The lake bed in 3-D: deep basin, drop-offs and shoreline. Shape estimated, not for navigation. Spot 1 (back of a cove) is open for everyone; the other 5 come with LakeScope PRO. Full screen
Carlson Lake
Fulton County, Illinois · about 1,260 acres (2 sq mi)
55°F water, calm tomorrow morning.
About Carlson Lake
In Fulton County, Illinois, Carlson Lake covers about 1,260 acres.
It stretches about 2 miles end to end with roughly 5.8 miles of shoreline. Its surface is about 440 ft above sea level. Havana is about 8.1 miles northeast. The closest city is Springfield, about 39 miles away.
- Size
- About 1,260 acres (2 sq mi)
- Shoreline
- About 5.8 miles
- End to end
- About 2 miles
- Elevation
- About 440 ft
- County
- Fulton County
The lake from above
Best fishing times
Friday Good
- 6:00 am – 8:15 amsunrise
- 3:15 pm – 4:30 pm bestsunset, moon overhead · wind 13 mph
Saturday Good
- 6:15 am – 8:30 amsunrise · wind 2 mph
- 3:15 pm – 5:15 pm bestsunset, moon overhead · wind 2 mph
Based on sun and moon times and the wind forecast. A guide, not a promise. The app shows the whole week.
Fish to expect
For a lake of this size in Illinois, largemouth bass, crappie, bluegill and sunfish and catfish are the fish to expect. The state fish and wildlife agency lists what is stocked and the rules for this lake. With the surface at 55°F, the notes below say which of them should be biting.
- FairLargemouth bass
Cooling down. Try slow baits on points and deeper channel edges.
- FairCrappie
Schooled on deeper brush piles. Fish small jigs slowly.
- FairBluegill and sunfish
Warming. Shallow, sunny pockets in the afternoon.
- FairCatfish
Waking up. Channels and creek mouths, especially after rain.
From today's water temperature and the season. A guide, not a promise.
Fishing spots
- 1Back of a cove
Sheltered, shallower water where baitfish gather.
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
- 6
5 more spots with LakeScope PRO: fish, depth band, water temperature, best time and bait for each.
Picked from the shape of the lake bed. A guide, not a promise.
Water temperature
At the surface, seen .
Water level
No daily level reading for this lake.
Ice
Open water
Ice thickness is an estimate from air temperature, not a measurement. Check the ice yourself before going on it.
Weather and wind
Sunrise 6:44 am · sunset 4:45 pm · waxing crescent moon (lake time).
Towns and places to stay near Carlson Lake
- Havanaabout 8.1 mi northeast
- Astoriaabout 8.6 mi west
- Lewistownabout 12 mi north
- Virginiaabout 17 mi south
- Springfieldnearest city, about 39 mi southeast
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Questions about Carlson Lake
What fish are in Carlson Lake?
Lakes like Carlson Lake usually hold largemouth bass, crappie, bluegill and sunfish and catfish. Check the state fish and wildlife agency for stocking and limits.
How deep is Carlson Lake?
We have no published depth for this lake. The 3-D view gives an estimated shape of the bed: where the deep basin and the drop-offs are. Not for navigation.
How big is Carlson Lake?
About 1,260 acres, with about 5.8 miles of shoreline.
What town is near Carlson Lake?
Havana is about 8.1 miles northeast; Astoria is about 8.6 miles west.
What is the water temperature at Carlson Lake today?
The surface was about 55°F on the latest clear reading. The page updates every day.
Carlson Lake on your phone
The whole week of bite times, lake alerts and the 3-D view, every morning.
