Fishing Report
Carthage Lake Fishing Report
Carthage, IL
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Modeled from live National Weather Service data as of Oct 27, 2026 at 6:48 PM CDT, plus solunar and sun/moon times computed in-house. This is a computed report, not an eyewitness catch report.
40.426258, -91.154437
Est. water temp
70.5°F
v1 estimate from air temperature — not a sensor reading
Today’s bite
Bluegill fishing report
Best window today: 6 PM (Excellent · 98/100)
See the full forecast →Species on record
Species tagged “Group” were listed by the state under a category (e.g. “Panfish”) for this lake, not an individual-species survey.
More Illinois fishing by species
Every species with enough Illinois waters on fish-agency record to have its own page here.
Species detail
How to catch them at Carthage Lake
Black Crappie feed most actively at Dawn and Dusk, when activity runs about 16% above the daily average across all four light windows.
Typical Fall depth: 0-10 ft
Black Crappie fishing report →Bluegill feed most actively at Dawn and Dusk, when activity runs about 33% above the daily average across all four light windows.
Typical Fall depth: 6-18 ft
Bluegill fishing report →Channel Catfish feed most actively at Night, when activity runs about 36% above the daily average across all four light windows.
Typical Fall depth: 3-10 ft
Channel Catfish fishing report →Largemouth Bass feed most actively at Dawn and Dusk, when activity runs about 21% above the daily average across all four light windows.
Typical Fall depth: 5-15 ft
Largemouth Bass fishing report →
Location
Carthage Lake · 40.4263, -91.1544
Map data © OpenFreeMap, OpenMapTiles, OpenStreetMap contributors
Nearby
Other lakes nearby
FAQ
Common questions
What fish are in Carthage Lake?
State surveys have confirmed Bluegill, Channel Catfish, and Largemouth Bass in Carthage Lake.
When's the best time to fish Carthage Lake?
Black Crappie feed most actively at Dawn and Dusk, when activity runs about 16% above the daily average across all four light windows. Check today's bite forecast for Carthage Lake to see the best window for current conditions.
Where is Carthage Lake?
Carthage Lake is near Carthage, IL, at 40.4263, -91.1544.
Plan your trip to Carthage Lake
Get the hour-by-hour bite forecast and the best times to fish Carthage Lake, scored against live National Weather Service weather for this exact spot — showing what every input contributed and how well the evidence supports it.