Snagging Salmon, A Fall Tradition

Nestled next to the heart of Chicago sits Lake Michigan, abundant with wildlife and aquatic species. Each fall the salmon migrate back to the shorelines looking for a place to spawn, destined to die soon after. The abundance of salmon in this section of Illinois means that the shorelines along Lake Michigan become flush with fisherman attempting success at landing a large fish. Snagging is allowed from October 1 to December 31 each year at four locations along the Illinois Lake Michigan shoreline. The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) strictly regulates the practice, allowing it only in designated locations.

Native of the Pacific Ocean stretching from California to Alaska, the Chinook salmon, also known as the king salmon, and the smaller coho salmon are reared at Jake Wolf Memorial Fish Hatchery and stocked in three Illinois Lake Michigan harbors (Jackson Harbor, Diversey Harbor and Waukegan Harbor) each May. Both salmon species grow quickly after stocking and their diets consist largely of fish (mostly alewives). The state of Michigan originally introduced salmon to Lake Michigan back in the late 1960s to help control the alewife population and for sport fishing. Chinook salmon now reproduce naturally in cold water Michigan streams that feed Lake Michigan. They do not reproduce successfully in Illinois waters but do maintain strong homing instincts and return to Illinois harbors where they were stocked. After spending one to four summers growing out in the lake, mature salmon stop feeding and return mostly to the Illinois harbor where they were stocked to spawn, and then die. Snagging is permitted as a highly regulated fishing opportunity for shore anglers to harvest salmon that would otherwise end up dead at the bottom of the harbor.

Snagging is different from typical angling with lures or bait, and it has a unique approach. Snagging entails casting hooks in the water and swiftly jerking on the line in hopes of hooking into a fish. It involves heavy-duty rods out fitted with large treble hooks and strong line that could withstand the sudden tugs and resistance brought about by a large salmon. Because snagging does not depend upon the active taking of a bait by the fish, the hook is usually cast into a school of migrating salmon. The angler then performs a series of quick jerks to the line to set the hook, hopefully, into a salmon passing by. Snagging at night is often accompanied by lights or glowing lures. Snagging, though unconventional or even controversial in certain communities, is a completely legal and popular method in Illinois, particularly concerning the catching of Chinook and coho salmon during the fall spawning run.

According to rules in the State of Illinois that outline how and when fishing can be enjoyed, Administrative Rule 810.20, the following pertains to snagging:

• 4) Snagging for Chinook and coho salmon only is permitted from the following Lake Michigan shoreline areas from October 1 through December 31; however, no snagging is allowed at any time within 200 feet of a moored watercraft or as posted:
  • A) Lincoln Park Lagoon from the Fullerton Avenue Bridge to the southern end of the Lagoon.
  • B) Waukegan Harbor (in North Harbor basin only).
  • C) Winnetka Power Plant discharge area.
  • D) Jackson Harbor (Inner and Outer Harbors).

d) Disposition of Snagged Salmon (and Paddlefish). All snagged salmon (and paddlefish) must be removed from the area from which they are taken and disposed of properly, in accordance with Article 5, Section 5-5 of the Fish and Aquatic Life Code.

The Culture of Snagging Season

The snagging season in Illinois is more than just a fishing experience; it’s a cultural event. Many anglers participate year after year, turning the short season into a time of camaraderie and shared excitement. The tradition remains strong in Illinois as new people discover the thrill of snagging, and the designated locations along Illinois’ Lake Michigan harbors have become gathering spots for local snaggers. For some, the appeal lies in the physicality of the activity and the chance to hook large, powerful fish. For others, it’s about the brief but intense window of opportunity to catch salmon during their spawning run, which makes the experience feel special and exclusive.

Tips for Snagging Season

Things to remember during your snagging adventure.

• Many of the salmon enter the Lake Michigan harbors mid-September. There is still a lot of boating activity at that time of the year, and many of the harbors have vessels and occupants. Moving boats and snagging hooks don’t mix. The opening day is October 1 which gives most of the boats time to vacate the harbors.
• Be sure to have your licenses and stamps as required by law. A fishing license with a Salmon Stamp is required to snag.
• Snagging for species other than salmon is illegal. It is illegal to take trout while snagging. Incidental trout catches must be immediately released.
• The daily limit is five (5) total and selling or bartering fish is unlawful.

Snagging regulations are strictly enforced by Illinois Department of Natural Resources Conservation Police Officers. Violating rules, such as fishing in prohibited areas or exceeding bag limits, can result in fines, confiscation of gear and potential legal consequences.

Snagging season for salmon in Illinois offers a distinctive and exciting fishing opportunity for locals and visitors alike. It combines skill, patience and a touch of luck as anglers try to hook salmon during their fall migration. With the proper techniques and respect for regulations, snagging can provide a rewarding way to connect with nature, experience Illinois’s waterways, and participate in a beloved fall tradition.

Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a curious beginner, the fall snagging season offers a unique way to enjoy the state’s fisheries.

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Steven Beltran joined the Illinois Conservation Police in 2000, retiring as a Sergeant in northwest Illinois in 2024.