LaSalle Cooling Lake
Info / LaSalle County
Family Friendly
No
Handicap Access
Yes
Boat Fishing
Yes - Unrestricted
Boat Ramps
Yes
Boat Rentals
No
Camping
No
Picnicking
No
Skiing
No
Swimming
No
Trout Stocking
No
Zebra Mussels
Location 2058 acres
Fishing Outlook
Striped Bass x White Bass (Wiper)
Excellent
Hybrid striped bass are stocked annually. Anglers report good catches of 2 to 8 pound fish, especially early spring and late fall.
Bluegill
Excellent
Bluegill do very well in the rip-rap that lines the entire shoreline of LaSalle Lake. The east wall in the intake pool is a hot spot for fishing.
Channel Catfish
Average
Channel Catfish average 1.0-2.0 pounds.
Blue Catfish
Excellent
Blue Catfish are one of the most popular fish at LaSalle Lake. The dominate size group is 12–30 inches, weighing 1.0- 3.0 pounds. Large Blue Catfish are commonly reported. There is a high potential for trophy-sized Blue Catfish in LaSalle Lake.
Largemouth Bass
Average
Largemouth Bass have been rebounding from previous years. Largemouth fish can be very tough post the shad spawn. Hot spots in the spring before the shad spawn are the East end banks with drop off near large rock.
| 2025 | Blue Catfish | Advanced Fingerling (4 - 7") | 20580 |
| 2025 | Bluegill | Fingerling (1 - 3") | 121560 |
| 2025 | Largemouth Bass | Advanced Fingerling (4 - 7") | 4757 |
| 2025 | Largemouth Bass | Fingerling (1 - 3") | 58291 |
| 2025 | Smallmouth Bass | Advanced Fingerling (4 - 7") | 1398 |
Contact
815-795-2448
Description
LaSalle Lake is a perched cooling lake impounding 2,058 surface acres of water with 100 percent of the shoreline comprised of rock rip–rapped dikes. The average depth of the lake is 15 feet, but there are excavated areas within the lake up to 70 feet deep. Caution should be used on windy days as LaSalle Lake may become extremely rough. For safety, please observe wind warning lights. There is usually a 20 degree water temperature difference between the discharge and the intake. There is no horsepower limitation for boats; the maximum speed is 40 mph except in designated “no wake” areas; a working gasoline engine is required as the main propulsion unit; boats under 14 feet are not recommended. The lake has a concrete three-lane boat ramp and a paved parking lot large enough for 140 car/trailer parking. The boat launch is ADA accessible. Zebra mussels have been found in LaSalle Lake, therefore boaters should take appropriate measures upon departure to prevent spreading.Fishery History
The fishery is managed by annual species-specific surveys and stocking. LaSalle Lake receives an annual stocking of Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Hybrid Striped Bass, and Blue Catfish.Site Regulations
Anglers can use the following number for updates on lake conditions as it impacts boat fishing. The number to call is 815-357-1608. The Lake is scheduled to open on March 15th each year. Hours are from 6:00 AM to sunset 7 days a week. The lake closes on October 15. There is no horsepower limitation for boats; the maximum speed is 40 mph except in designated “no wake” areas.
Site-Specific Fishing Regulations:
- Recreational Use Restriction: Waterfowl Refuge or Hunting Area (see above)
- All Fish: 2 pole and line fishing only and each pole must not have more than 2 hooks or lures attached while fishing
- Large or Smallmouth Bass: 18 inch Minimum Length Limit; 1 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
- Striped, White, or Hybrid Striped Bass: 10 Fish Daily Harvest Limit with no more than 3 fish greater than or equal to 17 inches
Additional Information
Planning to eat your catch? Fish Consumption Advisory information can be found here: Fish Consumption Advisory PageBath Map
