Fishing Carlyle Lake

AKA: Carlyle Reservoir, Lake Carlyle

Most Popular Fish
Carlyle Lake Fishing Video
Available Fish Species
Amenities
Today's Weather & Forecast
Boat Launch Ramps
Fishing Boat Rentals
Marinas
Local Fishing Guides
Fishing License
Campgrounds & RV Parks
Map
Contact Info

Carlyle Lake, IL

Popular Fish Species Carlyle Lake, IL

Crappie Fishing

Carlyle Lake has always been a decent crappie fishing lake. Currently the crappie population is at an all-time high. The lake has good populations of both black crappie and white crappie. These two species generally school by with their own, but once located around cover, you may find that you catch both species, due to the fact they often share the same cover. Crappie fishing can be found in varying size schools, hanging around brush, vegetation, wood or other cover. Using a fish finder any time of year can help locate these crappie schools, which tend to stack vertically around cover. Live bait and small jigs are the most common method for crappie here. In spring and fall focus on the 8 to 12 foot range. The best time to catch crappie tends to be at dawn and dusk. As the crappie move deep in summer and winter, follow points out deep, as well as find ledges near channels, especially areas with brush or timber in deeper water.

Carlyle Lake Popular Fish - Channel Catfish

Channel Catfish Fishing

If you enjoy catching channel catfish, Carlyle Lake is inviting you to show up and enjoy the good fishing. For weekend anglers, most any rod and reel will work for catching channel catfish at Carlyle Lake, as long as the line is strong enough. For serious catfish enthusiasts, using the right equipment enhances success, especially when you hook one of the big boys. A medium action, to medium-heavy action rod is ideal, in the 6' to 7' range. Use a slip sinker or Carolina rig with popular catfish baits on at least 10-pound line. Use sharp hooks with bait holders on the shank, or circle hooks for live bait. The state record channel catfish is over 45 pounds, and Carlyle Lake holds some pretty big ones. Flathead catfish also reside in the lake and fishing for them is often good as well. Night fishing for catfish often delivers better results than daytime fishing. Fishing for channel catfish is often most productive around any kind of structure in the area. In Spring channel catfish migrate toward incoming water, so stay up river away from the main lake. In early summer look for rocky banks, the bigger the rocks the better. In summer and winter deeper structure is where to look. The river end of the lake is often the area where the bigger catfish are caught. Road beds, creek channels and rocky points are all good places to begin.

White Bass Fishing

White bass are aggressive, hard-fighting and just plain fun to catch. When fishing for white bass, the average fish is typically in the one- to two-pound range. These schooling fish tend to roam around the lake looking for ideal water conditions and baitfish. Several successful spawn years have increased the catch rate of white bass at Carlyle Lake. Look for them to generally be in 15 to 35 feet of water, whether they are hovering around the bottom or swimming in open water. Fish finders are the best way to locate big schools of white bass. Fish near the bottom at night with live bait. In spring, once the water temperature rises into the mid sixties, they move shallow into the backs of coves and creek channels to spawn. When white bass chase schools of bait near the surface, spinners, spoons and small crank baits work well. At this time anglers can fish from shore and often do quite well. Use lures that imitate baitfish, including small crankbaits, small jerkbaits, jigs and spoons.

Fish species to fish for...

Guide to fishing for largemouth bass, channel catfish, flathead catfish, black crappie, white crappie, bluegill, redear sunfish and white bass at Carlyle Lake in Illinois.

Carlyle Lake Fishing Video

Located in the south-central part of the state, Carlyle Lake is a 26,000-acre lake offering some of the best catfish fishing in the state. Additionally, there is decent fishing for crappie, white bass, sunfish, bluegill and bass.

Carlyle Lake in Illinois is a premier fishing destination known for its diverse fishery and abundant populations of popular sportfish. The lake spans over 26,000 acres and offers a wide range of fishing opportunities for anglers of all skill levels. One of the most sought-after species at Carlyle Lake is largemouth bass which is present in good numbers. Bass fishing enthusiasts can explore the lake's varied structure, including submerged brush piles, weed beds, and rocky points, in search of trophy-sized fish.

Another popular species at Carlyle Lake is white bass, known for their aggressive feeding habits and hard-fighting nature. During the spring spawning season, large schools of white bass move into the lake's tributaries and provide anglers with fast-paced action. Catfish are also plentiful in Carlyle Lake, with channel catfish and flathead catfish being the primary species targeted by anglers. Catfish can be caught using various techniques such as bottom fishing, drift fishing, or targeting submerged structures.

Crappie and sunfish are abundant in Carlyle Lake and offer excellent opportunities for panfish enthusiasts. The lake's extensive shoreline, coves, and submerged structures provide ideal habitat for crappie and sunfish to thrive. Anglers can target these species using light tackle and various presentations, such as jigs, live bait, or small spinners.

The best time to fish at Carlyle Lake depends on the target species. Bass fishing is typically productive in the spring and fall when water temperatures are optimal for feeding activity. White bass fishing can be excellent during the spring spawning run and again in the fall as they feed heavily before winter. Catfish are known to be active throughout the year, with summer nights being particularly productive. Crappie and sunfish fishing is often best in the spring and early summer when these species move shallow to spawn.

Before heading out to Carlyle Lake, anglers should ensure they have the appropriate fishing licenses and adhere to the state fishing regulations. Checking local fishing reports and consulting with local bait shops can provide valuable information on current fishing conditions and techniques. Whether you're targeting bass, white bass, catfish, crappie, or sunfish, Carlyle Lake offers a rewarding fishing experience in the heart of Illinois.

There is well over 80 miles of shoreline to explore and wet a line. At West Access Marina, as well as other spots around the lake, there is availability of shoreline for those who wish to fish from the bank. Some shoreline brush and rocky points are great places to cast when the fish are shallow in spring and fall. In summer and winter the bait, followed by the fish, move to deeper water for comfort and hang around river channels, ledges, points, hunts and deeper timber. Multiple boat launch ramps, located around the lake to facilitate boat launching. Pleasure boats, pontoons, ski boats, runabouts, bass boats and a wide variety of other fishing boats are popular here. Canoes and kayaks are an ideal craft for accessing the shallows in the upper reaches of the lake. Lodging, restaurants, stores, camping facilities and RV Parks surround the lake to enhance your visit to this enjoyable fishing destination.

Primary fish species residing in Carlyle Lake

Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.

Carlyle Lake Amenities

Marina: YES
Boat Rental: YES
Boat Launch Ramp: YES
Campgrounds: YES
RV Hookups: YES
Lodging: YES
Convenience Store: YES
Bait & Tackle: YES
Restaurant: YES

Today's Weather & Forecast

In addition to the exceptional fishing opportunities, Carlyle Lake offers excellent boating and camping facilities. Anglers can bring their boats and explore the expansive lake while enjoying the scenic beauty of the surrounding area. The lake has numerous boat ramps, marinas, and fishing piers to accommodate boaters and anglers. Camping is also available at Carlyle Lake, allowing anglers to extend their fishing trips and enjoy the serene natural setting.

Fishing Boat Rentals

Carlyle West Access Marina
Rentals: Kayaks
618 594-2461

Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings

Boulder Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, east side, off Boulder Marina Road, this is a four-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

Coles Creek Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, east side, off County Road 1620 N, this is a four-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

Hazel State Park Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, west side, off Hazel State Park Road, this is a five-lane, concrete ramp with docks and paved parking

Hide A Way Campground Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the northwest section of the lake, off Keyesport Road, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with paved parking.

Keyesport Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, west side, off Republican Street, this is a four-lane, concrete ramp with paved parking

Patoka Access Boat Ramp
Located in the northeast section of the lake, off County Road 175 N, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with paved parking.

Tamalco Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the northwest section of the lake, off Tamalco Road, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with gravel parking.

West Access Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the southwest corner of the lake, off William Road, this is a four-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

Marinas

Boulder Access Marina
26000 County Rd 1850 N
Shattuc, IL 62231
618 226-3223

Tradewinds Marina
10 Tradewinds Dr
Keyesport, IL 62253
618 749-5649

West Access Marina
14222 Lake Rd
Carlyle, IL 62231
618 594-2461