Carlyle Lake, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

08/31/2026

A blood drive is coming to the Visitor Center on September 3 from 12 p.m. – 4 p.m. Successful donors will have the option to receive one free night of camping at any USACE-managed campground around Carlyle Lake. Donating blood supports local blood supplies and comes with the opportunity to enjoy a stay at the lake!

08/31/2026

Weekly Lake Information: 08/31/2026
Lake Elevation: 445.53 ft
Tailwater Elevation: 411.37 ft
Release Rate: 340 cfs
Yesterday's Inflow: 230 cfs
Water Surface Temperature: 80 degrees
Precipitation since 08/24/2026: 0.00 inches

Take some time to unwind by spending time on the water with family and friends. To help ensure nothing interferes with your rest and relaxation please wear a properly-fitted life jacket and encourage others to wear theirs too.

08/28/2026

We have just a few more opportunities to join a guided tour of Carlyle Lake Dam before the end of the season. These free tours offer a unique opportunity to follow a park ranger and learn how the dam operates, what went into its construction, how the reservoir supports surrounding communities, and the missions of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers at Carlyle Lake.

Saturday Dam Tours: August 29, and September 5 at 9 a.m.
Sunset Dam Tour: September 4 at 7 p.m.

Participants must meet the park rangers at the gatehouse located on top of the main dam. For questions, please contact the Carlyle Lake Project Office at (618) 594-2484, Option 3.

08/26/2026

Dove season will be here soon! Please use the information and links below to help you navigate hunting on your public lands. Statewide regulations apply. For more information, please call the Carlyle Project Office at 618-594-2484.

Illinois Statewide Dove Seasons:
September 1 – November 14
December 26 – January 9.

Hunting at Carlyle Lake: https://www.mvs.usace.army.mil/Missions/Recreation/Carlyle-Lake/Wildlife/fbclid/IwY2xjawT7tbpwZG9mAWV4dG4DYWVtAjEwAGJyaWQRMU9PVUs5eHI2elJNSGJMNjJzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEebNQHBkJaTXhm0G5NwCYTiL87g566OcogvO8DZGTzMn08jZKur7Xnnh5UOGI_aem_d571Wkcj00fNErlIqXyQPQ/

Illinois Hunting Regulations: https://dnr.illinois.gov/hunting/hunttrapdigest.html?fbclid=IwY2xjawT7teFwZG9mAWV4dG4DYWVtAjEwAGJyaWQRMU9PVUs5eHI2elJNSGJMNjJzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEehoCGXMlPzlbMLWhr1mppI_M1S5PcqXvAIY2FM8hflHLsCNTjrzF2upXiTsc_aem_zq_UsGiQzrX5mrvyMhj9ZA

08/25/2026

According to Al, just because summer is over for the kiddos with heading back to school - doesn't mean that it's over for fishing! The catfish and white bass bite is still HOT! Tune in to see what else Mr. Crocker has to report 🎣

08/24/2026

Weekly Lake Information: 08/24/2026
Lake Elevation: 445.59 ft
Tailwater Elevation: 411.44 ft
Release Rate: 820 cfs
Yesterday's Inflow: 950 cfs
Water Surface Temperature: 81 degrees
Precipitation since 08/17/2026: 0.21 inches

Many adults drown not wearing a life jacket, and their dog and children were wearing theirs and made it out of the water safely. Please wear a life jacket for those that love you! Share a picture of you and your dog wearing life jackets in the comments.

08/19/2026

“This is just a great time to be a fisherman,” says Mr. Al Crocker in this week’s fishing report from Carlyle Lake. Listen in to find out exactly what’s biting right now.

08/17/2026

Weekly Lake Information: 08/17/2026
Lake Elevation: 445.63 ft
Tailwater Elevation: 411.45 ft
Release Rate: 820 cfs
Yesterday's Inflow: 1,550 cfs
Water Surface Temperature: 84 degrees
Precipitation since 08/11/2026: 0.38 inches

Swimming in open water (lakes, rivers, ponds, etc.) is different than swimming in a pool due to wave action, currents, depth, and no close access to safe ways to get out of the water. Swimming in undesignated areas is the leading activity for most drownings that occur at USACE lakes and river projects, so be prepared and please wear a life jacket when swimming, floating, and playing in open water.

08/13/2026

The updates on Carlyle Lake's Main Dam have been completed and is now reopened for pedestrian traffic.

08/12/2026

Get ready to CRUZ into an unforgettable weekend! The 34th Annual Cruz-In the Dam Car Show rolls into town this Friday from 5 p.m. – 9 p.m. at Mariner's Village Resort in the Dam West Recreation Area — and you won’t want to miss it!

Hundreds of classic and custom vehicles will be on display, plus live music, food vendors, and fun for the whole family. It’s more than a car show — it’s a celebration of horsepower, history, and community.

Presented by the Clinton County Car Club, Rusty Rodz Car Club, and Carl’s 4-Wheel Drive & Performance, in proud partnership with the City of Carlyle and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Carlyle Lake Project.