Carlyle Lake

Carlyle Lake is a reservoir located in Clinton County, Illinois. It was created in 1967 by the United States Army Corps of Engineers for flood control purposes, but now it is a popular recreation area attracting tourists from the surrounding areas. The lake has a surface area of 26,000 acres and boasts of having several marinas, campgrounds, beaches, and more than 12,000 acres of public land for hunting or fishing. The lake is home to many species of fish, including largemouth bass, crappie, bluegill, catfish, and walleye. Carlyle Lake also has several hiking and biking trails, such as the Carlyle Lake Bike Trail and the General Dean Suspension Bridge Trail, and a Visitor's Center where visitors can learn more about the history and ecology of the lake.