DESCRIPTION

LaSalle Fish & Wildlife Area is dedicated to providing quality hunting and fishing opportunities while maintaining 3,797 acres hardwood forests, cropland and fallow fields, marshes, brush and open water. Bisected by the Kankakee River, LaSalle is an ideal stopover for migratory birds.

The area around LaSalle was once part of the grand Kankakee Marsh. Acquisition of the land began in 1952. About 1800 acres were purchased and became Kankakee River State Park. In 1963, after additional acreage was acquired, it was determined that the land was better suited for use as a fish and wildlife area. At this time it was renamed LaSalle Fish and Wildlife Area. Most revenues used in land acquisition, development, operation and maintenance of LaSalle Fish and Wildlife Area are derived from the sale of hunting, fishing and trapping licenses. Funds are also received from the federal Pittman-Robertson and Dingell-Johnson programs to aid fish and wildlife restoration. These funds are derived from taxes levied on sport hunting and fishing equipment. Indiana hunters, anglers and trappers are proud to provide this property for the enjoyment of all people.

ACTIVITIES

Fishing

• LaSalle Fish and Wildlife Area provides fishing areas along the Kankakee River and bayous.
• No check-in is required for fishing. Fishing areas are closed during waterfowl seasons. Ask for details at headquarters.
• Primary species include bluegill, crappie, small- and largemouth bass, northern pike, walleye, rock bass and rough fish.
• Boat ramps are available at Black Oak Bayou, White Oak Bayou and at State Line Road for the Kankakee River.
• Shoreline fishing is limited, but available.
• There is a 12-inch minimum size limit for all bass caught on the Kankakee River. All other size and bag limits apply. See the current fishing regulations for details.

Hunting

• Ducks, geese, turkey, deer, quail, pheasant, rabbit, dove, squirrel, snipe, sora rails and woodcock are common at LaSalle Fish & Wildlife Area.
• Check-in is required. All hunting seasons and bag limits apply. See the current hunting regulations for details.
• Special hunts include dove and waterfowl hunts by drawing. Pre-registration is required for wild turkey hunting.
• Area 3 is designated for dog training. (See map.)

Wildlife Watching

• Once part of the Grande Kankakee Marsh, LaSalle’s habitat provides an ideal stop over for migrating waterfowl. The month of March provides excellent waterfowl viewing opportunities.

Neighboring Land

• Willow Slough Fish and Wildlife Area
• The Nature Conservancy’s Kankakee Sands Project
• Beaver Lake Nature Preserve

Additional Opportunities

• Wetland trapping is available through drawing held the first Saturday in October at 10:00 a.m. local time.
• A dog training area is provided near property headquarters (see map).
• Additional hunting opportunities include: dove and waterfowl hunts by drawings. Pre-season waterfowl reservations drawing.
• Handicap hunting opportunities are available. Ask for details.
• Three boat ramps are available, two accessing the Kankakee River.
• Berries, mushrooms and nuts may be gathered from the property.

NO Camping and NO Swimming Allowed.

Please Read and Obey All Signs.

RULES

In addition to state fish and wildlife laws, this property is governed by posted regulations affecting the public use of lands and facilities owned, leased or licensed by the Department of Natural Resources.

Posted Areas

Safety zones, refuges, waterfowl resting and other restricted areas are marked with appropriate signs. PLEASE READ AND OBEY ALL SIGNS.

Violations

Violation of any law, rule or regulation governing this property may be cause for forfeiting your hunting, fishing, or visiting privileges on this area.

Responsibility

The Division of Fish and Wildlife, Department of Natural Resources, will not be held responsible for any accidents or deaths occurring from the use of these facilities.

Permits

In addition to a hunting and/or fishing license the following permits are required:

• Permission to hunt during the day on LaSalle Fish and Wildlife Area must be obtained before entering the field. Hunting badges or one-day hunting permit cards must be in the possession of the hunter at all times.
• Bagged game must be checked through the check station or recorded through established self-service procedures outlined at the check station. Self-service drop boxes are located throughout the property for your convenience. No Shooting of woodchuck (groundhogs) is allowed.
• Night and predator hunting is only permitted by daily permit cards from the self-serve check station.
• Dog training is available in area 3 only. Check-in at self-serve check station.
• Collecting Permits are required from the property manager or IDNR for the collection of anything except nuts, berries and mushrooms.

Traffic

Traffic on public roads through the area is governed by state and county laws. Traffic over service roads and trails, except by authorized vehicles, is restricted to walking. Park in designated lots only.

MAPS

• LaSalle Fish and Wildlife Area Map in online viewable format
• LaSalle Fish and Wildlife Area Map in Acrobat Reader format

GALLERY

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