Agencies
Services
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.
Questionnaires
UPDATES
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
This update is being released due to the increased inflow from the recent precipitation received. Inflows are forecasted to peak on Sunday near 2900 cfs. The gate at Algonquin Dam has been lowered in an attempt to reduce water levels on the Lower River. Should the Lower River drop to an acceptable level, the gates at Stratton will be lowered further to increase outflows. Currently the goal is to stay below 3.0’ on FOX RIVER (TAILWATER) NEAR MCHENRY, IL on the Lower River. Currently Fox Lake is forecasted to peak at 4.50’ on Wednesday. Once the event has concluded, Winter Pool will be restored as soon as possible.
