As I previously reported, the IDNR announced reduced hours at LaSalle Lake; but I didn't expect them to go to the extreme of a 1 p.m. close in March.
I am beyond frustration in the mismanagement from the Springfield end of one of the most valuable resources, not just for Chicago fishing, but for fishermen across northern and central Illinois.
Shameful.
And you know some of the lapdogs in Illinois outdoors will try to justify it.
Here's the official word:
IDNR Announces Operating Hours For La Salle Lake State Fish and Wildlife AreaSeason opens on March 16th
MARSEILLES, IL -
The Illinois Department of Natural Resources today announced that the La Salle Lake State Fish and Wildlife Area will open for the 2011 season on March 16.Beginning March 16 through March 31, La Salle Lake will be open Wednesday thru Sunday, 7 a.m.-1 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 June 30, La Salle Lake will be open seven days a week, 6 a.m. until dusk.
From July 1 through August 15, La Salle Lake will be open five days a week, Wednesday through Sunday, 6 a.m. until dusk. Hours may be adjusted during this time period, so visitors should call ahead to (815) 357-1608 to confirm operating hours.
During the period from August 16 through September 30, La Salle Lake will be open seven days a week, 6 a.m. to dusk.
For the last two weeks of the season, October 1 through October 15, La Salle Lake will be open five days a week, Wednesday through Sunday, from 7 a.m.-1 p.m.
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.
Rules and regulations for La Salle Lake can be found on the La Salle Lake page on the IDNR website through this link: http://www.dnr.illinois.gov/Parks/Pages/default.aspx
Information is also available in the 2011 Illinois Fishing Information Guide at this link: http://www.ifishillinois.org/pdf/2011fishingguide.pdfVisitors 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.
Leave it to politico's at Wildlife Mismanagement to screw things up..as per usual. I guess these are the same folks who think it wise to close Perch fishing in July when Families could be out there enjoying the resource, instead of closing it in MAY when the Perch actually spawn. If their intent is to save a few bucks, close LaSalle in August when the water temps are 100ยบ+ and nobody is fishing there anyway instead of reducing the hours in one of the Lakes most productive months...but then I'm preaching to the Choir here, aren't I?
This is the biggest joke in the state of Illinois Hours of operation 7-1 6 hours of fishing the first month of the opening of the lake . i thought all the bull was in Chicago but i guess not.
Way to go Illinois DNR ! Keep up the great work
So much for the raised hopes that I had when Quinn/Miller "took over".
Dashed on the rip-rap.
Business as usual in Ill-annoy.
I really ought to heed my impulse to move to Arkansas.