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Walleye
Photo: Argyleist, CC BY 2.0 
Silver Redhorse
Photo: Ellen Edmonson and Hugh Chrisp, Public domain 
Yellow Bullhead
Photo: Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife, CC BY-SA 2.0 
Blue Catfish
Photo: USFWS Mountain-Prairie, Public domain
Illinois rivers and creeks
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Fox River Fishing
An Illinois river through Kane County and 4 other counties.
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Illinois rivers
The Fox River, quickly sorted
The Fox River flows through Kane County and 4 other counties. Food and fuel are closest in Fox River Grove, near under a mile away.
49 boat ramps line its banks on the IDNR map. There are 6 USGS gauges near it.
49mapped ramps
6USGS gauges
3species named
5counties
IDNR IFishIllinois waterbody page, ifishillinois.org, read November 4, 2026. Census 2023 places.
IDNR
IDNR notes on the Fox River
- Location (IDNR)The Fox River runs from its origin in Waukesha, Wisconsin to the confluence with the Illinois River in Ottawa. Flowing for a total of 115 miles in Illinois, the Fox River contains 13 dams and 15 major tributary streams. The upper river is very low gradient, increasing in slope downstream of Algonquin and …
- Description (IDNR)The Fox River has many public parks in the upper and middle sections. Although there are fewer public areas in the lower river, Silver Springs State Park near Plano offers good access. Boats can be used in many areas of the upper river, while the middle and lower sections are shallow and wadable through much of the year. The lower Fox River from Yorkville to Wedron has several popular canoe floats, which is a …
- More from IDNRThe Fox River is one of the most versatile bodies of water to fish in Illinois. There are over 100 public access points along this stretch for fishing. The most popular fishing areas have been at the following dams: Dayton, Yorkville, Montgomery, North Aurora, St. Charles, and McHenry. Spring and fall are the best times to catch most species of fish found in the Fox River.
- Access (IDNR)The Fox River has many public parks in the upper and middle sections. Although there are fewer public areas in the lower river, Silver Springs State Park near Plano offers good access. Boats can be used in many areas of the upper river, while the middle and lower sections are shallow and wadable through much of …
IDNR IFishIllinois waterbody page, ifishillinois.org, read November 4, 2026.
Species
Species and ratings on the Fox River
An IDNR outlook line, stocking row or record backs each fish named for the Fox River.
IDNR fishing outlook ratings and survey notes as printed on the IFishIllinois page, read November 4, 2026. IDNR fish stocking table on ifishillinois.org (year, water, species, size class and number as listed; no stocking dates published), read November 4, 2026.
History
The Fox River fishery in IDNR words
- IDNRThe Fox River has a very diverse sport fishery, including Smallmouth and Largemouth Bass, Channel Catfish, Bluegill, Walleye, Flathead Catfish, and Muskie.
IDNR fishery text, ifishillinois.org, read November 4, 2026.
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Gauge height and discharge along the Fox River
| USGS gauge | Latest reading | Time (ET) |
|---|---|---|
| Fox River At Johnsburg, Il | 427 cfs, 3.40 ft gage height | Aug 17 2:00 am Not updated since Aug 17, 1999. |
| Fox River Near Mchenry, Il | 3.23 ft gage height | Nov 11 10:15 pm |
| Fox River (tailwater) Near Mchenry, Il | 1.55 ft gage height | Nov 11 10:15 pm |
| Fox River At Algonquin, Il | 725 cfs, 1.61 ft gage height | Oct 1 1:45 am Not updated since Oct 1, 2009. |
US Geological Survey provisional data, retrieved Nov 11, 2026 10:32 pm ET. Provisional readings can be revised.
Stations in the panel: Fox River at Johnsburg, IL, Fox River Near Mchenry, IL, Fox River (Tailwater) Near Mchenry, IL and Fox River at Algonquin, IL.
USGS instantaneous values, provisional; site list read November 4, 2026.
Lock and dam gauge readings on the Fox River
| NWS gauge | Reading | Flow | Flood category | Time (UTC) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fox River at Algonquin tailwater | 6.1 ft | 1.07 kcfs | no flooding | 2026-11-05 18:30:00 UTC |
| Fox River at Algonquin | 1.76 ft | 1.02 kcfs | no flooding | 2026-11-05 18:45:00 UTC |
| Fox River near Antioch | 4.1 ft | – | no flooding | 2026-11-05 18:45:00 UTC |
| Fox River at Elgin | 709.12 ft | – | no flooding | 2026-11-05 13:00:00 UTC |
| Fox River at Lake Villa | 4.01 ft | – | no flooding | 2026-11-05 18:15:00 UTC |
| Fox River near Johnsburg | 3.88 ft | – | no flooding | 2026-11-05 18:45:00 UTC |
NOAA National Water Prediction Service gauge readings (water.noaa.gov), read November 5, 2026; dated readings, not live (kcfs = thousand cubic feet per second).
Access
Backing a trailer into the Fox River
- Fox River Miller Point Canoe/Kayak Launchfee noted, Fox Waterway boat sticker required, McHenry County
- Fox River Miller Riverfront Park Boat Rampfee noted, Fee required to launch; Fox Waterway boat sticker required, McHenry County
- Fox River Moraine Hills SP Canoe/Kayak Launch (above dam)fee noted, Fox Waterway boat sticker required, McHenry County
- Fox River Moraine Hills SP Canoe/Kayak Launch (below dam)fee noted, Fox Waterway boat sticker required, McHenry County
- Fox River Fox River FP Boat Rampfee noted, Fee required to launch; Fox Waterway sticker required, Lake County
- Fox River Hickory Grove Riverfront CA Canoe/Kayak Launchfee noted, Fox Waterway boat sticker required, McHenry County
- Fox River Picnic Grove Park Boat Rampfee noted, Non-motorized boats only; Fox Waterway boat sticker required, McHenry County
- Fox River Fox Bluff CA Canoe/Kayak Launchfee noted, Fox Waterway boat sticker required, McHenry County
- Fox River Fox 14 Marina Boat Rampfee noted, Fee required to launch; Fox Waterway boat sticker required, McHenry County
- Fox River Riverfront Park Canoe/Kayak Launchfee noted, Fox Waterway sticker required, McHenry County
- Fox River Cornish Park Canoe/Kayak Launchlaunch, McHenry County
- Fox River Bufallo Park FP Canoe/Kayak Launchlaunch, Kane County
- Fox River Fox River Shores FP Boat Ramplaunch, Kane County
- Fox River McNamee Park Canoe/Kayak Launchlaunch, Kane County
- Fox River Downtown West Dundee Canoe/Kayak Launchlaunch, Kane County
- Fox River South End Park Canoe/Kayak Launchlaunch, Kane County
- Fox River Voyageur Landing Canoe/Kayak Launchlaunch, Kane County
- Fox River Voyageur Landing FP Boat Ramplaunch, Kane County
- Fox River Trout Park Canoe/Kayak Launchlaunch, Kane County
- Fox River Slade Avenue Park Canoe/Kayak Launchlaunch, Kane County
- Fox River Elgin Veterans Memorial Park Canoe/Kayak Launchlaunch, Kane County
- Fox River Elgin Kimball Street Dam Canoe/Kayak Launchlaunch, Kane County
- Fox River Elgin Shores FP Canoe/Kayak Launchlaunch, Kane County
- Fox River Jon Duerr FP Canoe/Kayak Launchlaunch, Kane County
- Fox River Ferson Creek Park Canoe/Kayak Launchlaunch, Kane County
- Fox River Boy Scout Island Park Boat Rampfee noted, Parking fee required, Kane County
- Fox River Boy Scout Island Park Canoe/Kayak Launchfee noted, Parking fee required, Kane County
- Fox River Pottawatomie Park Canoe/Kayak Launchlaunch, Kane County
- Fox River Frank Gorham Memorial Canoe/Kayak Launchlaunch, Seasonal dock, Kane County
- Fox River Mt. St. Mary Park Canoe/Kayak Launchlaunch, Kane County
- Fox River Geneva Boat Rampfee noted, Fee required to launch, Kane County
- Fox River Old Mill Park Canoe/Kayak Launch (above dam)launch, Kane County
- Fox River Old Mill Park Canoe/Kayak Launch (below dam)launch, Kane County
- Fox River Fabyan FP Canoe/Kayak Launchlaunch, Kane County
- Fox River Laurelwood Park Canoe/Kayak Launchlaunch, Kane County
- Fox River Batavia Riverwalk Canoe/Kayak Launchlaunch, Kane County
- Fox River Veterans Island Park Canoe/Kayak Launchlaunch, Kane County
- Fox River Aurora North River Street Park Canoe/Kayak Launchlaunch, Kane County
- Fox River Aurora West Canoe/Kayak Launchlaunch, Parking at Waubonsee Community College, Kane County
- Fox River Aurora South River Street Park Canoe/Kayak Launchlaunch, Kane County
Neighbouring ramps around Fox River
- Island Lake Boat RampIsland Lake (Burning Star), 5 miles
- Defiance Lake Boat RampDefiance Lake, 9 miles
- Diamond Lake Boat RampDiamond Lake, 11 miles
- Fox Chain O' Lakes Oak Park Lounge Boat RampFox Chain O' Lakes, 12 miles
- Long Lake Boat Ramp (north)Long Lake (KSRA), 13 miles
Enter the Fox River from public sites or with permission.
IDNR IFishIllinois map, boat ramp and launch layer of October 2025 (KML; name, waterbody and notes as printed), read November 5, 2026.
Stocking
Hatchery fish in the Fox River
| Year | Species as listed | Number | Size class |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | Walleye | 85,578 | Fingerling (1 – 3") |
| 2025 | Walleye | 74,132 | Fingerling (1 – 3") |
| 2024 | Walleye | 104,871 | Fingerling (1 – 3") |
| 2022 | Walleye | 76,950 | Fingerling (1 – 3") |
IDNR fish stocking table on ifishillinois.org (year, water, species, size class and number as listed; no stocking dates published), read November 4, 2026.
Limits
Fish allowed in the cooler from the Fox River
| Species group | Daily limit | Statewide rule as printed |
|---|---|---|
| Alligator Gar | 1 per 24 hours | Harvest limit is 1 Alligator Gar per 24 hours. |
| Blue, Channel, and Flathead Catfish | no limit | There are no daily harvest or size limits, except as specified under Site Specific Regulations. |
| Bluegill, Redear Sunfish, Other Sunfish | no limit | There are no harvest or size limits, except as specified under Site Specific Regulations. |
| Crappie (White, Black or Hybrid Crappie) | no limit | There are no daily harvest or size limits, except as specified under Site Specific Regulations. |
| Lake Sturgeon | no possession | Protected; No possession. |
| Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Spotted Bass | 6 (combined) | Daily harvest limit is 6 Bass, either singly or in the aggregate, except as specified under Site Specific Regulations. In rivers and streams and their tributaries statewide, except for the Mississippi, Ohio (including Golconda Marina), and Wabash Rivers, the d |
| Muskellunge, Northern Pike, and their Hybrid | muskellunge 1, northern pike 3 | All Muskellunge and Muskellunge hybrids (Tiger Muskie) taken must be 36" in total length or longer, except as specified under Site Specific Regulations. No more than 1 Muskellunge or Muskellunge hybrid (Tiger Muskie) may be taken per day, except as specified u |
| Paddlefish | 2 | Daily harvest limit is 2 Paddlefish. Please refer to Site Specific Regulations for the Mississippi River between Illinois and Iowa and the Mississippi River between Illinois and Missouri. |
| Striped Bass (Ocean Rockfish), White Bass, Yellow Bass, and their Hybrids | no limit under 17 inches; 3 at 17 inches or longer | There are no daily harvest limits or minimum size limits for Striped Bass (Ocean Rockfish), White Bass, Yellow Bass, and their hybrids, which are less than 17" in total length, except as specified under Site Specific Regulations. For these fish 17" in total le |
| Trout and Salmon | 5 (combined) | Daily harvest limit is 5 trout or salmon, either singly or in the aggregate. |
| Walleye, Sauger, or their Hybrid | 6 (combined) | All Walleye, Sauger, or their hybrid (Saugeye) taken must be 14" in total length or longer, except in the Mississippi River, Wabash River, or except as specified under Site Specific Regulations. Daily harvest limit is 6 Walleye, Sauger, or their hybrid, either |
On the Fox River, the statewide digest rows hold unless a site-specific line below changes them.
The Fox River in the site-specific list
| Water as printed | Species | Rule as printed (code) |
|---|---|---|
| Fox River | Flathead Catfish | 3 Fish Daily Harvest Limit with no more than 1 Fish greater than or equal to 28 inches and 2 Fish less than 28 inches |
| Fox River | Smallmouth Bass | 3 Fish Daily Harvest Limit with no more than 1 Fish greater than or equal to 12 inches and 2 Fish less than 12 inches; All Smallmouth Bass must be immediately released between April 1 and June 15 |
| Fox River | All Fish | 2 Pole and Line Fishing Only (1) |
Site-specific regulations as printed in the 2026 Illinois Fishing Information digest (IDNR) page 28, read November 4, 2026.
Anglers 16 and older carry an Illinois fishing license ($15 a year for residents, $31.50 for nonresidents in 2026).
IDNR 2026 Illinois Fishing Information digest (IDNR), read November 4, 2026.
Records
IDNR record rows naming the Fox River
| Species | Weight | Division | Date | County |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Silver Redhorse | 6 lbs 11.4 oz | hook and line | April 24, 2008 | Kane |
| Yellow Bullhead | 5 lbs 4 oz | hook and line | February 2, 1955 | Kane |
IDNR Illinois state record fish list (keeper: Illinois Department of Natural Resources; no angler names printed), read November 4, 2026.
Compare
Lining the Fox River up against nearby streams
South Branch Kishwaukee River (McHenry County) is the nearest neighbour, roughly 18 miles off.
| Water | Distance | USGS gauges | Mapped ramps | First IDNR-rated fish |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fox River | 6 | 49 | ||
| South Branch Kishwaukee River (McHenry County) | 18 miles west | 2 | 0 | |
| Skokie River | 24 miles east | 2 | 0 | |
| East Branch Du Page River | 34 miles south | 2 | 0 | |
| West Branch Du Page River | 34 miles south | 3 | 0 | |
| Chicago River | 36 miles southeast | 8 | 0 |
USGS gauges, IDNR boat ramp layer and IDNR outlook lines; read November 4, 2026.
Nearby
Inside a cornfield drive of Fox River
Nearby impoundments to try after Fox River
- Lake Atwood3 miles
- Taylor Lake (LCFPD)7 miles
- Banana Lake (LCFPD)7 miles
- Defiance Lake8 miles
Bait counters on the drive to Fox River
- Fox 14 Marinamarina, Fox River Grove, under a mile
- Wacker Bait and Tacklebait and tackle shop, Cary, 3 miles
- Dick's Sporting Goods Algonquinsporting goods store, Algonquin, 7 miles
- Dick's Sporting Goods Deer Parksporting goods store, Deer Park, 8 miles
- Fish Talesbait and tackle shop, Mchenry, 8 miles
Places to sleep and eat near Fox River
- Fox River Groveunder a mile
- Cary2 miles
- Lake Barrington2 miles
- Port Barrington3 miles
Sister streams of the Fox River
- South Branch Kishwaukee River (McHenry County)18 miles
- Skokie River24 miles
- East Branch Du Page River34 miles
- West Branch Du Page River34 miles
- Chicago River36 miles
Fox River, cut along Illinois county lines
Piscifun
A Piscifun reel lineup for a day on the Fox River
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Fish photos
Telling the Fox River fish apart by photo
Photo: Argyleist, CC BY 2.0
Photo: Ellen Edmonson and Hugh Chrisp, Public domain
Photo: Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife, CC BY-SA 2.0
Photo: USFWS Mountain-Prairie, Public domain
Answers
Straight replies on the Fox River
Which Illinois counties sit along the Fox River?
The Fox River runs from its origin in Waukesha, Wisconsin to the confluence with the Illinois River in Ottawa. Flowing for a total of 115 miles in Illinois, the Fox River contains 13 dams and 15 major Start in Kane, Kendall, Lake, LaSalle and McHenry counties.
Which USGS station covers the Fox River?
The flow band carries Fox River at Johnsburg, IL and Fox River Near Mchenry, IL, live from USGS.
Where do boaters get onto the Fox River?
Use Fox River Aurora North River Street Park Canoe/Kayak Launch, one of 49 boat ramps.
How many bass can I keep on the Fox River?
Statewide digest row for Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Spotted Bass: Daily harvest limit is 6 Bass, either singly or in the aggregate, except as specified under Site Specific Regulations. The same row adds a separate rule for rivers and streams, quoted in the limits band. Plus the site rules shown above.
Is an Illinois license needed on the Fox River?
Anglers 16 and older carry an Illinois fishing license ($15 a year for residents, $31.50 for nonresidents in 2026).
What bites on the Fox River?
The IDNR list starts with walleye, silver redhorse and yellow bullhead.
Can I get bait on the way to the Fox River?
Our list starts with Fox 14 Marina, under a mile away,.
Are the banks of the Fox River public?
Much Illinois river frontage is private; use public ramps, parks and state sites, or ask the owner.
Is the Fox River in the IDNR record list?
Silver Redhorse at 6 lbs 11.4 oz (hook and line division, April 24, 2008) is the heaviest entry IDNR lists for the Fox River; IDNR prints no angler names.
Wait for a good stage on the Fox River
IDNR fees and the statewide table are on one page.