Illinois' La Salle Lake opens for season on March 15

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) recently announced that the La Salle Lake State Fish and Wildlife Area will open for the 2012 season on March 15.

Beginning March 15 through March 31, La Salle Lake will be open Wednesday thru Sunday, 6 a.m. to 12:30 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 July 15, La Salle Lake is scheduled to be open seven days a week, 6 a.m. until sunset.

From July 16 through August 31, La Salle Lake is scheduled to be open five days a week, Wednesday through Sunday, 6 a.m. until sunset.

During the period from September 1 through September 30, La Salle Lake will be open seven days a week, 6 a.m. to sunset.

For the last two weeks of the season, October 1 through October 14, La Salle Lake will be open five days a week, Wednesday through Sunday, from 6 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

All fishermen must be off the lake by closing time each day. Hours may be adjusted due to staffing issues, so visitors should call ahead to (815) 357-1608 to confirm operating hours.

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.

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.