With over 7100 acres of water, the Fox River's Chain O'Lakes is the second largest inland water-oriented recreational asset in Northeastern Illinois and the Fox River and Chain o' Lakes ranks second in popularity in the entire United States. With its 15 lakes, 40 miles of Fox River and over 450 miles of shoreline, the Fox River and Chain o' Lakes system accommodates every water-borne activity ranging from hunting to boating to fishing to birding to swimming. The Fox River and Chain o' Lakes system is centrally located a one hour's drive from Chicago, Milwaukee or Rockford.
Current Conditions
Fox Lake current conditions
Click for full forecast. Fox Lake three day forecast.
PROCESSING FEE - A $4.00 FEE WILL BE CHARGED TO BOATERS NOT USING THEIR CURRENT RENEWAL FORMS OR TO APPLICANTS FILLING OUT A NEW FORM. TEMPORARY PERMITS ARE EXEMPT.

CLASS X - Non-motor powered boats 17 feet or less in Length $ 10.00
OUT OF STATE FEE A fee of $20.00 per permit will be charged for boats registered out of the State of Illinois. One day and ten day permits are exempt. Proof of State registration may be required
CLASS L (Livery boats) - a fleet of 10 or more boats less than 17 feet in length and less than 25 HP. Office purchase only - Applies to commercial use only $ 20.00
CLASS O Non-motor powered boats of more than 17 feet in length $ 30.00
CLASS A Motor powered boats of 15HP or less $ 30.00
CLASS B Motor powered boats over 15 HP, not exceeding 25 feet in length $ 60.00
CLASS P Personal watercraft (jet skis) $ 60.00
CLASS C Motor powered boats over 15HP, and greater than 25 feet in length, not exceeding 30 feet in length $ 100.00
CLASS D Transferable plate for dealers and antique boats (30 or more years of age) $ 100.00
CLASS E Motor powered boats over 15 HP and greater than 30 feet in length $ 120.00
CLASS W Any boat involved in waterfowl hunting activity, WITH OUT A CURRENT STICKER. Available August 15 thru March 31, yearly. A current valid hunting license is required to purchase a sticker, as well as any applicable out-of-state fees. (processing fee applicable after 2003). $20.00
1 DAY TEMPORARY PERMIT Any Class Boat $ 10.00
10 DAY TEMPORARY PERMIT Not to exceed ten consecutive days - any class $ 30.00 Processing fees do not apply to purchases of temporary permits.
LOST STICKERS The holder of a User-Fee Sticker that has been lost, shall be re-issued a User-Fee Sticker for the balance of the year upon the filing of and Application and payment of a $5.00 fee. Proof of original purchase is required.
TRANSFER POLICY There is a $5.00 charge for a transfer in addition to any charges for an upgrade in class. Applies to original owner only. Original stickers must be presented when applying for transfer
DUPLICATE PURCHASES Refunds requested for duplicate permit purchases for the same boat and same owner, shall be issued upon proof of duplicate purchase and return of one permit in reusable condition. The refund will be for the sticker fee only, less a $5.00 fee. Requests for refunds must be made within a reasonable length of time.
REFUND POLICY
NO REFUNDS - will be issued after April 1st of each boating season
RETURNED CHECK POLICY - A $30.00 fee will be applied to all returned checks