Carlyle Lake is the largest man-made lake in all of Illinois and offers abundant recreational opportunities including kayaking and canoeing. The lake offers multiple recreation sites with launching amenities providing paddlers with the option of exploring different areas of the lake. The lake also provides paddlers with lots of opportunity for birdwatching and wildlife viewing. The lake is popular for fishing, sailing, and motorboats so watch out for others on the lake, especially if crossing open waters.