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CARLTON, LAKE
Lake Information
County: Whiteside
Acreage: 70
Average Depth: 11.25 feet
Shoreline Length: 2.8 miles
Recreational Amenities
Boat Fishing? 10hp
Boat Ramps? Yes
Boat Rental? Yes
Skiing? No
Swimming? No
Picnicking? Yes
Camping? Yes
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There are no zebra mussels in this lake.
Fish Stocking | |||
Year |
Species |
Size |
Count |
2020 |
Channel Catfish |
Non-vulnerable 8 - 10" |
2205 |
2021 |
Channel Catfish |
Non-vulnerable 8 - 10" |
2212 |
2021 |
Muskellunge |
Adult |
81 |
2021 |
Walleye x Sauger (Saugeye) |
Fingerling 1 - 3" |
17109 |
Additional information for stocking on CARLTON, LAKE
Fishing Outlook ( Full PDF Report )
Click here for a list of all reports.
Species |
Rank |
Fish Status |
Good | Bluegill population contains numerous fish up to 7.0 inches with the potential to catch fish up to 8 inches. Fisherman will have to wade through smaller fish to find the larger ones. | |
Good | 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. | |
Good | – Muskie were stocked in Lake Carlton to provide a trophy predator species. Muskie are stocked at a rate of 1 fish per acre every other year. The largest fish sampled in 2019 was a 43 inch Female. Muskie ranging from 30-38 inches are the dominate size group. | |
Excellent | Saugeye fishing will continue to be good, but fishing for them takes some dedication. Saugeye were sampled in the spring at a rate of 118 fish/hr. Good numbers of fish 14-20 inches long are available. | |
Location: Lake Carlton is located in Morrison-Rockwood State Park, north of Morrison in Whiteside County.
Description: Lake Carlton provides one of the best fishing spots in Illinois. Its average depth is 12 feet, with a maximum depth of 27 feet. It has a shoreline of 2.9 miles with plenty of room for shore fishermen. 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, rock bass, channel catfish, redear sunfish, bluegill, muskie and walleye. In addition to shoreline fishing, nine piers are designated for anglers.
History and Status of the Sport Fishery: 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.
Additional Lake Information: Two pole and line fishing only. All live bait in excess of 8" must be rigged with a quick set rig.
Contact Information: Morrison Rockwood State Park 18750 Lake Road815-772-4708IDNR Fisheries Biologist, David Wyffels630-360-4185
Multiple day tournaments are listed with * end date.
Interested in participating in one of these public tournaments? Contact us with tournament ID for more information.
| 2021 – 2022 Approved or Pending Tournaments | ||||||||
| Start Date | ID | Approval | Ramp Location | Bank/Boat Hook/Bow |
Max Boats | Species | Youth? | Open to Public? |
| January-22 | 21129 | Approved | Morrison Rockwood SP Main Ramp | bankhook | 0 | Multiple Species | No | Yes |
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