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Fox River Stratton Operations Status Update
William G. Stratton-Thomas A. Bolger Lock and Dam
Algonquin Dam
IDNR 2026 Operating Schedule for Stratton Lock
MCHENRY, IL – The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) operating schedule for the William G. Stratton-Thomas A. Bolger Lock and Dam facility on the Fox River in McHenry County, opens for the 2026 season on Friday, May 1.
Normal operating hours will be seven days per week from 8:00 a.m. until midnight during the months of May through September, and 8:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. for the month of October.
The Stratton-Bolger facility is closed for the winter season each year from November 1 through April 30.
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To view the full update, click the hyperlink above
*This Update is based on the current forecast and will be adjusted based on future forecasts and rainfall.
SUMMARY
Hopefully we are nearing the light at the end of the tunnel. It is currently forecasted that the Chain and Upper River could return to “No Wake” next week. The Lower River could be at “No Wake” the following week. There is currently 0.25” or less of rain forecasted for the watershed over the next 7 Days, (Figure 4). Inflows will continue to drop if no significant rainfall occurs (Figure 1). Fox Lake, Upper River, and Pool continue dropping (Figure 2). The Lower River is expected to keep dropping as well on the Fox River (Tailwater) Near McHenry Gage, (Figure 3).
