Chicago Fishing School

Chicago Fishing School offers guided fishing and fishing instruction sessions, including 2-hour, half-day, and full-day options. The program supplies rods, bait, and expertise, and it also offers a boat guided lesson on a participant’s own boat.

Programs

• Guided Fishing / Lessons — Kids, families, adults; fishing party for kids from 4–84 · Weekday mornings March–June; Sundays available; some Saturday afternoons available; weekday evenings more limited; June–September weekday afternoons and weekend sessions by advanced booking; January–March ice fishing weekday mornings, most weekdays afternoons, and weekends; July–October book early for weekend lessons and guiding · Guided fishing and fishing instruction sessions; 2-hour, half day, and full-day options are offered. Rods, bait, and expertise supplied. No boat needed to catch.
• Boat Guided Lesson — Brand new to boating and fishing; own a boat · April–October; private sessions on your boat · Learn boat control, electronics, and fishing tactics on your own boat.
• Fishing Party — Kids from 4–84 · By appointment · Outdoor fishing party for adults, families, kids, groups, and corporate events. Gear, tips, and bait supplied.
• Johnny’s Fishing Camp — Kids · June, July, and August · Kid’s fishing camps around the Chicago suburbs.

At a glance

• Ages: 4–18 years old
• General schedule: Guided fishing and lessons are offered in seasonal patterns across the year, including March–June, June–September, October–November, January–March, and July–October. Kids’ fishing camps run during June, July, and August.

About the provider

Johnny Wilkins has been a Chicago fishing guide and teacher for more than 20 years. The program says he has taught over 1,500 people how to catch more fish, and his work has included kids’ parties, corporate fishing events, scout groups, school groups, families, and outdoor education.

Mileage may apply. Expenses vary for travel. Weekdays by appointment. Advanced booking is recommended for weekends. Dates fill quickly and must be confirmed. Fishing camps and guided sessions are by appointment or booking.

Last updated August 24, 2026.