Fox Waterway Agency

04/03/2026

The Fox River Status Update for April 3, 2026 is available at https://dnr.illinois.gov/waterresources/strattonoperationsupdate.html

SUMMARY
This update is being released due to excess rainfall that fell yesterday over the watershed. There is still about 1.00” of rain forecasted for the watershed over the next 7 Days, (Figure 4). Inflows are now forecasted to peak on Sunday 04/05 at over 4500 cfs (Figure 1). Fox Lake is now forecasted to peak Thursday and Friday of next week at ~5.20’, with the Upper River and Pool being somewhat lower (Figure 2). The Lower River continue to expect water levels reach “Minor Flood Stage” ~4.3’ on the Fox River (Tailwater) Near McHenry gage (Figure 3).

Aaron Rotherham
Project Engineer
IDNR Office of Water Resources
(217)782-4615

04/03/2026

04/02/2026

The Fox River Status Update for April 2, 2026 is available at https://dnr.illinois.gov/waterresources/strattonoperationsupdate.html

SUMMARY
This update is being released due to changes with the inflow forecast. There is currently between 2.00” and 2.50” of rain forecasted for the watershed over the next 7 Days, with the majority being today and tomorrow (Figure 4). Inflows are forecasted to peak on Monday 04/06 at 4300 cfs (Figure 1). Fox Lake is forecasted to peak on Saturday 04/10 at ~5.00’, with the Upper River and Pool being somewhat lower (Figure 2). The Lower River should expect to see water levels reach “Minor Flood Stage” ~4.2’ on the Fox River (Tailwater) Near McHenry gage (Figure 3).

Aaron Rotherham
Project Engineer
IDNR Office of Water Resources
(217)782-4615

04/02/2026

🛟Sign up for America's Boating Club Safety Classes before they fill up for the season 🛟
Please note: This class is 3 consecutive Saturdays & all 3 classes must be attended to be eligible to receive a Safety Certificate

Sign up by emailing: [email protected] OR [email protected]

04/01/2026

Curious how high water events are managed on the Chain O' Lakes?

In our latest presentation, we break down the complex balancing act at the Stratton Lock and Dam. Using the March 2026 high water event as a case study, we explain how the IDNR works to lower lake levels upstream without causing flooding downstream on the lower river.

Watch the full video to learn about the importance of the winter drawdown and actionable steps you can take to help protect our waterways.

To learn more about long-term strategies for flood prevention and water quality in our area, you can also read the 2024 Chain O' Lakes Watershed-Based Plan.

04/01/2026

The Fox River Status Update for March 31, 2026 is available at https://dnr.illinois.gov/waterresources/strattonoperationsupdate.html

SUMMARY
This update is being released due to increased inflow from the forecasted precipitation. There is currently between 2.50” and 3.00” of rain forecasted for the watershed over the next 7 Days (Figure 4). Inflows are forecasted to peak on Tuesday 04/07 at 4000 cfs (Figure 1). Fox Lake is forecasted to peak on Saturday 04/11 at ~5.20’, with the Upper River and Pool being somewhat lower (Figure 2). The Lower River should expect to see water levels near “Flood Stage” (Figure 3).

Aaron Rotherham
Project Engineer
IDNR Office of Water Resources
(217)782-4615

03/20/2026

IT'S THE 1ST DAY OF SPRING & THE SUN IS OUT🌞 It's time to order your FWA sticker for the 2026 season. Our new ONLINE order system is easy ~ Just log in or register with your cell phone # OR email here: https://foxwaterway.com/ Enter the information necessary, choose to PICK-UP your stickers here at our Fox Lake office OR have them mailed to you. SAVE TIME & RENEW ONLINE!

03/18/2026

The snow will be gone before you know it! Boating season is just around the corner. Sign up for boater Safety Course before they are all filled up!
Email: [email protected] to register. Chain O' Lakes Area - Fox Waterway sponsored FREE Illinois DNR boater safety course.
To see all safety courses offered by the IDNR click here: https://dnr2.illinois.gov/SafetyEd/SafetyEdClassByCounty

03/11/2026

**Attention Commercial Businesses**

We are excited to announce that our new online Commercial Waterway Sticker application is now available at:
https://foxwaterway.com/commercial-waterway-user-sticker-application/
A separate application is required for each sticker type requested (rental, dealer, and work boats).

If you have any questions, please contact: Kris at [email protected] or call 847-587-8540.

02/26/2026

We'll see you at The Northern Illinois Boat Show.

02/25/2026

The Northern Illinois Boat Show & Sale is here...
Thursday February 26 – Sunday, March 1, 2026, at the Lake County Fairgrounds in Grayslake (with free parking).
Use the attached $2 Off coupon on flyer & stop by and say hello at the
Fox Waterway Agency booth at the entrance.
Here’s what they’ll have at the show:

• Over 200 new and used boats on display with preseason pricing
•
• Preseason savings—up to $20,000 (per the show)
•
• A wide range of boat types to shop, including bow riders, ski boats, wakeboard/wakesurf boats, cruisers, cuddy cabins, deck boats, jet boats, pontoon boats, and more
•
• Top boat manufacturers and local boat dealers all in one place
•
• A big selection of boat trailers, parts, and accessories
•
• On-site financing options available
•
Be sure to use the $2 OFF admission coupon—just bring the attached flyer (printed or on your phone) and present it at the door when you arrive.
When you arrive, please stop by the Fox Waterway Agency booth at the front of the show—we’d love to see you, answer questions, explain the watershed plan, and talk boating on the Chain O’ Lakes.

02/18/2026

Boat show season is almost here—mark your calendar for the Northern Illinois Boat Show & Sale, February 26 – March 1, 2026, at the Lake County Fairgrounds in Grayslake (with free parking).
Here’s what they’ll have at the show:

• Over 200 new and used boats on display with preseason pricing
•
• Preseason savings—up to $20,000 (per the show)
•
• A wide range of boat types to shop, including bow riders, ski boats, wakeboard/wakesurf boats, cruisers, cuddy cabins, deck boats, jet boats, pontoon boats, and more
•
• Top boat manufacturers and local boat dealers all in one place
•
• A big selection of boat trailers, parts, and accessories
•
• On-site financing options available
•
Be sure to use the $2 OFF admission coupon—just bring the attached flyer (printed or on your phone) and present it at the door when you arrive.
When you arrive, please stop by the Fox Waterway booth at the front of the show—we’d love to see you, answer questions, explain the watershed plan, and talk boating on the Chain O’ Lakes.