Amazing Places to Kayak, Canoe, and Fish This Autumn (Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin)

Sep 26, 2024

Just because the weather is beginning to cool down doesn’t mean we have to forgo outdoor adventures. In fact, Autumn is arguably an even better time to visit your favorite natural areas. We’re positively buzzing just thinking about all of the landscapes washed in rich golds, stunning scarlets, blazing orange, and olive greens. Today, we’re bringing you some of the best autumnal hot spots for fishing, kayaking, canoeing, and hiking in Illinois and nearby states. When you’re planning your weekend escapes, you simply must make sure to add some of these gorgeous spots to your itineraries!

Note: Some of the nature areas or water trails may be pet and/or dog-friendly. Please check each launch site and area before bringing your pets, and be mindful of posted leash laws, seasonal regulations, and other restrictions to keep all visitors, wildlife, and fellow pets safe. Always remember to carry-in/carry-out and leave no trace for best practice!

Kickapoo Woods,Lower Little Calumet River, and Calumet Area Water Trails (Illinois/Indiana)

This river originates in Gary Indiana and flows through East Chicago and Hammond, eventually emptying into Lake Michigan. BYO canoe, kayak or sailboat and set off for an afternoon of serenity along the water and amidst the trees. This area is also great for taking out your row boat or trolling motor to do a little fishing in the stocked waters; anglers in the area can expect autumnal catches to range from Chinook, Coho Salmon, Lake Trout, and Skamania Steelheads, with a few late-summer Yellow Perch. This spot makes a great family day outing! When you’re done with your water escapades, we recommend hitting the trails and walking paths in the Kickapoo Woods; it’s a great place to do some wildlife spotting, hone your nature photography skills, do a little model-airplane flying, and have a delicious picnic lunch! If you’re stopping by the Indiana portion, we recommend the Grand Calumet River Conservation Trail and Little Calumet River Trails.

Added Bonus: If you’re an experienced paddler, we highly recommend exploring the African American Heritage Water Trail. It’s 7 miles long, and brings you from Beaubien Woods to Robbins. You’ll learn about nearly 2 centuries of African American History, learn about the river’s part in the Underground Railroad, regional history of the Civil Rights Movement, and touch on environmental justice issues. It’s a very interesting cultural excursion.

The Skokie Lagoons Along the Chicago River Water Trails (Illinois)

This system of seven lagoons is connected to channels on the Skokie River and covers 894 acres. It’s a great spot for canoeing and kayaking, where you’ll have plenty of opportunities to appreciate the stunning reflections of autumnal foliage along the river’s surface. Pack yourself a little picnic lunch, and pull up to one of the beaches in Evanston, Glencoe, or Winnetka. Since the waters are stocked annually, anglers can enjoy a full day of fishing to close out the season; expect to net: Walleye, Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Channel Catfish, Crappie, Yellow Bass, Redear Sunfish, Bluegill, and Common Carp. Stretch your legs along the 11+ miles of paved trails

Added Bonus: Consider volunteering for one of the Shedd Aquarium Action Days. On selected days in September through December, volunteers gather to participate in restoration and cleanup activities. This may include making room for native plants by removing invasive species in the woodlands, litter cleanup efforts, replanting native coastal plants along the river beds, and supporting other efforts to replant and reestablish local aquatic habitats.

The Des Plaines River Trail and Greenway (Illinois and Wisconsin)

Snaking its way through more than a dozen different forest preserves right here in Lake County for beautiful autumnal hikes and cycling. There are also 6 different launch sites along the river with free access and optional shoreline fishing areas; canoes, kayaks, paddleboards, and other non-motorized watercraft are allowed on the waters. The northern part of the river offers ample opportunities for kayaking, canoeing, rowing, and boating, but visitors should be mindful to avoid beaver dams in the area. The area is also famous for its annual 18.5 mile canoe and kayak race that runs from Libertyville through to Buffalo Grove! The river runs all the way into Wisconsin, too, where we recommend you check out Kenosha and Pleasant Prairie.

Areas of note: Local kayakers and canoers recommend checking out the following areas if you’re looking for some challenges:

Interstate Grove to Route 60 is just about 7 miles.
Route 60 to Allison Woods is around 13 miles.
Allison Woods to Irving Park road is around 14 miles.
The Confluence Loop entering at the Kankakee River is about 8 miles.

Apostle Islands Sea Caves (Wisconsin)

We cannot say enough about how gorgeous the Apostle Islands area is in the autumn! The area explodes with color and vibrant gradients of red, yellow, and orange can be noted along the rocky cliffside. There are numerous self-guided hiking and cycling trails in the area, but we would be remiss if we didn’t focus on the truly spectacular experience of the area’s water trails! Whether you choose to paddle through the Mainland Sea Caves or take a guided trip out to the Finn McCool Shipwreck and sandstone cliffs, this is an easy day-trip in the area. For those who wish to bask in the splendor of this area in full autumnal bliss, you may wish to spend a day at Sand Island, Basswood Island, or Bark Bay! If you’d like to spend a quieter, more leisurely time fishing, we recommend checking out Michigan Island or Ironwood Island. Local anglers also report best catches along the Sioux, Onion, Pikes, Cranberry, and Flag Rivers. In the autumn specifically, experts recommend checking out the shorelines along Basswood ISland, Hermit Island, and Oak Island. You may expect to catch Lake Trout, Brown Trout, Brook Trout, R rainbow Trout, Coho Salmon, Lake Sturgeon.

Added Bonus: This is the perfect time to go camping in this area, with crisp, cool weather in the 70s during the day, dipping to the 40s at night for some cozy snuggling in your sleeping bag. Plus, there’s the Bayfield Apple Festival which is a must-see 3 day festival in its 62nd year for 2024!