If your fishing line is just itching to dip into some cool water, Carlyle Lake is the best fishing in Clinton County, IL. We are home to Illinois’ largest manmade lake, plus miles of creeks and ponds that are prime waters for fish.
Types of Fish
Carlyle Lake is an angler’s dream, with 32 different species of fish recorded. Major fish include:
- Crappie
- Carp
- Bluegill
- Channel catfish
- White bass.
Other top sporting fish, such as walleye and largemouth bass, also live here. The water at the tail of the spillway is said to have the greatest variety of fish in America!
Where to Cast Off
Carlyle Lake is fed mainly by the Kaskaskia River, which spills out at the lake’s southwestern end. The lake’s water area is almost rectangular in shape and features eleven boat ramps, camping areas, and cabins for use or rental.
These amenities make it easy to access some of the best fishing in Illinois. The north end of Carlyle Lake is more shallow and reaches only about 11 feet deep. South of the Burlington Northern Railroad bridge that crosses the lake at about the midpoint, the water is deeper and reaches depths of 35 feet before flowing through the spillway.
The lake, managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, is divided by railroad tracks into two parts. The Upper Lake area offers two public access points, and the Lower Lake area has six access areas, including one at Eldon Hazlet State Park. Fishing is also allowed at the East and West Spillway areas below the Carlyle Lake Dam.
If fishing in smaller waters is more your style, the County has many options.
- Beaver Creek near Germantown;
- Mossy Lake, near Beckemeyer
- Sportsman Lake Dam, near Trenton are three good ones to try.
Listen to Al Croker’s weekly report for the latest information on conditions and what fish are taking different types of bait. Al is a longtime fisherman of Carlyle Lake. His “Carlyle Lake Fishing Report” and “Fishing and the Outdoors” programs have lots of helpful information, such as where the fish are biting and interviews with top guides and outfitters.
Getting Your Gear and License
In Illinois, you will need a license to fish unless you are fishing on your own land or on one of the state’s “Free Fishing” days. Traditionally, the third weekend in June is designated as free fishing.
On all other days, a license is easy to obtain online for an annual or short-term period.
We’ve got you covered if you need gear or a guide to take you to those best unique spots!
Fishing Tournaments
May and June are the season for fishing tournaments! Choose from Crappie, Bass, or Catfish tournaments. Some are entries to state tournaments.
Fishing is Only the Beginning!
Pack up your fishing rod. The best fishing in Clinton County, IL, is Carlyle Lake! Plan for more than just fishing, with watersports, festivals, wineries, and all things summer. Load the boat and head to Carlyle Lake for a great summer getaway.
Photo Credit: © grady reese via canva.com and © Fine Art via canva.com