It was another outing looking for the so far elusive king salmon.  We knew that they were around, but they have been really really scarce when it has come to hooking up.  Todd and I came with our typical arsenal.  We both had spawn rods set at various depths.  I was throwing a glow-rattle trap, while he was throwing a medium size glow flatfish.

At about 8:30, Todd yelled Fish On! He had a decent little battle and brought in this nice female.

Dusable Salmon Harbor Chicago Downtown King

Todd with his second Chicago king salmon of the year.


About a half hour later, I was fishing in the corner of the harbor.  I had spawn about 8 feet down in 12 feet of water.  My bobber went down very quickly.  It seemed odd to me, kings sometimes play with the bait or slowly swim away.  This time, it went down, and fast.  I quickly grabbed my rod off of the ground and set the hook.   The drag went peeling for about 50 ft and stopped.  The fish was holding to the bottom and wasn’t budging for a short while.  After a few more tugs, it began to run again.  By this time, Todd had made his way over with the net and was shining the head lamp into the water.  As I slowly pulled the fish to the surface, I was confident that this was my first salmon of the year…and a good one at that.

Then, it happened.   The fish’s tale rolled across the surface and Todd yelled Nice….Catfish? I couldn’t believe it.  He had to be mistaken.  One more roll from the fish, and sure enough he was right.  It was not just any catfish; it was a personal best, 28 inch Lake Michigan monster.  I know many people have caught bigger ones, but not me.  This fish would be my fall monster.

Dusable Catfish Harbor Chicago Lake Michigan

A 1st ever harbor channel catfish.


Fish Totals:
Matt – 1 Catfish
Todd – 1 King Salmon