Fishing Boats at the Lake County Fall Boat Show
Between the Chain O'Lakes, the Fox River and the walleye and panfish waters scattered across Lake and McHenry counties, northern Illinois anglers run every kind of fishing boat — and the Lake County Fall Boat Show puts several of them within walking distance of each other. Participating brands include Crestliner, with welded-aluminum and fiberglass multi-species hulls on the show floor.
A boat show is the best place to compare fishing platforms: step inside the cockpit, check sight lines from the bow, compare livewell placement and storage, and ask the dealer rep how the rig performs in the water you actually fish.
What to Expect on the Show Floor
- Fishing boats from participating brands including Crestliner
- Aluminum and fiberglass multi-species comparisons
- Console, livewell and rod-storage configurations
- Guidance on matching the boat to your water: river, lake or big water
- Show pricing on current-year models and remaining inventory
- A free onsite evaluation of your current boat as a trade
Buying Considerations Before You Shop
A boat show is the best place to ask these questions, because the person answering is standing next to the boat. Bring your notes and your tow vehicle specs:
- Aluminum versus fiberglass for the waters you fish most
- Bow-mount trolling motor and electronics rigging options
- Livewell size, location and circulation for keeping bait and catch healthy
- Trailer and tow vehicle compatibility
- How the hull handles wind and chop on busy summer weekends
Show Incentives & Trade-In Value
Fishing boats move slowly in the off-season, which is exactly why fall is buyer season: dealers sharpen prices on current-year inventory, and show shoppers can add a trade-in credit for their existing rig. Free winter storage offers on qualifying purchases mean your new boat sits covered until the spring bite instead of in your driveway.
Ready to see what your current boat is worth? The show offers free onsite boat trade-in evaluations both days, and the full event guide covers hours, parking and directions to the Lake County Fairgrounds in Grayslake.
See Fishing Boats at the Lake County Fall Boat Show
September 26–27, 2026 at the Lake County Fairgrounds in Grayslake, Illinois. Free admission and free parking — bring the whole family and compare boats side by side.