LASALLE LAKE STATE FISH WILDLIFE AREA
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 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. There is typically a 20-degree water temperature difference between the two channels. The average depth of LaSalle Lake is 15 feet, but there are excavated areas within the lake 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.
Hotels/Motels
Relax in the rustic beauty and comfort of Starved Rock Lodge, Cabins and Starved Rock Inn. The historic Lodge has 69 guest rooms, which include three bay-window rooms, plus cabins nestled in the woods. Fireplaces can be found in four of the eight sunset cabins near the pool area...
19.3 miles from park*
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.
Share Your LaSalle Lake State Fish Wildlife Area Photos (click here)