LaSalle County Nuclear Station Cooling Pond

La Salle is a cooling lake for Commonwealth Edison’s La Salle County Nuclear Power Plant. The lake was constructed during 1977, filled in 1978 and began commercial operations in 1982. La Salle Lake was opened for recreational use in 1986.---This lake was constructed on high ground (perched) in order to maximize the cooling effect of the wind. Dangerous waves can form quickly with changes in the wind.---Boat and shore fishing are the only water activities permitted on the lake. All boats must be powered by gasoline engines and be large enough to remain safe in a two- to four-foot chop; six- to eight- foot waves are a possibility. The maximum speed limit on the lake is 40 mph. A high-wind warning light is located at the east end of interior dike No. 3. When this light is flashing, no boats are to be launched, and anglers on the water should seek shelter immediately.---Restricted areas are marked with orange buoys and entry is absolutely prohibited. The lake is open April 1 through September 30, from 6:00 a.m. to sunset. For plant security reasons, vehicles remaining on site after sunset are removed immediately.---Zebra mussels have been accidentally introduced into La Salle Lake. Special regulations are now in effect to prevent their spread into other lakes and rivers. A complete list of lake rules are posted at the boat landing.---Special catch and creel regulations are also enforced. The daily bag limit for largemouth or smallmouth bass is one fish, with a minimum length of 18 inches. Hybrid striped bass and white bass have a combined possession limit of 10 fish, but no more than three bass can be over 17 inches.---For more information about La Salle Lake, contact the site superintendent at (815) 357-1608, or Illini State Park at (815) 795-2448.

Gizzard shad comprise the bulk of the forage base, but fast growth of young-of-the-year fish quickly makes them too large for most gamefish except hybrid striped bass. Threadfin shad have been added because of their smaller adult size (about four inches). Other prey species include: spotfin, spottail, golden and emerald shiners. Bluntnose minnow and brook silverside are also present. Mayflies, midges, crayfish, various mussels and snails are also available.

Movements within the lake are dictated to a large degree by water temperatures and currents produced by power production. During winter months, most game species are concentrated in or near the outlet canal where the water temperature remains about 70 degrees.