Carbondale Reservoir is a reservoir in Jackson County, Illinois. Carbondale Reservoir covers about 135 acres and holds about 480 acre-feet.
What to Expect at Carbondale Reservoir
Carbondale Reservoir was made by holding back a river or creek, making the old channel, bends and quiet coves sensible places to begin.
Fish and Useful Baits at Carbondale Reservoir
Fish reported from Carbondale Reservoir include bluegill, channel catfish, common carp, largemouth bass, redear sunfish, and white crappie. Stocking records for Carbondale Reservoir also list bluegill, though that does not mean those fish will be easy to catch on every trip.
Bass
For bass at Carbondale, fish weeds, wood and shade with a spinnerbait, jig or Texas-rigged worm for largemouth.
Crappie, Perch and Sunfish
For panfish at Carbondale, use a small jig or minnow beside brush for crappie, and fish a worm, cricket or tiny jig near weeds for bluegill, redear or other sunfish.
Catfish, Bullheads and Carp
For bottom fishing at Carbondale, put cut bait, a nightcrawler or prepared bait on bottom for channel catfish, and use corn or dough bait on a simple bottom rig for carp.
A Simple Fishing Plan for Carbondale Reservoir
On a first trip to Carbondale, check incoming water, one bend in the old channel and a point near deep water with a moving lure, then slow down with a jig or worm where you get a bite.
When to Fish Carbondale Reservoir
Spring around Carbondale is a good time to check warm coves and incoming water, and summer is a good time to fish shade, weeds and the first drop into deeper water. Fall around Carbondale can bring fish back to windy points and banks, while winter calls for smaller baits fished slowly.
Nearby fishing waters
Explore nearby waters, including local Featured destinations. Check each page for access and fishing restrictions.
Distances are straight-line estimates between mapped water locations.