IDNR Announces Operating Hours For La Salle Lake State Fish and Wildlife Area

Season opens on March 16th

MARSEILLES, IL – The Illinois Department of Natural Resources today announced that the La Salle Lake State Fish and Wildlife Area will open for the 2011 season on March 16.

Beginning March 16 through March 31, La Salle Lake will be open Wednesday thru Sunday, 7 a.m.-1 p.m. As in previous years, La Salle Lake will be closed on Mondays and Tuesdays during this two-week period.

For the period April 1 through June 30, La Salle Lake will be open seven days a week, 6 a.m. until dusk.

From July 1 through August 15, La Salle Lake will be open five days a week, Wednesday through Sunday, 6 a.m. until dusk. Hours may be adjusted during this time period, so visitors should call ahead to (815) 357-1608 to confirm operating hours.

During the period from August 16 through September 30, La Salle Lake will be open seven days a week, 6 a.m. to dusk.

For the last two weeks of the season, October 1 through October 15, La Salle Lake will be open five days a week, Wednesday through Sunday, from 7 a.m.-1 p.m.

Visitors to La Salle 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 encouraged to adhere to all rules, regulations and direction from staff to make this spring season at LaSalle Lake an enjoyable experience for all.

Rules and regulations for La Salle Lake can be found on the La Salle Lake page on the IDNR website through this link: http://www.dnr.illinois.gov/Parks/Pages/default.aspx Information is also available in the 2011 Illinois Fishing Information Guide at this link: http://www.ifishillinois.org/pdf/2011fishingguide.pdf

Visitors are also reminded that La Salle Lake is a perched lake and can become turbulent during windy or inclement weather. The IDNR encourages all visitors at La Salle Lake to be aware of the lake conditions at all times. There is a wind warning system at LaSalle Lake. It 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.