Waukegan 5-23 & 5-24

[Captain Rick Bentley]

After fishing 170-210 FOW during the week and taking 4 & 5 man limits of coho, we shelved the deepwater plan in favor of giving more shallow water a better chance again.

Saturday morning's plan worked seamlessly and we took a 4-man limit of coho and a 12lb trout in just 2 hours in 60-75 FOW a touch south of the harbor.

Saturday afternoon's charter proved more difficult as the wind died in the same waters and we took half that many fish but a 16lb 6oz Chinook helped our cause.

The rougher water for Sunday morning's charter discouraged us from a shot at the south reef so we fish the same waters as Saturday and had good action most of the morning, taking 14 coho, 2 rainbows, a 13lb chinook and a 13lb trout. We had another 4-year old escape and another large fish break off.

4-year old chinook are showing up and many coho are already in the 5-6lb class as well. If the coho stay in the area, we should see 9-10lb'ers in several weeks. Tackle will start to be put to the test. The graph showed heavy concentrations of fish and bait.

Peanut flies in BGG, black/purple, green hair/aqua on boards and dipsies all took fish. Hey Baby Fishlander on 2 color lead down 31 has been consistent for several coho, trout, and now 4-year old chinook each time out.

Be safe on the water everyone and don't take chances with rough water. Thanks also to the 'Ranger' boat that returned one of the two yellow birds I had breakoff Saturday!

Photos are updated on the website and good luck.

Capt. Rick
Windycitysalmon.com