Fox River
Info / Counties: Kane, Kendall, Lake, LaSalle, McHenry, Multiple Counties
Family Friendly
No
Handicap Access
No
Boat Fishing
No
Boat Ramps
Yes
Boat Rentals
No
Camping
No
Picnicking
No
Skiing
No
Swimming
No
Trout Stocking
No
Zebra Mussels
None
Location 0 acres
| 2026 | Walleye | Fingerling (1 - 3") | 85578 |
| 2025 | Walleye | Fingerling (1 - 3") | 74132 |
| 2024 | Walleye | Fingerling (1 - 3") | 104871 |
Contact
Description
River Access: 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 great way to access good fishing areas.
The 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.
Limits of Walleyes are not uncommon at these times, especially in April and September, with many Smallmouth Bass taken right along with the Walleye.
The farthest downstream dam at Dayton is located approximately 5.5 miles up from the confluence with the Illinois River. In addition to the tailwater area below the dam, another exceptional fishing spot is located here. Immediately below the hydroelectric power plant on the west side of the river just down from the dam has been a hot spot for Walleye, White Bass, crappie, and Channel Catfish.
Another good channel is an area known as Depot Pond. Located on the west side of the river, at the upper Batavia Dam, it also produces fine catches of panfish, especially crappie.
To the north, the farthest upstream dam is located 2.5 miles south of McHenry. Providing a tailwater fishery of the Fox Chain O'Lakes, this area provides more Walleye than any spot on the river and is a prime area for Channel Catfish, White and Yellow Bass, and crappie. Flathead Catfish have been caught below most Fox River dams, including McHenry Dam, where 20 to 30 pound fish are not uncommon. Northern Pike are also taken, especially in April.
Fishery History
The Fox River has a very diverse sport fishery, including Smallmouth and Largemouth Bass, Channel Catfish, Bluegill, Walleye, Flathead Catfish, and Muskie.
Site Regulations
Fox River and Tributaries, except as specified under site-specific regulations (see below):
- Statewide Fishing Regulations Apply
- Smallmouth Bass: 3 Fish Daily Harvest Limit; All fish must be immediately released between April 1 and June 15
Site-Specific Fishing Regulations (Fox River from Wisconsin-Illinois boundary to the Algonquin Dam and Nippersink Creek upstream to the Wilmot Road Bridge):
- All Fish: 2 pole and line fishing only (on state park property bordering the Fox River and Grass Lake) and each pole must not have more than 2 hooks or lures attached while fishing
- All live bait greater than 8 inches must be rigged with a quick set rig
- 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
- Large or Smallmouth Bass: 14 inch Minimum Length Limit; 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit of which no more than 3 can be Smallmouth Bass
- Muskie: 48 inch Minimum Length Limit; 1 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
- Northern Pike: 24 inch Minimum Length Limit; 3 Fish Daily Harvest Limit (statewide regulation)
- Smallmouth Bass: All fish must be immediately released between April 1 and June 15
- Walleye, Sauger, or Hybrid Walleye: 14 inch Minimum Length Limit; Protected Slot Length Limit with no possession of fish greater than or equal to 18 inches and less than 24 inches; 4 Fish Daily Harvest Limit with no more than 1 fish greater than or equal to 24 inches
Site-Specific Fishing Regulations (Fox River from Algonquin Dam to confluence with the Illinois River, including tributaries):
- 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
- 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 fish must be immediately released between April 1 and June 15
Site-Specific Fishing Regulations (Fox River at Moraine Hills State Park and Dam properties):
- All Fish: 2 pole and line fishing only and each pole must not have more than 2 hooks or lures attached while fishing
Site-Specific Fishing Regulations (Fox River at Fox River Marina):
- Recreational Use Restrictions: Bank Fishing Only (in areas designated by Lake County Forest Preserve District)
- All Fish: 2 pole and line fishing only and each pole must not have more than 2 hooks or lures attached while fishing; Bullfrogs may not be taken by hand, gig, pitchfork,spear, landing net or hook and line
Additional Information
The Fox Waterway Agency (FWA) requires an annual user fee/sticker for watercraft utilizing the Fox Chain O' Lakes and the Fox River from the Illinois state line to Algonquin Dam. Please contact FWA for their annual fee schedule and an application. Trot line fishing is permitted. The State owns management jurisdiction for the Chain O' Lakes and allows homeowners to treat vegetation in front of their homes by hiring a Licensed Commercial Applicator and obtaining a Letter of Permission (LOP) from the Division of Fisheries.
Planning to eat your catch? Fish Consumption Advisory information can be found here: Fish Consumption Advisory Page