LaSalle Lake State Fish & Wildlife Area
🏆🏆🏆🏆 Nuclear Cooling Lake — 2,058-acre cooling lake for the LaSalle Nuclear Generating Station — superb warm-water fishing in a surreal setting
LaSalle Lake State Fish & Wildlife Area centers on a 2,058-acre cooling lake for the LaSalle Nuclear Generating Station in LaSalle County. The warm-water discharge creates one of the most productive fisheries in Illinois — trophy-sized largemouth bass, walleye, sauger, and hybrid striped bass thrive in the artificially heated water. The nuclear plant’s cooling towers rise dramatically behind the lake, creating a surreal backdrop for anglers. Winter fishing here is exceptional — the warm water keeps fish active when natural lakes are frozen solid.
Visitor Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | LaSalle County, IL |
| Entry Fee | Free |
| Lake | 2,058 acres! |
| Fishing | Nuclear-heated — trophy bass year-round! |
About LaSalle Lake
LaSalle Lake State Fish and Wildlife Area in LaSalle County surrounds a 2,058-acre power plant cooling lake — one of Illinois’ premier trophy fishing destinations. The lake’s warm waters produce exceptional largemouth bass (the state record came from here), hybrid striped bass, and walleye. The surrounding grasslands provide pheasant hunting.
Things to Do
Trophy fishing for record-class largemouth bass, walleye, and hybrid striped bass, hunting (pheasant, deer), and birdwatching. Electric motors only — creating a peaceful atmosphere on the water. One of the best fishing lakes in Illinois.
Insider Tips
Cooling lake trophy fishing: LaSalle Lake is another Illinois power plant cooling lake — warm discharge water produces trophy-size fish. Pro tip: Hybrid striped bass (wipers) here exceed 15 lbs — target them with white jigs near the discharge channel. Birding: The warm water attracts unusual winter gulls and waterfowl — birders come from across the Midwest for rare species.
Best Time to Visit
Winter: Warm water keeps the lake open — unusual gulls and waterfowl concentrate. Spring/fall: Best fishing. Summer: Consistent warm-water fishing. Year-round: The heated water creates a unique year-round fishery.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do rare birds visit cooling lakes?
Warm discharge water keeps cooling lakes partially ice-free in winter, attracting fish and the birds that feed on them. Species like lesser black-backed gulls, Thayer’s gulls, and common goldeneyes — rare in Illinois — concentrate at these open-water havens. Power plant lakes have become essential winter birding hotspots.
Wildlife & Nature
LaSalle Lake State Fish and Wildlife Area — a 2,058-acre cooling lake for the LaSalle County Nuclear Generating Station — provides unique fishing in LaSalle County. Like other cooling lakes in Illinois, the thermally warmed waters create year-round fishing opportunities and attract wintering waterfowl and bald eagles. The warm water supports fast-growing fish populations — walleye, hybrid striped bass, smallmouth bass, and channel catfish reach trophy sizes. The lake’s warm discharge creates ice-free areas during winter, concentrating birds and fish. The surrounding grasslands — managed for waterfowl hunting — support nesting grassland birds. Northern harriers patrol low over the open areas. Short-eared owls — increasingly rare grassland specialists — are occasionally spotted during winter.
Nearby Attractions
Starved Rock State Park — Illinois’ most popular park — is 10 minutes away with 18 sandstone canyons and waterfalls. Matthiessen State Park offers additional canyon hiking. Buffalo Rock State Park features the Effigy Tumuli earth sculptures. Utica has the LaSalle County Historical Museum. Ottawa hosted the first Lincoln-Douglas debate (1858). I&M Canal State Trail provides 60+ miles of biking. Illinois Valley offers diverse dining and lodging.
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