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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
There are no zebra mussels in this lake.
Fish Stocking | |||
Year |
Species |
Size |
Count |
2021 |
Channel Catfish |
Non-vulnerable 8 - 10" |
2212 |
2021 |
Muskellunge |
Adult |
81 |
2021 |
Walleye x Sauger (Saugeye) |
Fingerling 1 - 3" |
17109 |
2022 |
Channel Catfish |
Non-vulnerable 8 - 10" |
2500 |
2022 |
Walleye x Sauger (Saugeye) |
Fingerling 1 - 3" |
11655 |
Additional information for stocking on Carlton, Lake
Fishing Outlook ( Full PDF Report )
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Species |
Rank |
Fish Status |
Average | The Bluegill population contains numerous fish up to 7.0 inches with the potential to catch fish up to 8 inches. Anglers will have to wade through smaller fish to find the larger ones. | |
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. | |
Very Good | Muskie are stocked in Lake Carlton to provide a trophy 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. | |
Excellent | Saugeye fishing will continue to be good, but fishing for them takes some dedication. Good numbers of fish 14-20 inches long are available. Spring samples have averaged 75 fish/hr for the past 3 years. | |
Location: Lake Carlton is in Morrison-Rockwood State Park, north of Morrison in Whiteside County.
Description: Lake Carltons 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 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, channel catfish, redear sunfish, bluegill, muskie, yellow perch and saugeye. The lake has a 2-lane concrete boat ramp. All boats must operate at NO WAKE
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: All Fish: 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only except
Large or Smallmouth Bass: 1 fish daily limit; 14˝ minimum length limit
Bluegill or Redear Sunfish: No daily limit or minimum length limit)
Channel Catfish: 6 fish daily limit
Pure Muskellunge: 1 fish daily limit; 36˝ minimum length limit
Walleye, Sauger, or Saugeye: 6 fish daily limit; 14˝ minimum length limit
White, Black, or Hybrid Crappie: 25 fish daily limit
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