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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 |
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 )
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Species |
Rank |
Fish Status |
Average | 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 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 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, 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