I primarily jig fish, but I'd get them on spinner baits as well.
There's also some pretty big rock bass in the harbors. I've caught some 1+ pounders.
Iconelli filmed a show here a number of years ago when he was doing his urban fishing series. If I recall, he spent most of his time fishing around Navy Pier.
I used to be able to sneak my old boat underneath the north side of Navy pier and do well with smallies and perch. It's been awhile but, I'm pretty sure it's a no boating area now because of the water plant. Worried about terror attacks or something.
Unfortunately, it's not always easy to find safe shore access on the river, not to mention parking. I don't know if it's still there but, there is/was a municipal lot underneath LSD at the Ogden Slip that was never patrolled for illegally parked cars. I'd park there. Prior to the condos being built on the south side of the slip, we'd fish at the boat touch and go that borders McClurg. Best shorebound crappie and LMB spot I ever found on the river. After the condos we're built, security would shag us out.