North Fork Salt Creek

Clinton Lake was constructed by the Illinois Power Company to provide a source of cooling water for the Clinton Nuclear Power Station. Completed in 1977, the lake and surrounding lands were leased by the Illinois Department of Conservation and have since offered a wide variety of recreational opportunities.--The impoundment provides a significant fishery for a variety of species, including, largemouth bass, white crappie, walleye, channel catfish, striped bass, white bass and hybrid striped bass. The Clinton walleye fishery is recognized as one of the best in the state. Check state regulations for special length and creel limits for largemouth bass, hybrid striped bass, walleye, tiger muskie and crappie. Regulations are posted at most accesses.--Portions of the lake are posted as "No-Wake" or "No-Boat" areas and are indicated by buoys. The upper ends of both forks are restricted to electric motors only. From October 10 to March 31, the area between the Highway 14 and Highway 48 bridges is a fish and wildlife refuge, and boats are prohibited. For safety and security reasons, no one is allowed near the water intake area on the North Fork or within the discharge canal.--Boaters are cautioned that winds stronger than 15 mph can create very dangerous surface conditions. During summer, especially on holiday weekends, boat traffic can be extremely heavy. Delays at access sites should be anticipated.

Gizzard shad are the significant forage species in Clinton Lake. However, slow growth rates tend to keep them small and usable as prey. Nearly 88 percent of the population is less than 4 inches in length. Other forage species include freshwater drum, redhorse, red shiners, green sunfish and young-of-the-year of other species. Crayfish appear to be in good supply.

Test nettings have not produced any evidence that walleye or hybrid striped bass make spawning movements up either fork. Nettings have, however, indicated walleye spawn along shoreline areas of the main fork while hybrid stripers and true stripers move toward current areas near the discharge.