Get Hooked on Fishing the Abundant Waters of Carroll County
You hear the bullfrogs in the distance, but you’re silent. Nothing’s biting at the moment, but patience is part of fishing. Plus, you can glance over at the live well and smile when you see what they’ve caught so far. You ponder what to do after getting back onto shore. You’ll definitely want some lunch, but after that, the options range from hiking to mini-golf to live theater. But deciding what to do with the rest of your day is the toughest thing you’ll have to do. Right now, you’re perfectly relaxed. And then you feel the rod jerk sharply.Another bite...and it feels like a big one!
Why Carroll County?
Here are just a few reasons any angler should choose Carroll County for a day, a weekend, or even a whole week:
Close to You
Carroll County is within a two-and-a-half hour drive of Chicago, most of Illinois and all of Southern Wisconsin and Eastern Iowa.
Spectacular Nature
You’ll have access to thousands of acres of beautiful parklands, lakes, streams and the Mississippi.
Family Fun
From laser tag and theater to kayaking and mini-golf, we have all types of entertaining things for you and your family to do.
Great Lodging
Lodging options from rustic cabins to resorts mean you get more than a place to sleep; where you stay becomes part of the fun!
Bait & Tackle Shops
Need some extra bait or equipment? Visit these Carroll County retailers:
Todd’s Tackle
Wide variety of bait, tackle, and all kinds of other fishing supplies. Directions to Todd's Tackle
G & S Cheese Bait
Great bait for every type of fish, and much more. Directions to G&S Cheese Bait
Miller’s Sport Center
Full line of bait and tackle in house, in addition to a complete range of boating accessories.
Trailside Inn General Store
Live bait, tackle, and licenses. The perfect place to stop for snacks, cold drinks, or coffee before your outing.
Boat Rentals
cSavanna Kayak & Watercraft Rental
Rent a Pelican Bass Raider Fishing Boat by the hour. Trolling motor, 600 pound capacity, fishing equipment included, guide available.
cSavanna Kayak & Watercraft Rental Facebook Page
Boat Dealers
If you plan to do your angling on the water, these Carroll County boat dealers offer new and used boats, repair, and full lines of accessories.
Miller's Sports Center Bait and Tackle
M&M Marine
Perdue Marine
Great Places to Fish
Just sit back and let the fish do the work. This list is just a short selection of the dozens of fine spots where you can begin your angling adventure.
Big Slough Recreational Area
A two lane boat launch gives access to the Mississippi and a backwater pool; canoe access, bank fishing, picnic sites, nearby campground.
Frog Pond
Not only is this a great fishing pond, but it is easily accessible (immediately off Route 84, south of Savanna) features a wheelchair accessible fishing platform, and is close to Plum River. Frog Pond Website
Ingersoll Wetlands Learning Center
This 50,000 acre refuge has boat launches and is great for peaceful boating and canoeing/kayaking. Ashore you’ll offers places to bike, picnic, and a gift shop.
Miller's Hollow Piers
Not only is it located near the Mississippi River, but this spot is on the edge of Buffalo Lake and Mississippi Palisades State-Park, a great place to have a rest on land.
Marquette Park
This seven acre park is located on the Mississippi River with boat launches, places to fish, picnic and bike, restrooms, and parking.
Mississippi Palisades State Park
Get the best of both worlds in this 2,400 acre park, with high bluff river views above and boat launches below. Plenty to do ashore, too: Biking, birding, camping, fishing, hiking, and cross-country skiing.
Point Rock Park
A 25 acre city park that stretches along the banks of the Waukarusa River. Great fishing as well as numerous trails and a frisbee golf course. Ample parking, restrooms. Point Rock Park Website
Spring Lake
Nearly 1,300 acres of lake, surrounded by an 8.7 mile gravel path that circles the lake for easy access. Beautiful views of the Mississippi; perfect for picnicking or hiking as well.
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Thomson Causeway Recreation Area
64 acre refuge. Boat launches lead into a 3 mile wide channel, the Potters Marsh wetlands is navigable and great for fishing and duck hunting. Ashore you’ll find great birding, camping, and hiking.
Guided Ice Fishing with cSavanna
Experienced guide will show you the ropes! Huts, poles, bait included. Weekends only and subject to conditions. Available -
Ready To Get Hooked?
Our beautiful region is yours to explore, and it’s right in your backyard, so why wait? Click below to choose lodging or plan your whole trip. We can’t wait to see you.