Hi Truce,
I was the one who was at LaSalle last week and had to ride what seemed to be a bike- a- thon to get to the hot water. Braidwood is nice because there is a launch on the Hot side and the cool side. To get to the hot side, take Rt 53 South to Kankakee Rd ( in the sprawling town of Godley) which leads to the hot side. The cool side is off Cemetery Road in Braidwood itself. I have had great luck at Braidwood in the past, but last year the temps got very hot, like 120 degrees hot. A lot of Shad died, and some bass. I think there still are lots of bass to be had, just follow the water temps. I plan on taking my girls out in the afternoon. We will shore fish the hot side, and there is miles of Rip Rap to choose from. With all these lakes opening, I think its time to get the boat ready! Get ready to catch a mess of pesky little cats. They are rampant on this lake. Good Luck!
PS: If you do launch a boat in Braidwood, and are unfamiliar with the lake, make sure you have an insurance policy on your boat, because the topography is unlike any other lake. Buy a map, and exercise caution. This lake is a prop shops wet dream.