Fishing At Carlyle Lake

AKA: Carlyle Reservoir, Lake Carlyle

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

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. 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

Click here for a Illinois Fishing License.

Campgrounds & RV Parks Nearby

Hide-A-Way Camp Ground - 618 749-5369

Eldon Hazlet State Park Campground - 618 594-3015

Boulder Campground - 618 226-3586

Boulder Recreation Area Campground - 618 594-5253

Dam West Recreation Campground - 618 226-3586

Carlyle Lake Dam West Campground - 618 594-4410

Coles Creek Campground - 618 226-3211

Carlyle Lake IL Map - Fishing & Camping Areas

Contact Information

Carlyle Lake
Boulder Recreation Area
801 Lake Rd
Carlyle, IL 62231
618 594-5253

IDNR District Biologist 618 931-4217

Fishing lakes in each state.