Lake Carroll features Illinois’ largest private lake with nearly 640 acres open water for boating and water sports as well as many quiet bays and coves ideal for fishing, swimming, and relaxing.
Lake & Watershed
Lake Carroll has been committed to maintaining the quality of our member’s lake experience through active lake and natural resource management. Currently, we are completing a lake improvement program that includes a 9-points watershed plan funded in part, by the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency through Section 319 of the Clean Water Act and Lake Carroll, a large-scale dredging program removing over 94,000 cubic yards of accumulated sediments, and implementation projects to reduce sediment runoff into the lake and to improve water quality.
Watercraft Registration
"The Department of Natural Resources does NOT send out watercraft renewal notices. It is your responsibility to make sure that your watercraft registration is current. The
Online Renewal System is available." Visit the
IDNR online for more information. Please take a moment to note your watercraft registration expiration. Once renewed, please provide a clear, legible copy of the registration card to the LCA Admin Office to update our files. Thank you!
Boat Safety Certification
IDNR Boat Safety Certification Test
Quiz for Boat Safety
Please complete the following quiz to be compliant with our rules when using the Lake.
Boaters Safety Rules & Regulations Study Guide »
Take the Safe Boating Quiz
Hatchery
Lake Carroll is one of the few private fisheries in Illinois that operates a fish hatchery where walleye are spawned and raised to be released back into the lake. Along with the hatchery, the Associations funds a liberal fish stocking budget to purchase other desirable species, such as more walleye, muskie, and channel catfish.
Fishery
Currently, Lake Carroll’s waters are home to many trophy species, including largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, walleye, black and white crappie, bluegill, yellow perch, channel and flathead catfish, muskie and northern pike. Click here for the most current report on the fishery at Lake Carroll. The current smallmouth bass fishery is second to none in the Midwest states. High densities of smallmouth bass of 3 to 4 pounds roaming these waters.
Fishing Licenses
Licenses may be obtained locally at Miller's Sport Center and/or Trailside General Store.
Hunting
All hunters are required to successfully complete the LCA Wildlife Management Quiz prior to registration. A passing quiz will be awarded a certificate must print upon completion. This certificate will also be emailed to you.
Take the Hunters Quiz
Additional Information
East Fork Creek Watershed
Lake & Watercraft