Clinton Lake, Illinois, USA

Also known as:  Clinton Reservoir

Travel to central Illinois and you’ll find Clinton Lake, a 4,900 acre lake just 3 miles east of Clinton. Though the lake was originally built as a cooling tank for the Clinton Nuclear Generation Station, the reservoir pulls double duty as one of the area’s premier vacation destinations. Open since 1978, Clinton Lake is a fantastic game fish lake, with an unofficial specialization in catfish. Anglers launch…
Keep scrolling to read more.

Welcome to the ultimate guide to Clinton Lake! Article topics include:

Looking for Clinton Lake cabins or other accommodations? Save time and use this interactive map to find, compare and book at the best rates. Or explore more of our favorite travel partners.


All About Clinton Lake, IL

Travel to central Illinois and you’ll find Clinton Lake, a 4,900 acre lake just 3 miles east of Clinton. Though the lake was originally built as a cooling tank for the Clinton Nuclear Generation Station, the reservoir pulls double duty as one of the area’s premier vacation destinations.

Open since 1978, Clinton Lake is a fantastic game fish lake, with an unofficial specialization in catfish. Anglers launch their boats from any of of the lake’s six launch sites, or cast off the special piers at the Mascoutin Access Area, Spillway Access Area, and Valley Mill Bank Fishing Area. Pier anglers are likely to catch crappie, while those trolling in boats hook hybrid bass, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, and striped bass, in addition to the lake’s signature catfish. Other fishermen tend to head to the lake’s bridges, where they often reel in stripers and walleye.

Boating is also popular at Clinton Lake, and every boater can find a place here. The upper arms of the lake are no wake areas, providing excellent opportunities for canoeists and kayakers. Those who love to open up the motor and feel the breeze in their hair head to the main channel, where there are no horsepower limitations and plenty of space to have a bit of fun. Sail boaters take advantage of strong breezes to enjoy the lake’s natural scenery.

With the warm sun on your skin, eventually you’ll want to take a refreshing break in the cool waters of Clinton Lake. Luckily for swimmers, a 1000-foot white sand beach paints part of the shoreline, providing the perfect location for sunbathers, swimmers, and picnickers looking to enjoy a relaxing afternoon.

Nature lovers also find plenty to do at the lake, with miles of hiking trails winding their way through the natural beauty. Clinton Lake Recreation Area features three hiking trails, between 5 and 10 miles each. Houseboat Cove Trail stretches 5 miles long, running north of the beach and through the woods. North Fork Trail, at a more challenging 9.3 miles, will weave you through forest, up and down hills, and offer unbelievable vistas. Lastly, a 10-mile equestrian/cross country skiing trail lies at the north side of Clinton Lake, providing wider trails and beautiful views.

Clinton Lake is a place where natural beauty combines with modern conveniences to give visitors the best of both worlds. If you’re looking for a beautiful escape, take time to visit and enjoy some of life’s simple pleasures.

Things to Do at Clinton Lake

These are some activities in the Clinton Lake, IL area visitors can enjoy:

  • Vacation Rentals
  • Fishing
  • Boating
  • Sailing
  • Swimming
  • Beach
  • Canoeing
  • Kayaking
  • Hiking
  • Cross-Country Skiing
  • Horseback Riding

What Kind of Fish Are in Clinton Lake?

Clinton Lake has been known to have the following fish species:

  • Bass
  • Black Bass
  • Catfish
  • Crappie
  • Largemouth Bass
  • Perch
  • Smallmouth Bass
  • Striped Bass
  • Walleye
divider

Find Places to Stay at Clinton Lake

If you’re considering a Clinton Lake lake house rental or hotel, we’ve made it super easy to find the best rates and compare vacation accommodations at a glance. Save time using this interactive map below.

Note: These are affiliate links and we may earn a small commission if you click and make a purchase. Read our full disclosure policy here.

More Sites to Book a Clinton Lake Vacation

Our interactive Clinton Lake lodging map above is an easy tool for comparing VRBO rental homes and nearby hotels with Booking.com, but there could be times when you need to expand your search for different types of accommodations. Here are some other lake lodging partners we recommend:

Check TripAdvisor
Check Expedia
Find a Campspot
All Travel Resources

Clinton Lake Statistics & Helpful Links

divider

Lake Type: Artificial Reservoir, Dammed

Water Level Control: Excelon Corporation

Surface Area: 4,900 acres

Shoreline Length: 130 miles

Normal Elevation (Full Pond): 690 feet

Average Depth: 15 feet

Maximum Depth: 40 feet

Completion Year: 1978


More local lakes to explore in this area:

We strive to keep information on LakeLubbers as accurate as possible. If you’ve found something here that needs updating, please touch base by filling out our Content Correction form.

Shop Clinton Lake Gifts

Custom Lake Tumblers

Create Your Own Captain / First Mate Custom 20oz Tumbler

ORDER HERE
Custom Lake T Shirt

Create Your Personalized My Boat My Rules Unisex T-Shirt

ORDER HERE
Custom Lake Coffee Mug - On Lake Time

Create a Custom Coffee Mug – 11oz or 15oz

ORDER HERE
VIEW ALL CUSTOM LAKE PRODUCTS

More Clinton Lake news from LakeLubbers.com

  • Advertise your vacation rental property or local business: DETAILS HERE
  • The Clinton Lake forum has been discontinued: HERE’S WHY
  • New Clinton Lake photos coming soon!
  • You’re invited to join our lake-lovin’ community on Facebook and Instagram!
  • Share this Clinton Lake article with your fellow LakeLubbers: