CANTON LAKE
Fulton County, Illinois
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Canton Lake is located 1 mile northest of the town of Canton in Fulton County.
Canton Lake is a 250-acre lake constructed in 1939 and was the primary potable water source for the city of Canton. Canton Lake has a maximum depth of 35 feet and an average depth of 14 feet. This water reservoir holds approximately 3,500 acre feet of water with 7.2 miles of shoreline. The 9,728 acre watershed is 82% agricultural, 12% woodland, and 6% municipal and residential. Historical water quality samples revealed a secchi disk average of 23 inches, a pH of 8.3, and total alkalinity of 135 mg/L. Conductivity readings averaged 375 umhos.
No submerged rooted aquatic vegetation is present in Canton Lake.
Listing of the Sport Fish Regulations in Effect
All FISH - 2 pole and line fishing only
Species Size Limit Creel Limit
Largemouth bass 15 inch minimum 3 fish/day*
& Smallmouth bass
Channel Catfish None 6 fish/day
& Blue Catfish
Tiger Muskie 42 inch minimum 1 fish/day
& Muskie
*daily limit includes all largemouth and smallmouth bass
either singly or in the aggregate.
Share your catch!
We want to see what you've caught on CANTON LAKE.
Frequently Asked Questions About CANTON LAKE, IL
- How big is CANTON LAKE?
- How deep is CANTON LAKE?
- What kind of fish can you catch in CANTON LAKE?
- What are the closest cities to CANTON LAKE?
- Are there places to stay in the CANTON LAKE area?
- Are there topographical lake maps available CANTON LAKE?
- Are there places to eat and drink near CANTON LAKE?
- What is the fishing outlook for CANTON LAKE?
- What is the average air temp for CANTON LAKE?
- Are there any state parks near CANTON LAKE?
How big is CANTON LAKE?
CANTON LAKE is approximately 220 sq acres (0.9 sq km) in size with 7 miles (11.6 km) of shoreline.
How deep is CANTON LAKE?
CANTON LAKE is approximately 35 feet (10.7 m) at its deepest point with an average depth of 14 feet (4.3 m).
What kind of fish can you catch in CANTON LAKE?
Although thery may be others but anglers can expect to find a variety of fish including Blue Catfish, Bluegill, Channel Catfish, Flathead Catfish, Largemouth Bass and Muskie in CANTON LAKE.
Other fish species in the lake include Crappie.
What are the closest cities to CANTON LAKE?
Are there places to stay in the CANTON LAKE area?
Are you craving a weekend escape from the hustle and bustle of city life? Or maybe you're an avid angler in search of the perfect fishing spot? Look no further! CANTON LAKE and its surrounding area offer an abundance of options to suit your needs. If you're in need of accommodation, check out our area map which highlights some of the best places to stay. And if you're looking for even more options, head on over to our Travel section. But why settle for a traditional hotel or resort when you can take your adventure to the next level by renting a RV? The open road awaits you!
More Lodging Options
More Lodging Options
Are there topographical lake maps available CANTON LAKE?
We have an topograpical map for online viewing near the top of this page. Lake-Link Pro users can download an print a topograpical map of CANTON LAKE (.pdf format) along with 2,700 more lake maps. For more information on all the benefits of Lake-Link Pro click here.
Are there places to eat and drink near CANTON LAKE?
Yes, you can find numerous options in the area. Click the button below to see what's nearby.
What is the fishing outlook for CANTON LAKE?
What does the future look like for CANTON LAKE? We have some insignt on what to expect for a number of fish species in CANTON LAKE.
Explore the CANTON LAKE area in a RV
Are you looking for an adventurous vacation option that won't break the bank? Look no further than renting an RV! Contrary to popular belief, the process is much simpler than you might imagine. With just a few easy steps, you'll soon be experiencing the ultimate freedom and convenience of exploring the open road in your very own recreational vehicle. And the best part? RV travel can save you up to 60% compared to other types of vacations! With the money you'll save, you'll be able to travel even more and create unforgettable memories along the way. So why wait? Start planning your next adventure today with an RV rental. Learn more about renting a RV.
History & Status of the Fishery
The overall sport fishery of Canton Lake has been at an average level over the last 20 years. The high density carp population and sedimentation problem have a direct negative effect of the rooted, submerged aquatic plants. With turbid water conditions, the carp thrive and continue the poor water quality, thus affecting the food chain and sport fish population. The addition of gizzard shad and yellow bass have made Canton Lake very difficult to manage for quality largemouth bass and bluegill.
IDNR conducts annual surveys to measure trends in fishery population dynamics, angling regulations and progress toward management goals.
The sport fishery in Canton Lake has developed into a quality location for flathead, blue and channel catfish. In 1997, 1998 and 1999, a total of 990 flathead catfish were stocked into Canton lake from the Illinois River periodically from June until January. In 1999 and 2001, blue catfish were stocked into Canton Lake in three stockings with a total of 15,200 fish stocked. All three species have established naturally reproducing populations in Canton Lake with quality fish present.
Starting in 2000, pure muskie have been stocked semiannually in Canton Lake.
Supplemental largemouth bass stockings have occurred when surplus fish are available from the state hatchery. Food competition and/or lack of desirable food (aquatic insects, larval fish) for young bass under nine inches is probably a major factor in poor recruitment of young bass to larger sizes in Canton Lake. Once reaching approximately nine inches, the bass are able to eat larger food (small fish) and not have the food source competition with yellow bass, crappie, bluegill and carp.
Additional species that have historically been collected in limited numbers include golden shiner, black bullhead, white sucker, green wunfish, yellow bullhead, northern pike and white catfish.
IDNR conducts annual surveys to measure trends in fishery population dynamics, angling regulations and progress toward management goals.
The sport fishery in Canton Lake has developed into a quality location for flathead, blue and channel catfish. In 1997, 1998 and 1999, a total of 990 flathead catfish were stocked into Canton lake from the Illinois River periodically from June until January. In 1999 and 2001, blue catfish were stocked into Canton Lake in three stockings with a total of 15,200 fish stocked. All three species have established naturally reproducing populations in Canton Lake with quality fish present.
Starting in 2000, pure muskie have been stocked semiannually in Canton Lake.
Supplemental largemouth bass stockings have occurred when surplus fish are available from the state hatchery. Food competition and/or lack of desirable food (aquatic insects, larval fish) for young bass under nine inches is probably a major factor in poor recruitment of young bass to larger sizes in Canton Lake. Once reaching approximately nine inches, the bass are able to eat larger food (small fish) and not have the food source competition with yellow bass, crappie, bluegill and carp.
Additional species that have historically been collected in limited numbers include golden shiner, black bullhead, white sucker, green wunfish, yellow bullhead, northern pike and white catfish.
Controling Authority
Canton City Hall
309-647-0020
IDNR Fisheries Biologist, Rob Hilsabeck
309-370-5296
309-647-0020
IDNR Fisheries Biologist, Rob Hilsabeck
309-370-5296
What is the average air temp for CANTON LAKE?
Looking forward to your next adventure at CANTON LAKE? Don't forget to plan ahead! Weather can be unpredictable, but we've got you covered. On average, air temperatures during this time of year range from a high around 83°F (28°C) to a low around 62°F (17°C). Of course, these are just historical averages, so be prepared for anything Mother Nature throws your way. For the most up-to-date weather information, be sure to check out our Weather Bar located at the top of this page.
Are there any state parks near CANTON LAKE?
Enjoy more of the outdoors with a visit to an area state park. There are 4 state parks in the vacinity of CANTON LAKE.
Rice Lake State Fish and Wildlife Area
Rice Lake State Park
Sand Ridge State Forest
Jubilee College State Park
More Nearby Lakes To Explore
There's more lake's to explore around CANTON LAKE...| DISTANCE | ACRES | MAX DEPTH | |
| Fitch Lake | 3.9 mi | 64 | 37 ft |
| Fitch & Bond Lake | 4.1 mi | 63 | 37 ft |
| Bond Lake | 4.1 mi | 64 | 37 ft |
| Shovel Lake-Banner Marsh | 5.8 mi | 78 | |
| Shovel Lake | 5.8 mi | 100 | 65 ft |
| Rice Lake | 6.6 mi | 1,383 | |
| Johnson Lake - Banner Marsh | 7.0 mi | 600 | |
| Double T Lake | 7.2 mi | 64 | |
| Big Lake | 7.7 mi | 1,623 | |
| Fulton Co. Camping & Recreation Area | 8.2 mi | 134 | 20 ft |
DISCLAIMER: Lake-Link Inc assumes no responsibility or liability for any errors or omissions of the information for CANTON LAKE. Although we strive to provide the most accurate information as we can the information contained in this page is provided on an "as is" basis with no guarantees of completeness, accuracy, usefulness or timeliness.
