Lake Clinton Fishing Spot

• Acreage: 4900
• Public Fishing: Yes
• Mean Depth: 8'
• Max Depth: 30'
• Elevation: 709'
• Last Modified By: vinny60 on 09/10/09 02:43 PM
• Ask about Lake Clinton in our Fishing Forums

Clinton Lake is a 4,900 acres (19.8 km²) lake located in Clinton, Illinois. The lake is a part of the Clinton Lake State Recreation Area, which encompasses 9,300 acres (37.6 km²). Clinton Lake is located in the central part of the state. It was built in the 1970s as a cooling source for Clinton Nuclear Generating Station. The lake opened in 1978. Clinton Lake is one of the best lakes for catfish, and other gamefish. Boating power is unrestricted on the main body of the lake, and the upper arm of the lake is reserved as a no-wake area and some limited areas are reserved for electric trolling motors. There are six boat launches on the lake, as well as one canoe launch. There is also a 1,000 ft (300 m) long white sand beach on the lake. Other activities to do at Clinton Lake include swimming, water skiing, hiking trails, pickniking, hunting, winter sports, and camping. The fishing is outstanding. There are special piers at the Mascoutin Access Area, the Spillway Access Area and the Valley Mill Bank Fishing Area for the disabled. If you’re dropping your line here, chances are you’re fishing for crappie. Hook them with white, yellow, or chartreuse jigs and minnows, which seem to work the best. Don’t tell anyone, because the locals like to keep it quiet, but Clinton Lake is one of the best lakes in the state for catfish. Most of them are taken from the banks, or in the upper arms of the lake. Hybrid and pure striped bass fishing is very popular here with numerous fish more than 10 pounds taken every year. But a word of caution - the bass are tackle busters. Careful, or you might lose your pole to ‘em. For good eating, it is hard to beat a walleye and Clinton Lake has plenty of them. The bridges are excellent places to catch them from the bank and boaters can hit the Old Creek channels or submerged flats. For some great spring action, the spillway area yields large numbers of both walleye and stripers, as well as crappie and catfish. Clinton Lake also provides good action for largemouth and smallmouth bass, white bass, and bluegill. Special size and creel limits are in effect for most species. The beach is open from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day. There is a changing facility with showers and restrooms. There are no lifeguards. Please remain in the buoyed areas and swim with caution. No pets, glass, or sharp objects are allowed on the beach. No alcohol is allowed in beach area. Waterskiing here is a blast and is permitted from the Route 54 bridge to the Route 48 bridge. Beach fees are $1 per day per person. Swimming is also allowed in other areas of the lake but is not allowed within 100 yards of bridges, boat ramps, or boat docks. Day use areas are located around the lake with tables, stoves, water, playground equipment and toilet facilities. They are all accessible to the disabled. Shelters are available at the Mascoutin, Weldon, Lane, West Side and Penninsula access area. Mascoutin, Weldon and Peninsula have electricity. Weldon also has an open, grassy area along the shoreline for softball or fishing. A nearby wooded picnic area provides shaded protection during those long, hot summer days. The West Side Penninsula and Mascoutin areas have great views of the lake. Shelters may be reserved for a fee by calling the park office. For your convenience, the Clinton Lake Marina, located 1 mile north of Illinois Route 10, off road 1700 East has a bait and tackle shop as well as gas, food and sundries. Slip rental, and boat sales service are also available. When the temperature drops, don’t huddle inside. Come to Clinton Lake. Ice fishing, ice skating and snowmobiling are allowed on the lake when the ice is thick enough. The North Fork and the coves on Salt Creek are good for ice fishing and skating. In the warmer areas of the lake, folks still drop their lines from the bank all winter long. The hiking and equestrian trails double as cross-country ski trails in the winter and provide a great workout. Camping There are 17 Class AA campsites, 286 Class A campsites and 5 Class B/S campsites at Clinton Lake with showers and almost all are adaptable to either tents, trailers or motor homes. Each site is equipped with a grill and picnic table. Reservations are accepted for a limited number of sites by mail only, phone-in reservations are not accepted. The wooded area along the lake provides the perfect setting to turn in after a long day of fun. A group camp area for adults or youth groups has room for 75. It provides a secluded wooded setting and has a large shelter with electricity, three RV pads with electrical hookups, toilets, tables, grills and water there are no shower facilities at the group camp area. Portions of the Class AA, A & Class B/S and the group camp are wheelchair accessible. Please reserve the group campground ahead of time by contacting the park office. Located close to the swim beach or accessible by car, you will find Mascoutin Grill. This concession, with indoor and outdoor dining, serves sandwiches, beverages, snacks and its ever popular fish dinner. You can also purchase bait, camping supplies and ice. Mascoutin Grill is a seasonal operation open during warm weather.