Carlton, Lake
Location 70 acres
Fishing Outlook
Muskellunge
Fair
Muskie are stocked in Lake Carlton to provide a top line predator species. Muskie are stocked at a rate of 1 fish per acre every other year. Muskie ranging from 30–38 inches are the dominate size group.
Redear Sunfish
Good
Redear numbers have improved over the past 2 years and good numbers of 7 inch and larger individuals will be available.
Walleye x Sauger (Saugeye)
Excellent
Saugeye fishing will continue to be good, but fishing for them takes some dedication. Good numbers of fish in the 14-22 inches long size range are available. Spring samples have averaged 76 fish/hr for the past 4 years. Numbers for fish over 22 inches have been steady at 10 fish/hr.
Largemouth Bass
Average
The Largemouth Bass population is dominated by 12- 14 inch fish. These fish have good weights and are in good overall health. Trophy potential is low, but good catch rates can be expected at Lake Carlton. Age and growth data confirms good growth until age 5, 13 inches, and slowed growth after age 5.
Bluegill
Good
The Bluegill population contains numerous fish up to 7 inches with the potential to catch fish up to 8 inches.
| 2025 | Channel Catfish | Advanced Fingerling (4 - 7") | 2212 |
| 2025 | Muskellunge | Adult | 77 |
| 2025 | Walleye x Sauger (Saugeye) | Fingerling (1 - 3") | 15020 |
| 2024 | Channel Catfish | Advanced Fingerling (4 - 7") | 2200 |
| 2024 | Walleye x Sauger (Saugeye) | Fingerling (1 - 3") | 10851 |
Contact
18750 Lake Road
815-772-4708
Description
Lake Carlton is a watershed impoundment constructed in 1969 by building a 38-foot high, 1,800-foot long earthen dam across a stream. The lake was named in memory of L. Carlton Anderson, a local citizen who actively promoted the park and was an important civic and conservation leader. Lake Carlton's average depth is 12 feet, with a maximum depth of 24 feet. It has a shoreline of 2.9 miles with plenty of room for shore anglers. The lake has a 2-lane concrete boat ramp. All boats must operate at NO WAKE.Fishery History
Initial stocking of the lake was completed in 1970 and the lake is managed to maintain a plentiful fishing variety. Anglers may catch Largemouth Bass, Black Crappie, Channel Catfish, Redear Sunfish, Bluegill, Muskie, Yellow Perch and Saugeye (Sauger x Walleye Hybrid).Site Regulations
All boats must operate at NO WAKE.
Site-Specific Fishing Regulations:
- All Fish: 2 pole and line fishing only and each pole must not have more than 2 hooks or lures attached while fishing
- All live bait greater than 8 inches must be rigged with a quick set rig
- Channel Catfish: 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
- Large or Smallmouth Bass: 14 inch Minimum Length Limit; 1 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
- Muskie: 36 inch Minimum Length Limit; 1 Fish Daily Harvest Limit (statewide regulation)
- Walleye, Sauger, or Hybrid Walleye: 14 inch Minimum Length Limit; 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit (statewide regulation)
- White, Black, or Hybrid Crappie: 25 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Additional Information
Planning to eat your catch? Fish Consumption Advisory information can be found here: Fish Consumption Advisory PageBath Map
