Every Boat Ramp on Carlyle Lake

About Carlyle Lake

Carlyle Lake is the largest man-made lake in Illinois at 26,000 acres, impounded on the Kaskaskia River in Clinton, Fayette, and Bond counties. Created by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for flood control, the reservoir has become one of the state's most popular fishing and sailing destinations. Its vast open water and relatively shallow basin make it a top producer of crappie and white bass.

The lake is especially renowned for its spring white bass runs, when enormous schools push into tributaries and anglers can fill coolers in short order. Crappie fishing is equally productive, with brush piles and standing timber in the upper arms holding fish from early spring through fall. Walleye and sauger provide additional opportunity, particularly near the dam and in deeper channel areas during cooler months.

Eldon Hazlet State Recreation Area on the north shore and South Shore State Park offer excellent launch facilities and camping. The lake's proximity to St. Louis, about 50 miles to the west, makes it a popular weekend getaway for metro-area anglers seeking big water and reliable fishing.

Nearest towns: Carlyle, Breese