Clinton Lake is a 4,900 acres (19.8 km²) reservoir located near Clinton, Illinois. The lake is a part of the Clinton Lake State Recreation Area, which encompasses 9,300 acres (37.6 km²). Clinton Lake is located in the central part of the state. It was built in the 1970s as a cooling source for Clinton Nuclear Generating Station. The lake opened in 1978. Clinton Lake is one of the best lakes for catfish, and other gamefish. Boating power is unrestricted on the main body of the lake, and the upper arm of the lake is reserved as a no-wake area and some limited areas are reserved for electric trolling motors. There are six boat launches on the lake, as well as one canoe launch. There is also a 1,000 ft (300 m) long white sand beach on the lake. Other activities at Clinton Lake include camping, boating, swimming, water skiing, fishing, hiking trails, pickniking, hunting, and winter sports.