . Going to Michigan for the first time in mid-Aug...

    Shore Fishing Lake Michigan mid -August

    Everything Michigan fishing related. Tips, tricks, videos, pictures and meet-ups. ... Shore Fishing Lake Michigan mid -August . Going to Michigan for the first time in mid-Aug...

    /r/MichiganFishing
    View on RedditView on Reddit
  • Reddit Icon

    Does anyone know any cheap guides or charters for Lake Michigan? Im looking to take my fiance out fishing for trout / salmon on Lake Michigan but it seems most charter captain...

    Cheap guides or Charters Lake Michigan

    Does anyone know any cheap guides or charters for Lake Michigan? Im looking to take my fiance out fishing for trout / salmon on Lake Michigan but it seems most charter captain...

    /r/ChicagoFishing
    View on RedditView on Reddit
  • Reddit Icon

    Everything Michigan fishing related. Tips, tricks, videos, pictures and meet-ups. ... Lake Michigan Pier Fishing (SE Michigan Side) ... This will be my first trip out since co...

    Lake Michigan Pier Fishing Salmon

    Everything Michigan fishing related. Tips, tricks, videos, pictures and meet-ups. ... Lake Michigan Pier Fishing (SE Michigan Side) ... This will be my first trip out since co...

    /r/MichiganFishing
    View on RedditView on Reddit

Music for Your Journey

  • Music Icon

    Otis Redding - (Sittin' On) the Dock of the Bay

    Otis Redding - (Sittin' On) the Dock of the Bay

    An iconic song that captures the essence of relaxing by the water, perfect for a peaceful fishing trip.
    Listen on Spotify
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    John Denver - Take Me Home, Country Roads

    John Denver - Take Me Home, Country Roads

    John Denver's classic that evokes feelings of returning to a place of comfort, much like coming back to a favorite fishing spot.
    Listen on Spotify
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    Home Free - Fishin' in the Dark/Down in the Boondocks

    Home Free - Fishin' in the Dark/Down in the Boondocks

    A feel-good song about the joys of night fishing, setting the mood for an evening by the lake.
    Listen on Spotify
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    Harper Gomez - Gone Fishing

    Harper Gomez - Gone Fishing

    A lighthearted tune that speaks to the lazy pleasure of fishing and leaving worries behind.
    Listen on Spotify
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    Van Morrison - Into the Mystic - 2013 Remaster

    Van Morrison - Into the Mystic - 2013 Remaster

    With its nautical theme and soothing melody, this song is an ideal soundtrack for looking out over the water.
    Listen on Spotify
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    Countdown Nashville - I'm Gonna Miss Her (The Fishin' Song)

    Countdown Nashville - I'm Gonna Miss Her (The Fishin' Song)

    Brad Paisley's humorous take on choosing fishing over anything else makes for a light-hearted listen.
    Listen on Spotify
    Picture for Countdown Nashville - I'm Gonna Miss Her (The Fishin' Song)
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    Jonathan Michael Fleming - Down by the River

    Jonathan Michael Fleming - Down by the River

    This classic rock song, with its long instrumental interludes, is perfect for enjoying during a laid-back fishing trip.
    Listen on Spotify
    Picture for Jonathan Michael Fleming - Down by the River
  • Music Icon

    Bob Marley & The Wailers - Three Little Birds

    Bob Marley & The Wailers - Three Little Birds

    Bob Marley’s relaxing vibe and reassuring lyrics complement the tranquil experience of fishing.
    Listen on Spotify
    Picture for Bob Marley & The Wailers - Three Little Birds
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    Bishop Briggs - River

    Bishop Briggs - River

    A reflective and beautiful tune that captures the spirit of the waterways.
    Listen on Spotify
    Picture for Bishop Briggs - River
  • Music Icon

    Henry Thomas - Fishing Blues

    Henry Thomas - Fishing Blues

    An upbeat song that celebrates the time-honored tradition of fishing, adding some bluesy rhythm to your trip.
    Listen on Spotify
    Picture for Henry Thomas - Fishing Blues