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USSFN: 3/09/04 - It is time for the cooling lakes to reopen. That must mean spring is right around the corner. Braidwood Lake was first and opened on March 1, with operating hours from 6 a.m. to sunset. Nearby Mazonia will open when the site gets open water. LaSalle Lake will open March 17 on a Wednesday through Sunday schedule from 6 a.m. to sunset. A 7-day-per-week schedule is planned for April 1, depending on staffing levels at the time. Heidecke Lake will open April 1 with hours of 6 a.m. to sunset for the boat ramp and a 6:30 a.m. opening for bank fishing. These dates and times are subject to change based on weather and any ongoing security issues.
Located not far from Joliet, IL (about an hour southwest of Chicago), these lakes offer a variety of game fish and are readily accessible to all anglers. If you plan to visit them on the weekend, be sure to arrive early in the morning to secure the best spots.
Heidecke Lake doesn't offer much, if any shade, during the day for bank fishermen, but I've seen some beautiful stringers come out of there just the same. Live bait is primarily used here (nightcrawlers, dew/wax worms, and big shiners). It might also be noted that there are some nice striped bass and walleye in these waters in addition to the more plentiful crappie and monster catfish. Be mindful of the size restrictions posted upon entry into the lake. Oh, and if you're looking for bait early in the morning...there's a Citgo truckstop on I-55 closeby that offers 24 hour live bait and has some excellent home cooking in the restaurant there. And, be sure to tell the staff that I said "hi".
~ JimSource: Illinois Department of Natural Resources