Pat Harrison Outdoor Adventures : Fishing the Chicago River & Lakefront 2016

Pat Harrison Outdoor Adventures : Fishing the Chicago River & Lakefront 2016

The morning started with a cup of coffee and mild Chicago traffic as I made my way down to Richard J. Daley Boat Ramp.  On this day, I'm meeting up with Captain Pat Harrison from Pat Harrison Outdoors - Fishing Adventure. 

 Pat Harrison is a full-time licensed fishing guide, United States Coast Guard licensed charter captain, and influential angler from Northern Illinois. A resident of Northwest Chicago suburb of Park Ridge, Harrison has over 35 years worth of angling experience, with 9 seasons of guiding under his belt. After taking courses and undergoing certification, Pat became a USCG certified captain 3 years ago.

Pat specializes in guiding the waters of Northern Illinois (Shabbona Lake, Fox Chain of Lakes, Lake Michigan, Illinois River, Chicago River) and Southern Wisconsin (Lake Delavan, Lake Geneva, Madison Chain, Wisconsin River) for bass, walleye and panfish. He also guides on many other bodies of water, and offers specific trips on many more regional waters upon request.

From the moment Pat launched his 2015 PrinceCraft Nanook geared up with top of the line Huminbird Electronics and a new Power Drive w/ I Pilot trolling motor, you sensed his professionalism and drive behind providing a top notch fishing guide service.   As a Chicago native, Pat really brought the history alive as he told stories about Chicago.  Around every corner he eagerly talked about its architecture and wonder.

"Every day I'm out on the water I get to live Mayor Richard Daley's dream of Chicagoan's enjoying the river front's fishing and scenery", said Captain Pat Harrison.

You knew what he was talking about as we entered the big stretch of the river. Along the river front you saw people on their way to work or enjoying their morning coffee and some just sitting along the banks enjoying the weather.  As we pulled into our first spot Captain Pat Harrison busted out his Grandt Rods and his Wavespin Reels.  If you go out on a guided tour with Pat Harrison you can bring your own rods but if you're coming in from out of town or taking the train in, you don't have to worry about lugging your gear. For no extra cost you are able to use all his gear.

Capitol Outdoors opted for this because well, all his gear was already set up for the type of fishing we were about to do.  "Were going to focus on some crappie and gills first and we might get a bass or two, but we'll have to fire them up first to get the larger fish" said Pat. "We will head out to the lake later in hopes of catching some smallmouth and salmon" he continued.  We quickly started catching some crappie, but the bite died down fast.

After deciding that we were going to change spots we moved further up river closer to the lakefront.  Hitting the back side of docks and some water currents we managed to scrape out a small fish.  Nothing to brag about but, I was enjoying myself and that's all that mattered.  While I was fishing in the front of the boat Pat enjoyed his time steering his Power Drive w/ I Pilot trolling motor from the back.  I will say that trolling motor was pretty cool! If you have never heard about this type of trolling motor, it is wireless and can be maneuvered via remote control.

Some more time passed and we decided to 'lock through' and hit the lakefront in hopes of some smallies, perch and anything else that would bite.  Right outside the iconic Navy Pier we fished and fished with no bites.  The sun was really starting to shine and you felt the heat on your neck.  With the crystal clear water, we decided to move to the break walls to see if the fish were there.

After fishing some break walls  we decided it was time to try a different spot.  "Let's move out a little and drop the down riggers and see if we can find a school of fish". Pat said.  Moving out in the water we dropped some trolling lines in hopes of finding some salmon.  We got everything hooked up but just couldn't locate the fish.

As we 'locked in' Pat said "sorry we're not finding them today". But you know, that's the thing I love about fishing, you really never know what the day is going to bring you.

Nonetheless, we had a great time on the water.  It brought back memories from when I would fish the Chicago Lakefront with my father as a little boy.  These are the things that life is about.  It's enjoying what we have, relishing in the moment and taking it as it comes.

Have you ever wanted to fish in Downtown Chicago, admiring the architecture while casting along the river? Don't have a boat of your own or do not want to navigate the waters? Pat Harrison Outdoors Fishing Adventures can help with that.  Captain Pat Harrison will give you the tour of the downtown Lake front that very few people get to see. So be sure to check him out.