Get Away to Clinton County, Illinois
When it comes to outdoor recreation in Illinois, few places offer the variety and beauty found at Carlyle Lake. Known as the largest man-made lake in Illinois, Carlyle Lake attracts visitors from across the Midwest looking for boating, fishing, camping, … Continue reading
Fishing Action at the King Kat & Crappie Fishing Tournament Each spring, anglers look forward to some of the most anticipated fishing events in Clinton County. On May 2nd, 2026, both the King Kat Fishing Tournament and the Crappie Fishing … Continue reading
Updated for 2024 As the weather warms up and the scenery becomes lush and vibrant, there is no shortage of fun things to do in spring in Clinton County, IL. You never need an excuse to visit Clinton County, IL, … Continue reading
Nestled in southwestern Illinois, Lake Carlyle is a haven for anglers who seek to fill the boat with white and largemouth bass, catfish, carp, and crappie. Here, we focus on providing a guide to crappie fishing on Lake Carlyle. With … Continue reading
The annual King Kat Tournament returns to Carlyle, IL, this June. This Cabela’s-sponsored catfish competition is now ten years old. The Tournament Trail includes 12 events in ten different states. In addition, our local participants can earn the right to … Continue reading
The annual King Kat Tournament, sponsored by Cabela’s, comes to Carlyle Lake on Saturday, August 15, 2020. This Tournament Trail includes 12 events located in ten different states and the day at Carlyle Lake is always well-attended and fun! Our … Continue reading
Illinois High Schools’ top anglers will be heading to Carlyle Lake for the 2019 IHSA Bass Fishing State Tournament the weekend of May 17-18. A total of 311 teams have signed up to compete this year. Sectionals will be held … Continue reading
Labor Day Weekend, the official wind-down of the season, offers unwritten permission to take advantage of all that summer 2018 still has to offer here in Clinton County, Illinois. Whether you like being by the water or chilling out with … Continue reading
As it works its way from west of Champagne, Illinois to the Mississippi River, the Kaskaskia River flows through the farmlands of Clinton County, defining our southern border, and providing both an important natural resource and a prime area for … Continue reading
After the summer crowds have dispersed and the campgrounds are emptied is a great time to visit Eldon Hazlet State Recreation Area. Eldon Hazlet was named for a Carlyle, Illinois, attorney who was the first president of the Kaskaskia Valley … Continue reading