Dam West Spillway
Overview
Dam West Spillway is situated on the southern shore of Carlyle Lake, a prime getaway for city-dwellers and families. Located 50 miles east of St. Louis, the area offers the peaceful retreat of a small town combined with the grandeur of Illinois' largest man-made lake.
Recreation
Dam West Spillway provides fun both on the water and on shore. Boat ramps and courtesy docks are located nearby, and the vast lake allows for plenty of water sports. Fishing is a popular pastime, and the lake and Kaskaskia River offer year-round varieties of fish such as bluegill, crappie, channel catfish, flathead catfish, white bass, largemouth bass, freshwater drum, carp and walleye. There is plenty of open space for children to play and a multi-use biking and walking trail is located a short distance away at the dam.
Facilities
Dam West Spillway provides fun both on the water and on shore. Boat ramps and courtesy docks are located nearby, and the vast lake allows for plenty of water sports. Fishing is a popular pastime, and the lake and Kaskaskia River offer year-round varieties of fish such as bluegill, crappie, channel catfish, flathead catfish, white bass, largemouth bass, freshwater drum, carp and walleye. There is plenty of open space for children to play and a multi-use biking and walking trail is located a short distance away at the dam.
Natural Features
Created in 1967, the 26,000-acre lake is recognized as one of the nation's top ten inland sailing lakes and hosts several annual races and regattas.Carlyle Lake is home to an array of wildlife that can be seen throughout the year. Its waters and shores are a resting spot for migratory waterfowl and other birds. There are six established Watchable Wildlife Sites with viewing towers open to the public around the lake.
contact_info
For facility specific information, please call (618) 594-2484.Nearby Attractions
The Carlyle Lake Visitor Center, located in the Dam West Recreation Area, has information available and nature exhibits on display, including a 215-gallon aquarium with native fish.
Activities
- Fishing
- Camping
- Boating
Media
![Dam West Spillway](https://cdn.recreation.gov/public/2018/09/17/17/42/233484_b0436ce5-f490-404a-afad-e1bc94a59508_1440.jpg)
![Dam West Spillway](https://cdn.recreation.gov/public/2018/08/07/00/27/5d0594c5-4994-4a7b-9797-c42853e09530_1600.jpg)