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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

2022

Channel Catfish

Non-vulnerable 8 - 10"

2500

2022

Walleye x Sauger (Saugeye)

Fingerling 1 - 3"

11655

2023

Channel Catfish

Advanced Fingerling 4 - 7"

2200

2023

Muskellunge

Adult

78

2023

Walleye x Sauger (Saugeye)

Fingerling 1 - 3"

10197


Additional information for stocking on Carlton, Lake


Fishing Outlook  ( Full PDF Report )

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Species

Rank

Fish Status

BLUEGILL

Average

The Bluegill population contains numerous fish up to 7inches with the potential to catch fish up to 8 inches. Anglers will have to wade through smaller fish to find the larger ones.

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.

MUSKELLUNGE

Very Good

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.

SAUGEYE (Walleye/Sauger Hybrid)

Excellent

Saugeye fishing will continue to be good, but fishing for them takes some dedication. Good numbers of fish 14-22 inches long 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.

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 anglers. 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. All live bait in excess of 8" must be rigged with a quick set rig.

Fishing Regulations:
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

Contact Information:
Morrison Rockwood State Park
18750 Lake Road
815-772-4708
IDNR Fisheries Biologist, David Wyffels
630-360-4185