Clinton Lake
A power-plant cooling lake near Clinton. Warm water from the plant keeps parts of it open and fishing all winter. It's known for bass, walleye, muskie and catfish.
Species
Fishery rating out of 5.
Largemouth Bass
Weeds, docks and wood in the shallows.
Channel Catfish
Cut bait and nightcrawlers on flats and creek mouths in the evening.
Walleye
Points, flats and reefs at low light. Jigs and live bait early, crankbaits and crawler harnesses in summer.
Muskellunge
Big baits along weed edges and rock bars, best in fall.
Crappie
Brush piles, docks and standing timber. Minnows or small jigs.
Boat launches
1 launch sites. Fees and hours change, so confirm before you go.
- More public accessPublicSee the IDNR or lake website for all ramps and feesDirections ↗
Size & creel limits
Special rules for this lake, confirmed from official state regulations. Minimum size and daily limit.
| Species | Min size | Daily limit |
|---|---|---|
| Largemouth Bass | 16 in | 3 / day combined |
| Smallmouth Bass | 16 in | 3 / day combined |
| Channel Catfish Blue or channel | See Illinois rules book ↗ | 10 / day |
| White Bass No more than 3 may be 17 in or longer | See Illinois rules book ↗ | 10 / day |
| Wiper No more than 3 may be 17 in or longer | See Illinois rules book ↗ | 10 / day |
| Walleye | 18 in | 3 / day |
| Crappie No more than 10 may be 10 in or longer, and 5 under 10 in | See Illinois rules book ↗ | 15 / day |
Other species in this lake: look up the limits at Illinois Department of Natural Resources ↗
Bait & tackle nearby
Closest shops to the lake and its boat launches. Call ahead for live bait and hours.
- Salt Creek Bait ShopNearbyClintonDirections ↗
- Green Acres Bait ShopNearby15283 State Highway 10, Clinton(217) 935-9015Directions ↗
- Barefoot Cove MarinaNearby6599 Sailboat Rd, Weldon(217) 736-2727Directions ↗
Local tips
- The warm-water discharge area fishes well in winter.
- Clinton Lake State Recreation Area has launches.
- Hybrid striped bass are also stocked.
View on interactive map
Zoom and pan on a street, satellite or terrain map. Red pins are boat launches.
More Illinois lakes
Lake Shelbyville Fox Chain O'Lakes Crab Orchard Lake Lake Springfield Lake Decatur Kinkaid Lake Horseshoe Lake (Madison County) Horseshoe Lake (Alexander County) All Illinois lakes →
Always wear a life jacket and check your state's current regulations before you fish.