Carlyle Lake State Fish and Wildlife Area

Carlyle Lake State Fish and Wildlife Area is a wildlife management zone and state park in Illinois surrounding the northern portion of Carlyle Lake, the state's largest artificial reservoir. The landscape features forests, wetlands, meadows, and agricultural fields, along with boat launching points, hunting areas, and fishing locations.

The conservation area was established in 1966 through a lease agreement between the Illinois Department of Natural Resources and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Since then, it has become a central location for habitat protection and wildlife management in the region.

The park is an important destination for environmental learning, where visitors discover local ecosystems and wildlife management practices in action. Many people come here to understand how conservation works on the ground and why open water and wetland habitats matter for animals in the region.

The park has multiple sections for different activities, with boat ramps for water access and designated hunting and fishing zones spread across the grounds. It is helpful to visit the information centers to learn what facilities are available in each area and to navigate the different sections.

The area manages around 5,800 acres of wetlands where water levels are carefully controlled to support migrating waterfowl and create favorable hunting conditions. This balance between ecological protection and recreational use makes the park an unusual conservation project.

Location: Fayette County

GPS coordinates: 38.77780,-89.22690

Latest update: December 14, 2025 11:22