Perch: The first reports have recently come in. There are groups of fish around Navy Pier along with some numbers at 87th. The size is fluctuating greatly from 4-11" fish currently. Expect the fishing to get very good any day now as water temps cool, and the fish set up closer to the shore. Perch Pounders tipped with Large and Extra Large Fathead Minnows, Keitech 2-3" Easy Shiner Swimbaits on a dropshot rig, and smaller jigging spoons have all produced fish so far. These will almost certainly continue to do so as the season progresses.
Panfish: Better Crappie and Bluegill fishing continues to be reported around many areas across Chicagoland. Wolf Lake, Rock Run Rookery, Monee Reservoir, Papoose Lake, and Tampier have all been good, but other popular fisheries should also be very productive currently. Try upsizing your profile a little if you are having trouble finding success. Most Crappie are currently feeding on larger bait to prepare their metabolism to slow. Instead of a typical Small Fathead Minnow or 1" Gulp Alive Minnow, upsize to a Large Fathead Minnow or a 2.5" Gulp Minnow for better results. Don't forget to cover water this time of year. Bait movement can be unpredictable, so spend some time casting an Underspin like a Bobby Garland Head Turn'r Jig with a 2-3" swimbait as a trailer. You are sure to find more fish faster by using this method.
Lake Trout: Many anglers are having success jigging for Lakers with Blade Baits and Spoons, as well as retrieving mid-size swimbaits near the bottom. Numbers have been steady, and some better fish in the 20 pound class have also been reported. Shore fishing is also possible for them currently, but will get better as we work our way to the end of November. Try a 1/2oz Berkley Thinfisher for a quality blade bait with great hooks that is still budget friendly. Expect to target most of the fish on offshore rock piles or near hard cover like breakwalls and slips.
Bass: Most local lakes can still be great this time of year, whether it is a pond or forest preserve. Just make sure to spend more time covering water this time of year. Many local rivers are doing well for Largemouth and Smallmouth on a wide variety of baits as well. The Dupage, Kankakee, and Des Plaines are great to fish with a shallower squarebill or flatsided crankbait. Dropshotting or "Drop Swimming" a swimbait is also a very effective way to catch bass as the water temps drop. If you prefer live bait, a Medium or Large Roach Minnow on a float or split shot rig are good options for consistent success.