Carlyle Lake

Largemouth Bass

Fair

We collected 17 Largemouth Bass per hour during the 2024 electrofishing survey, which is on-par with previous surveys on this lake. Past catch rates have varied from 15 – 35 Largemouth Bass per hour, but catch rates have remained less than our management goal of 60 Largemouth Bass per hour. Although bass numbers are lower than our goal, bass of all sizes are present and body condition is excellent. Sixty-seven percent of the stock sized (adult) fish collected were longer than the minimum length limit of 14 inches; fifty-four percent were over 15 inches; and thirteen percent were over 18 inches. The largest bass collected was 20.2 inches and weighed 5.9 pounds. Young of the year fish were also collected indicating spawning and/or stocking success in 2024. Angling opportunities for Largemouth Bass during 2025 should be fair to good. Site Regulation: 14 inch minimum length limit, 6 fish per day creel limit.

Flathead Catfish

Very Good

The Flathead Catfish population is very consistent in Carlyle Lake. We collected 3 Flathead Catfish per hour which is similar to the numbers collected in the past 10 years of surveys. Lengths ranged from 5 – 22 inches and the top weight was 4.4 pounds. Although it was not reflected in our survey this year, there are many large fish in the population that should provide angling opportunities for quality sized fish. Flathead Catfish fishing should be very good in Carlyle Lake in 2025.

Crappie spp.

Excellent

The crappie population in Carlyle Lake remains excellent. The combined catch rate of White and Black Crappie in our 2024 electrofishing survey was 28 fish per hour, and the combined catch rate in our 2024 spring trap netting survey was 36 per net-night. These numbers are fairly consistent with previous surveys. Fifty-two percent of the stock sized (adult) White Crappie collected by electrofishing were over the minimum length limit of 10 inches, and 43 percent of the Black Crappie were over 10 inches. Our 2024 spring netting survey had positive results as well. Sixty-six percent of the stock sized White Crappie and thirty percent of Black Crappie netted were over 10 inches. Ten percent of stock sized White Crappie and two percent of Black Crappie netted were over 12 inches. A good number of young crappie were also collected in the 2024 surveys which should help ensure the quality of the population in coming years. Crappie fishing should be excellent in 2025 for numbers of fish and size quality. Site Regulation: 10 inch minimum length limit/15 fish per day creel limit

Blue Catfish

Developing

Blue Catfish were stocked for the first time in 2021. These fish should grow well and add an additional trophy fish to the existing catfish fishery.

Channel Catfish

Excellent

The Channel Catfish population is very consistent in Carlyle Lake. Although catfish do not appear in high numbers in our surveys due to sampling equipment limitations, Channel Catfish are abundant as evidenced by angler reports, social media, catfish tournaments, guide services, etc.

Redear Sunfish

Developing

The IDNR is stocking Redear Sunfish.

White Bass

Very Good

White Bass remain very abundant and exhibit a good population structure. The catch rate during our 2024 survey was 97 White Bass per hour which is up from 75 per hour collected in 2023. Multiple year classes were collected including young of the year fish, indicating a successful spawning effort. The overall size is down from previous surveys. Seventy-five percent of the stock sized (adult) fish collected were over 9 inches; twenty-eight percent were over 12 inches; and eleven percent were over 13 inches. Expect White Bass fishing to be very good in 2025 with high numbers but somewhat smaller sizes. Site Regulation: No creel limit if under 17 inches; 3 fish per day combined creel limit of White Bass, Striped Bass, Yellow Bass, and their hybrids if 17 inches or longer.

Sauger

Good

The Sauger catch rate during the 2024 survey was approximately one fish per hour, which is consistent with the numbers collected in the past 10 years of surveys. Lengths ranged from 15 – 21 inches. Although Sauger do not occur in high numbers in our surveys, they are an established species in the lake and should provide good fishing opportunities for anglers that know how to target them. Site Regulations: 4 inch minimum length limit; 6 fish per day combined creel limit of Walleye, Sauger, and their hybrids.

Bluegill

Fair

The Bluegill population in Carlyle Lake remains fair. The catch rate during the 2024 survey was 76 fish per hour of electrofishing which is among the lowest Bluegill catch rates in the past 10 years. Thirty-three percent of the stock sized (adult) Bluegill collected were over 6 inches but very few were over 7 inches. Bluegill fishing for these medium-sized fish should be fair in 2025.