The Fox River Status Update for October 23, 2025 is available at https://dnr.illinois.gov/waterresources/strattonoperationsupdate.html
SUMMARY
Despite the extension to Summer Pool, the lock will be closed on November 1st. Due to construction needs at Chain O’Lakes State Park, the start of winter drawdown will be delayed until November 17th or when dredging is completed, whichever comes first. There is currently just over 0.25” of rain forecasted for the lakes over the next 7 Days (Figure 4). Inflows are forecasted to continue dropping over the next week (Figure 1). Fox Lake, the Upper River, and Pool are all forecasted to remain near current levels (Figure 2). The Lower River is expected to see a slight drop as inflows reduce (Figure 3).
Aaron Rotherham
Project Engineer
IDNR Office of Water Resources
(217)782-4615