Just bought my first boat

Try Heideke or LaSalle. You are probably closer to LaSalle, just south of Seneca. Make sure the winds are not too high. Both lakes can be dangerous during high winds.

Thanks Scott - I was thinking about those two as an option. How is the the bass fishing? And are the boat launch areas easily accessible?

LaSalle is a cooling lake and the water temp now is pretty high. I usually only fish it in the spring but there are largemouth and smallmouth there. Heideke isn't used as a cooling lake anymore so the water temps are more normal for this time of year. Besides bass, both lakes have hybrid stripers, walleye, catfish, muskies and white bass. You never really know what you might catch. Both lakes have good boat ramps. There is a low bridge that divides the North and south sides of Heideke. If the water is high, many boats can't get under.

Agree with Scott. The lakes shouldn't be too busy. Be wary of the wind. Skip Braidwood. If you're not familiar with it you could destroy the new boat.