Fox Chain O Lakes

Lake County, Illinois

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The Fox Chain O' Lakes is located 50 miles northwest of Chicago off Illinois Route 173 and U.S. Route 12 near the cities of Antioch, Fox Lake, and McHenry.

The Fox Chain O' Lakes are unique from other major bodies of water in the state in that they were formed by glaciers thousands of years ago. Composed of 9 major lakes interconnected by channels, the Fox Chain O' Lakes is classified as a public navigable waterway managed under the authority of the Department of Natural Resources and the Fox Waterway Agency to provide a variety of water oriented recreational activities. There is a total of 7110.0 acres above the Stratton Dam and 1100 acres between the Algonquin and Stratton dams. Lake Catherine: 149.5 acres; Channel Lake: 348.5 acres; Lake Marie: 585.0 acres; Bluff Lake: 92.4 acres; Grass Lake: 1451.4 acres; Petite Lake: 234.5 acres; Fox/Nippersink Lake: 2376.8 acres; Pistakee Lake: 1715.7 acres.

There are state-owned FREE boat ramps available at Chain O Lakes State Park; private (for fee) launches are available throughout the system. Concessions are available at Chain O Lakes State Park and the McHenry Dam, offering fishing boat and motor rental, canoe/kayak rentals, live bait, tackle, ice, food, and soft drinks. Boat rentals, restaurants, bait/tackle and guide services are available via private vendors throughout the system. Fish cleaning facilities are NOT available in State Parks or at the McHenry Dam.

Site Regulations:
Largemouth Bass and Smallmouth Bass: 6 fish daily limit, 14" minimum length limit
(Note: No more than 3 fish can be Smallmouth Bass; Smallmouth must be released immediately between April 1 to June 15, no possession)
Walleye: 4 fish daily creel limit, 14" to 18" (18" to 24" protected slot limit, no possession) only 1 fish can be >24"
Muskie: 1 fish daily limit; 48" minimum length limit
Northern Pike: 3 fish daily limit; 24" minimum length limit
Flathead catfish: 3 fish daily limit, 1 fish > 28" and 2 fish < 28"

The Fox Waterway Agency 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 them 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.

Site Regulations:
Largemouth Bass and Smallmouth Bass: 6 fish daily limit, 14" minimum length limit
(Note: No more than 3 fish can be Smallmouth Bass; Smallmouth must be released immediately between April 1 to June 15, no possession)
Walleye: 4 fish daily creel limit, 14" to 18" (18" to 24" protected slot limit, no possession) only 1 fish can be >24"
Muskie: 1 fish daily limit; 48" minimum length limit
Northern Pike: 3 fish daily limit; 24" minimum length limit
Flathead catfish: 3 fish daily limit, 1 fish > 28" and 2 fish < 28"

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Each week we're giving away a $25 Kiwk Trip gift card to one lucky angler. All you need to do is upload a pic of your catch for a chance to win! Click here to see last week's winner.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Fox Chain O Lakes, IL

How big is Fox Chain O Lakes?

Fox Chain O Lakes is approximately 7,110 sq acres (28.8 sq km) in size.

What kind of fish can you catch in Fox Chain O Lakes?

Although thery may be others but anglers can expect to find a variety of fish including Bluegill, Channel Catfish, Flathead Catfish, Largemouth Bass, Muskie, Northern Pike, Smallmouth Bass and Walleye in Fox Chain O Lakes.

Other fish species in the lake include Crappie.

Are there fishing guides or charters for Fox Chain O Lakes?

Yes! There are fishing guides and charters for Fox Chain O Lakes and/or the surrounding area.

What are the closest cities to Fox Chain O Lakes?

Nearby cities and towns include Fox Lake, IL, Fox Lake Hills, IL and Pistakee Highlands, IL.

Are there places to stay in the Fox Chain O Lakes area?

Are you craving a weekend escape from the hustle and bustle of city life? Or maybe you're an avid angler in search of the perfect fishing spot? Look no further! Fox Chain O Lakes and its surrounding area offer an abundance of options to suit your needs. If you're in need of accommodation, check out our area map which highlights some of the best places to stay. And if you're looking for even more options, head on over to our Travel section. But why settle for a traditional hotel or resort when you can take your adventure to the next level by renting a RV? The open road awaits you!
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Fox Chain O Lakes area businesses:

Please check out these local businesses in the Fox Chain O Lakes area:

Action Marine, Inc

Burlington , WI

(262) 539-2000

about 12 miles away

Are there places to eat and drink near Fox Chain O Lakes?

Yes, you can find numerous options in the area. Click the button below to see what's nearby.

What is the fishing outlook for Fox Chain O Lakes?

What does the future look like for Fox Chain O Lakes? We have some insignt on what to expect for a number of fish species in Fox Chain O Lakes.

History & Status of the Fishery

The Division of Fisheries has been actively monitoring the status of Fox Chain O' Lakes fishery for over 60 years (1954 to present). We usually collect between 35 and 40 fish species during our biennial fish surveys. Three fish species have voluntarily become established in the Fox Chain O' Lakes; yellow bass (1973, with a significant die-off in 1995 and 1997), freshwater drum (1992) and gizzard shad (2007).

The Fox Chain was stocked with 336,950 2? walleye fingerlings, 2,242,000 walleye fry, 3633 muskie fingerlings between State and Club Donations and 25,157 4? to 6? largemouth bass fingerlings in 2021. Natural reproduction maintains all other species including northern pike, channel catfish, crappie, bluegill and white and yellow bass.

Controling Authority

Chain O Lakes State Park
847-587-5512
IDNR Fisheries Biologist, Andy Plauck
815-675-2386 ext. 214

What is the average air temp for Fox Chain O Lakes?

Looking forward to your next adventure at Fox Chain O Lakes? Don't forget to plan ahead! Weather can be unpredictable, but we've got you covered. On average, air temperatures during this time of year range from a high around 84°F (29°C) to a low around 65°F (18°C). Of course, these are just historical averages, so be prepared for anything Mother Nature throws your way. For the most up-to-date weather information, be sure to check out our Weather Bar located at the top of this page.

Are there any state parks near Fox Chain O Lakes?

Enjoy more of the outdoors with a visit to an area state park. There are 2 state parks in the vacinity of Fox Chain O Lakes.

For more Illinois State Park information see our State Park Guide.

More Nearby Lakes To Explore

There's more lake's to explore around Fox Chain O Lakes...

	DISTANCE	ACRES	MAX DEPTH
Fox Lake	0.9 mi	5,716
Fox-Nippersink Lake	1.0 mi	2,120	22 ft
Fox-Nippersink Lake	1.0 mi	2,120	22 ft
Dunns Lake	1.2 mi	49
Grass Lake	1.6 mi	1,360	6 ft
Grass Lake	1.6 mi	1,360	6 ft
Petite Lake	2.0 mi	167	22 ft
Spring Lake	2.6 mi	5,716
Pistakee Lake	2.9 mi	1,700	31 ft
Pistakee Lake	2.9 mi	1,700	31 ft

DISCLAIMER: Lake-Link Inc assumes no responsibility or liability for any errors or omissions of the information for Fox Chain O Lakes. Although we strive to provide the most accurate information as we can the information contained in this page is provided on an "as is" basis with no guarantees of completeness, accuracy, usefulness or timeliness.

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Fox Chain O Lakes