| LaSalle Lake, a manmade,
2,058-acre lake 8 miles southeast of Marseilles, is popular among anglers.
Serving as a cooling lake for Commonwealth Edison's LaSalle Power Station,
the lake is formed by levees that rise above the surrounding land. While
this perched construction helps the lake catch the wind to
cool the impounded water, it can result in extremely hazardous conditions
for unwary boaters. All lake users should familiarize themselves with
the precautions described in the "Safety Information" below.
Dirt excavated for
the LaSalle County lake's construction was used to build the shoreline and internal dikes,
which are covered with rock riprap. The dikes are used to direct cooling
water through a five-day circulation pattern from the discharge channel
back to the intake channel. Typically there is a 20-degree water temperature
difference between the two channels. The average depth of LaSalle Lake
is 15 feet, but excavated areas within the lake are up to 70 feet
deep.
With its riprapped
shoreline, LaSalle has no natural shoreline for beaching boats. Boaters
must allow ample time to boat from the lake's northern shores to the boat
ramp area on the southwestern corner.
Boating
Safety Information
Boaters and anglers
are responsible for their own safety. Follow all boating safety
regulations, including observing the no wake zones.
Always remain aware of changing weather conditions and wave development.
The surface condition of the lake can change rapidly and wave action
can be excessive.
A wind
warning system at LaSalle Lake is located on the tip of the internal
dike that extends from the west shore. When the light of the wind warning
system is flashing, no boats are to be launched and boats on the lake
should seek shelter.
For boater's safety,
and for the safety of power plant divers who repair nets in the intake
structure on the discharge canal, boaters are not allowed within the
restricted areas marked off by orange buoys. Boaters observed
in a restricted area will have their boat numbers submitted to Conservation
Police Officers and tickets will be issued.
Swimming, wading and
water skiing are prohibited at LaSalle Lake as are sailboats, sailboards
and surfboards. All boats must be powered by gasoline engines. The maximum
speed on the lake is 40 mph. It is advisable to carry a battery-powered
AM-FM radio to monitor weather conditions. Two-way radios
must be turned off within 200 feet of power lines.
All boating is done
at your own risk.
Alcoholic beverages
are not allowed.
Open
Dates and Hours
LaSalle Lake will be open seven days a week from 6:00 am to Sunset starting April 1st, 2013.
All fishermen must be off the lake by closing time.
Visitors to LaSalle Lake are reminded that on opening day and during the first two weeks of the fishing season, long lines are expected at the site entrance. Visitors are reminded to adhere to all rules, regulations and direction from staff to make this season at LaSalle Lake an enjoyable experience for all.
Fishing
A boat is not needed
to fish LaSalle Lake. Many individuals and families enjoy bank fishing.
A fishing pier for disabled anglers is located at Ivy Point.
In addition to obeying
statewide fishing regulations, anglers must observe LaSalle Lake's site
specific regulations, which include two poles and line fishing only. In
addition, the following daily catch limits are in effect:
One black bass (either
largemouth or smallmouth), 18-inch minimum length.
10 striped bass, white
bass or hybrid striped bass (either singly or in the aggregate), no more
than three of which may be 17 inches on longer in length.
Directions
Coming from the north,
you can take I-39 or Rte #23 or Rte #47 south to I-80. From I-39 and Rte
#23, go east on I-80 to the Seneca exit. From Rte #47, go west on I-80
to the Seneca exit. Go south through the town of Seneca across the Illinois
River Bridge on Rte #170 to the flashing yellow light at the Mazon/Grand
Ridge Blacktop. Turn right onto the Blacktop and go about two and a half miles. The Fish & Wildlife Area entrance will be on the right.
Coming from the east, go west on I-80 to the Seneca exit.
Coming from the west, go east on I-80 to the Seneca exit. Go south through
the town of Seneca across the Illinois River Bridge on Rte #170 to the
flashing yellow light at the Mazon/Grand Ridge Blacktop. Turn right onto
the Blacktop and go about two and a half miles. The Fish & Wildlife Area
entrance will be on the right.
Coming from the south, take Rte #23 or Rte #170. If on Rte #23, go to
the town of Grand Ridge. In the middle of town, at the school, turn right
onto the Mazon Blacktop. Take the Mazon Blacktop past the nuclear plant.
The Fish & Wildlife Area entrance will be on the left. If on Rte #170,
go north to the flashing yellow light at the Mazon/Grand Ridge Blacktop.
Turn left onto the Blacktop, go about two and a half miles. The Fish &
Wildlife Area entrance will be on the right.
- While groups of 25 or
more are welcome and encouraged to use the park's facilities, they are required
to register in advance with the site office to avoid crowding or scheduling
conflicts.
- At least one responsible
adult must accompany each group of 15 minors.
- Pets must be kept on
leashes at all times.
- Actions by nature can
result in closed roads and other facilities. Please call ahead to the park
office before you make your trip.
- We hope you enjoy your
stay. Remember, take only memories, leave only footprints.
- For more information
on tourism in Illinois, call the Illinois Department of Commerce and Community
Affairs' Bureau of Tourism at 1-800-2Connect.
- Telecommunication Device
for Deaf and Hearing Impaired Natural Resources Information (217) 782-9175
for TDD only Relay Number 800-526-0844.
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