Boating At Carlyle Lake In Illinois

Free Public Boating & Watersport Activities

Boating on Carlyle Lake, in Illinois, is a popular outdoor activity that draws boaters from all over the state. Spanning over 26,000 acres, Carlyle Lake offers a vast waterway surrounded by beautiful landscapes, making it a haven for boating enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. Whether it's sailing across the tranquil waters, exploring hidden coves, or cruising with friends and family, Carlyle Lake provides a serene escape for all types of boaters.

Carlyle Lake is a haven for popular water sports, attracting thrill-seekers and water enthusiasts. Activities such as water skiing, wakeboarding, tubing, and jet skiing add excitement and adrenaline to the lake's serene ambiance. Families and friends often gather on Carlyle Lake to indulge in these exhilarating water sports, creating cherished memories and moments of laughter on the water.

The boating season at Carlyle Lake typically runs from spring to fall, coinciding with the warmer months and milder weather in the region. During this time, boaters can enjoy the comfortable temperatures and longer daylight hours, making it an ideal season for boating and engaging in water-based activities.

For boaters with their own vessels, Carlyle Lake offers convenient boat launch ramps located throughout the area. These accessible launch points allow boaters to easily access the water and embark on their waterborne adventures, exploring the scenic beauty and hidden gems of Carlyle Lake.

For those without their own boats, rental boats are available at Carlyle Lake providing an opportunity for everyone to experience the joys of boating and explore the vastness of the lake. Renting a boat allows visitors to navigate the serene waters of Carlyle Lake and immerse themselves in its breathtaking surroundings without the need for boat ownership.

Carlyle Lake boasts marinas that cater to the needs of boaters and water sports enthusiasts. The marinas provide essential amenities such as boat repairs, fuel stations, boat storage, and more, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable boating experience for all visitors.

Camping facilities are available near Carlyle Lake, offering a peaceful retreat amidst the natural beauty of the surrounding area. Camping enthusiasts can immerse themselves in the serene charm of the lake's vicinity, enjoying the sounds of nature and starlit skies during their stay.

Fishing is also a beloved activity on Carlyle Lake, attracting anglers seeking to catch various fish species, including bass, catfish, crappie, and more. The lake's waters are teeming with fish, making it an ideal spot for a relaxing day of fishing and embracing the tranquility of Carlyle Lake.

Near Carlyle Lake, Illinois, visitors can explore the city of Carlyle itself, which is located on the southern shore of the lake. Carlyle offers a mix of small-town charm and recreational opportunities, with a historic downtown featuring shops, restaurants, and cultural events. The city's Spillway Recreation Area provides a scenic spot for picnicking and enjoying views of the lake. Outdoor enthusiasts will find delight in the surrounding Carlyle Lake State Fish and Wildlife Area, which offers opportunities for hiking, fishing, and boating on the lake.

Boating on Carlyle Lake in Illinois offers a delightful way to see the natural beauty of the lake. With its popularity for water sports, accessible boat launch ramps, rental boat options, well-equipped marinas, nearby camping opportunities, and excellent fishing grounds, Carlyle Lake beckons boating enthusiasts, water sports lovers, and nature enthusiasts to embrace the serene charm and aquatic wonders of this beloved lake destination.

Boating, camping and fishing.

Located in the south-central part of the state, Carlyle Lake is a 26,000-acre reservoir for boating and fishing. Multiple boat launch ramps, located around the lake facilitate easy 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. Lake Carlyle offers 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.

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

Camping

Carlyle Lake Dam West Campground - 618 594-4410

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

Coles Creek Campground - 618 226-3211

Carlyle Lake Map

Fishing

Fish species found in Carlyle Lake include largemouth bass, channel catfish, flathead catfish, black crappie, white crappie, bluegill, redear sunfish and white bass.

Largemouth bass Channel catfish Flathead catfish Black crappie White crappie Bluegill Redear Sunfish White Bass