CARLYLE LAKE – The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers at Carlyle Lake is preparing for a fun and safe weekend. Whether you enjoy fishing, camping, boating, bike riding or other outdoor activities, Carlyle Lake offers an abundance of recreational opportunities. While participating in water related recreational activities, always wear your life jacket. Over two-thirds of people who drown never had any intention of being in the water.
Grab your fishing poles and bait and reel in some fish this weekend at Carlyle Lake during Illinois Free Fishing Days. Starting Friday, 15 June through Monday, 18 June anyone can fish in Illinois without having to purchase a fishing license. This annual event is the perfect time to introduce someone to the sport of fishing. In celebration of Illinois Free Fishing Days, Henkel’s Hook and Arrow has partnered with the Corps of Engineers and the City of Carlyle to host a Kid’s Fishing Tournament on Saturday, 16 June at the Carlyle Fish Hatchery Park. Registration starts at 8:00a.m. and the tournament kicks off at 9:00a.m. The final weigh-in will take place at 11:00a.m. This event is open to kids 15 and under. Prizes and trophies will be awarded.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers offers educational programs in the campgrounds and at the beaches every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday throughout the recreation season. Presentations are free and open to the public.
Friday, 15 June:
8:00 p.m. West Bay Amphitheater, Dam West Campground – Unwanted Guests
8:00 p.m. Cattail Cove Amphitheater, Coles Creek Campground – Go Nuts
8:00 p.m. Brewster Creek Amphitheater, Boulder Campground – A Cat Named Bob
Saturday, 16 June:
8:00-11:00 a.m. Henkel’s Kid’s Fishing Derby, Carlyle Fish Hatchery Park
2:00 p.m. Dam West Beach – Water Safety Games
2:30 p.m. Harbor Light Bay Beach – Water Safety Games
2:30 p.m. McNair Beach – Water Safety Games
3:00 p.m. Keyesport Beach – Water Safety Games
3:00 p.m. Coles Creek Beach – Water Safety Games
8:00 p.m. West Bay Amphitheater, Dam West Campground – Go Nuts
8:00 p.m. Cattail Cove Amphitheater, Coles Creek Campground – A Cat Named Bob
8:00 p.m. Brewster Creek Amphitheater, Boulder Campground – Unwanted Guests
Sunday, 17 June:
10:00 a.m. Carlyle Lake Main Dam Tour
2:00 p.m. Dam West Beach – Water Safety Games
2:30 p.m. Harbor Light Bay Beach – Water Safety Games
2:30 p.m. McNair Beach – Water Safety Games
3:00 p.m. Keyesport Beach – Water Safety Games
3:00 p.m. Coles Creek Beach – Water Safety Games
The Carlyle Lake Visitor Center is open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. The Visitor Center has exhibits and brochures to help plan your stay at Carlyle Lake.
Life jackets are available at the Carlyle Lake Visitor Center through the “Life Jacket Loan Program”. For a $5.00 deposit, a life jacket can be borrowed for the day. When the life jacket is returned in good condition, the deposit will be refunded. Please remember to always wear your life jacket when in, on, or around the water. Life jacket loaner stations are also available at Keyesport, Dam West, McNair, and Coles Creek beaches and boat ramps.
For more information contact the Carlyle Lake Project Office at (618) 594-2484 or e-mail at carlylelake@usace.army.mil.