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 3 come with LakeScope PRO. Full screen
Carlyle Lake
Clinton County, Illinois · 24,600 acres (38.4 sq mi)
58°F water, calm tomorrow morning.
About Carlyle Lake
In Clinton County, Illinois, Carlyle Lake covers 24,600 acres; it is a reservoir. Carlyle Dam holds it back on the Kaskaskia River. Carlyle Lake is the largest lake in Illinois, created in 1967 when the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers dammed the Kaskaskia River.
From end to end it runs about 11.9 miles with roughly 55 miles of shoreline. Its surface is about 440 ft above sea level. The deepest water is about 35 ft, with an average depth near 11 ft. Carlyle lies about 1.1 miles to the southwest.
- Size
- 24,600 acres (38.4 sq mi)
- Deepest
- About 35 ft (average 11 ft)
- Shoreline
- About 55 miles
- End to end
- About 11.9 miles
- Elevation
- About 440 ft
- Type
- Reservoir
- Dam
- Carlyle Dam, Kaskaskia River
- County
- Clinton County
The lake from above
Best fishing times
Friday Good
- 6:00 am – 8:15 amsunrise
- 3:00 pm – 4:30 pm bestsunset, moon overhead · wind 13 mph
Saturday Good
- 6:00 am – 8:15 amsunrise · wind 7 mph
- 3:00 pm – 5:15 pm bestsunset, moon overhead · wind 3 mph
Based on sun and moon times and the wind forecast. A guide, not a promise. The app shows the whole week.
Fish in Carlyle Lake
Carlyle Lake holds largemouth bass, crappie, bluegill and sunfish, catfish, striped bass and white bass. With the surface at 58°F, the notes below say which of them should be biting.
- GoodLargemouth bass
Fall feed. They chase baitfish into creeks and coves.
- GoodCrappie
Active. Brush piles and docks in 8 to 15 ft.
- FairBluegill and sunfish
Warming. Shallow, sunny pockets in the afternoon.
- FairCatfish
Waking up. Channels and creek mouths, especially after rain.
- GoodStriped bass
Comfortable range. Watch for birds and surface feeding.
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
3 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 6:37 am · sunset 4:44 pm · waxing crescent moon (lake time).
Towns and places to stay near Carlyle Lake
- Carlyleabout 1.1 mi southwest
- Beckemeyerabout 4.3 mi southwest
- Sandovalabout 7.3 mi southeast
- Central Cityabout 9.1 mi southeast
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Questions about Carlyle Lake
What fish are in Carlyle Lake?
Carlyle Lake holds largemouth bass, crappie, bluegill and sunfish, catfish, striped bass and white bass. Check the state fish and wildlife agency for stocking and limits.
How deep is Carlyle Lake?
About 35 ft at the deepest point, about 11 ft on average. The 3-D view shows where the deep water is.
How big is Carlyle Lake?
24,600 acres, with about 55 miles of shoreline.
What town is near Carlyle Lake?
Carlyle is about 1.1 miles southwest; Beckemeyer is about 4.3 miles southwest.
What is the water temperature at Carlyle Lake today?
The surface was about 58°F on the latest clear reading. The page updates every day.
Carlyle Lake on your phone
The whole week of bite times, lake alerts and the 3-D view, every morning.
