Waterfowl Management Area

Carlyle Lake
Wildlife Management Area

Carlyle Lake Wildlife Management Area offers a tremendous variety of outdoor recreational opportunities and natural beauty. The Wildlife Management Area is at the northern end of the lake.

Carlyle Lake is a multipurpose lake administered by the St. Louis District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The Illinois Department of Natural Resources has a 25-year lease on part of the Army Corp's property to conduct a variety of habitat management measures aimed at increasing food, shelter and nesting areas for many wildlife species.
The federal lease land and state property provide almost 9,500 acres of wildlife habitat. The Wildlife Management Area is blessed with habitat diversity: approximately 2,000 acres of woodland; 5,800 acres of open water and wetlands; 200 acres of grassland; and 1,500 acres of cropland planted for wildlife food and cover. The area is divided by the following management areas: Westside Management Area, Eastside Management Area, Flooded Dead Timber Area and Open Water Area.

Westside Management Area

A network of levees seperates the 3,500-acre bottomland area into several smaller and more manageable compartments. Habitat management in the compartments consists of reclamating bottomland hardwoods, planting crops such as corn, milo, millet and winter wheat, and promoting the growth of natural wetland vegetation (moist soil management).
The manipulation of water levels plays an important part in management of the area. By manipulating spring water levels, moist soil plants such as wild millet can grow in several permanent moist soil areas and in some fields that were planted in annual crops the previous year. In the fall, flooding the leveed areas provides migrating waterfowl access to the food. Access to the area is by way of Cox's Bridge, Hitogi Access Area, or parking lots at Subimpoundments 1, 2, or 3.

Eastside Management Area

The 2,500-acre area located on the east side of the Kaskaskia River provides opportunities for waterfowl, upland and forest game hunters. The area is blessed with numerous natural wetlands and a large tract of timber. Additionally, several fields are planted to wildlife food plots. Access is by way of two parking lots at eckert's Woods, and the Hitogi and Cox's Bridge access areas.

Flooded Dead Timber Area

Creek channels, islands, and standing dead timber scattered throughout the water area provide numerous opportunities for hunting. Access is by way of Boulder, Cox's Bridge, East Fork Creek, Keyesport, North Fork Creek, Patoka, and Tamalco access areas.

Open Water Area

Open water south and north of the B&N Railroad provides opportunities for scenic boating, birdwatching and hunting. The area provides resting and roosting space, which encourages a greater waterfowl population. Access is by way of Boulder, Cox's Bridge, East Fork Creek, Keyesport, North Fork Creek, Patoka, and Tamalco access areas.

Carlyle Lake is known as one of the top waterfowl hunting areas in the state. The Department of
Natural Resources also provides opportunities for hunting white-tailed deer, turkeys, squirrels,
bobwhite quail, rabbits and mourning doves. Trapping is permitted after the duck season.
Birdwatchers can view ducks, geese, bald eagles, ospreys, cormorants, and great blue herons, as
well as numerous species of shorebirds and songbirds.

While groups of 25 or more are welcome and encouraged
to use the area's facilities, they are required to register in advance
with the site office to avoid crowding or scheduling conflicts.

At least one responsible adult must accompany each group of 15 minors.

Actions by nature can result in closed roads and other facilities.
Please call ahead to the area office before you make your trip.

Alcohol restrictions apply at certain state sites. Contact site for specific information.

Remember, take only memories, leave only footprints.

Carlyle Lake Wildlife Management Area
R.R. #2, Vandalia, IL 62471
(618)425-3533

Map of Wildlife Management Area
Return To Parks

David A. Dawson
info@carlylelake.com
Date Last Modified: 04/25/04