If you boat on the Chain O’Lakes and Fox River in Northern Illinois, understanding Fox Waterway Agency Zones A, B and C makes it easier to interpret maps, waterway restrictions and current boating conditions. Zone C covers the Chain O’Lakes, while Zones A and B cover different portions of the Fox River.
The Chain O’Lakes can look fairly straightforward on a map. Once you're actually on the water, however, you quickly realize how large and interconnected the system is.
Lakes lead into channels. Channels connect to other lakes. The Fox River extends both north and south of the Chain. Conditions in one portion of the waterway can also be different from conditions somewhere else.
That's one reason boaters should understand the three zones used by the Fox Waterway Agency.
What Are Zones A, B and C on the Fox Waterway?
The Fox Waterway Agency divides its jurisdiction into three primary zones: Zone A, Zone B and Zone C.
These zones help identify different portions of the Fox River and Chain O’Lakes system.
Zone A: Lower River
Zone A is the Lower River.
According to the Fox Waterway Agency, Zone A extends north from the Algonquin Dam in Algonquin to the William G. Stratton Lock and Dam near McHenry.
Mile markers are located along the shores, and navigation aids mark portions of the channel.
For boaters, seeing a status notice for "Zone A" means the notice applies to this lower section of the Fox River, not necessarily the Chain O’Lakes themselves.
Zone B: Upper River
Zone B is the Upper River.
This section extends north from the William G. Stratton Lock and Dam near McHenry to the entrance at Pistakee Lake.
This is an important connection between the river and the Chain.
When the Fox Waterway Agency issues a boating status for Zone B, it refers to this Upper River section.
Zone C: Chain O’Lakes
Zone C is the one many Chain O’Lakes boaters will encounter most often.
The Fox Waterway Agency defines Zone C as extending from the mouth of the Fox River at Pistakee Lake north to the Wisconsin state line. FWA says Zone C includes all 15 interconnected lakes in the system.
That means when you see an FWA announcement saying "Zone C," think the Chain O’Lakes.
If you want to learn more about the individual lakes themselves, our Chain O’Lakes Illinois Lake Guide provides a closer look at the principal lakes and broader interconnected system.
Why Do the Three Waterway Zones Matter?
One of the most important reasons to understand the zones is that boating restrictions do not always apply uniformly throughout the entire Fox River and Chain O’Lakes system.
One zone can be open while another is under a no-wake restriction.
A section can also be closed while another portion of the system remains available for boating.
That isn't merely theoretical.
Fox Waterway Agency announcements during 2026 have shown Zone C open for full boating while Zones A and B remained under different restrictions.
The practical lesson is simple: don't hear that "the Chain is open" or "the river is no wake" and assume that describes the entire system.
Check the official status for the specific zone where you plan to boat.
Where Can You Find an Official Chain O’Lakes Boating Map?
The Fox Waterway Agency provides several useful mapping resources.
Its Waterway Zones page includes separate downloadable maps for:
Zone A, Lower River
Zone B, Upper River
Zone C, Chain O’Lakes
Each zone also has a corresponding map key.
FWA also maintains an interactive waterway map. That resource identifies useful boating locations and resources including marinas, boat launches, parks and other points around the waterway.
For boaters who prefer a physical map aboard the boat, FWA also offers a water-resistant printed map covering Zones A, B and C.
Because maps and navigation information can change, we recommend using current Fox Waterway Agency resources rather than relying solely on an old map that has been sitting in the boat for years.
How Do You Check Whether the Chain O’Lakes Is Open for Boating?
Before leaving the dock or towing your boat to a launch, check the Fox Waterway Agency's current waterway status.
FWA reports status separately for:
Lower River, Zone A
Upper River, Zone B
Chain O’Lakes, Zone C
Depending on conditions, a zone may be open, restricted to no-wake operation or closed.
Conditions can change following rainfall and changing river or lake levels, so this is information worth checking on the day you plan to boat.
Current status changes frequently. Visit Fox Waterway Agency for today's official Zone A, B and C status rather than relying on the status that was current when this article was published.
Where Can You Check Chain O’Lakes Water Levels?
Water levels are another useful piece of information when planning time on the Chain and Fox River.
The Fox Waterway Agency maintains a water-level resource that connects boaters with USGS water data for several locations throughout the system.
Locations include:
Fox Lake near Lake Villa
Nippersink Lake at Fox Lake
Fox River at Johnsburg
Fox River near McHenry
Fox River tailwater near McHenry
Nippersink Creek near Spring Grove
Fox River at Algonquin
Water levels can change with weather, seasonal conditions, river flow and water-management operations.
For that reason, current information is more useful than a general statement about what water levels are "normally" like.
Does Open Mean There Are No No-Wake Areas?
No.
An FWA zone being listed as open does not mean boaters can travel at unrestricted speeds everywhere within that zone.
The Fox Waterway Agency has established permanent no-wake areas throughout portions of the Chain O’Lakes and Fox River.
Its current rules include no-wake requirements within 150 feet of shore throughout the Chain O’Lakes, excluding the Fox River, as well as all side and secondary channels throughout the Chain O’Lakes and Fox River. Other specifically designated areas are also subject to restrictions.
Boaters should review current regulations, observe buoys and posted restrictions, and operate according to actual conditions.
Planning Your Route Before You Launch
If you're unfamiliar with the Chain, spend a few minutes with the map before putting the boat in the water.
Consider:
Where you're launching
Which lake or river section you will enter
Whether your trip crosses between FWA zones
Current zone status
Current water levels
No-wake areas
Navigation markers and channels
Weather conditions
Your boat's draft and height
Your planned return route
If you haven't decided where to put your boat in the water, our Chain O’Lakes Boat Launch Directory can help you review local access options.
Learn the Waterway One Section at a Time
If you're new to the Chain O’Lakes, you don't need to learn the entire system in one outing.
Start by becoming familiar with the area around your launch.
Learn the navigation markers, channels, no-wake areas and connections to neighboring lakes. As you become more comfortable, you can gradually explore more of the system.
The Chain offers numerous reasons to explore, from fishing and cruising to simply spending an afternoon on the water.
You can find more boating, fishing and local information throughout our Chain O’Lakes Life Blog.
And if waterfront dining is part of the day's plan, our Chain O’Lakes Restaurant Directory offers another useful planning resource.
What Does This Mean If You're Considering Living on the Chain O’Lakes?
Understanding the waterway can also be helpful when you're considering a home near the Chain.
Two properties that look relatively close together on a road map can provide very different boating experiences.
The lake, channel or river section where a property is located can affect how you access the broader Chain, where you typically boat and how long it takes to reach favorite destinations.
For buyers who own a boat, we recommend looking beyond the house itself and considering how the property's waterfront location fits the way you actually plan to use the water.
The Star Home Team's Perspective
The Chain O’Lakes is not simply a collection of individual lakes.
It is an interconnected waterway spanning portions of Lake and McHenry Counties, with different lakes, channels, river sections and surrounding communities.
Understanding that bigger picture is useful whether you're boating for the weekend or thinking about making the Chain part of your everyday life.
Our goal with Chain O’Lakes Life is to create a growing local resource that helps residents, visitors, boaters and future homeowners better understand the area.
Frequently Asked Questions About Chain O’Lakes Boating Maps and Zones
What zone is the Chain O’Lakes?
The Chain O’Lakes is Zone C within the Fox Waterway Agency's three-zone system. FWA defines Zone C as extending from the mouth of the Fox River at Pistakee Lake north to the Wisconsin state line and including all 15 interconnected lakes in the system.
What is Zone A on the Fox River?
Zone A is the Lower River. It extends north from the Algonquin Dam in Algonquin to the William G. Stratton Lock and Dam near McHenry.
What is Zone B on the Fox River?
Zone B is the Upper River. It extends north from the William G. Stratton Lock and Dam near McHenry to the entrance at Pistakee Lake. It connects the lower Fox River system with the Chain O’Lakes.
Where can I find an official Chain O’Lakes boating map?
The Fox Waterway Agency provides downloadable maps for Zones A, B and C and an interactive FWA map showing boating-related locations around the waterway. FWA also sells a water-resistant printed map containing all three zones.
How do I know whether the Chain O’Lakes is open for boating?
Check the Fox Waterway Agency website immediately before boating. FWA posts separate current status information for Zone A, Zone B and Zone C. Because water levels and restrictions can change, an older social media post or previous day's status may no longer be accurate.
Where can I check Chain O’Lakes water levels?
The Fox Waterway Agency's Water Levels page connects users with USGS water data for several locations throughout the Chain O’Lakes and Fox River system, including Fox Lake, Nippersink Lake, Johnsburg, McHenry and Algonquin.
If Zone C is open, can I boat at normal speed everywhere?
No. An open Zone C does not eliminate permanent no-wake areas or other boating regulations. FWA rules establish no-wake areas within portions of the Chain and Fox River, and boaters should also follow posted signs, buoys and temporary restrictions.
Explore More of the Chain O’Lakes
Whether you're planning your first boating trip or you've spent years on the Chain, knowing where to find reliable information makes planning easier.
Start with the Fox Waterway Agency's official maps and current conditions, then use our Chain O’Lakes Life resources to learn more about individual lakes, boat launches, fishing, restaurants and communities throughout the area.
And if enjoying the Chain has you thinking about living closer to the water, The Star Home Team can help you explore homes and communities throughout the Chain O’Lakes area.
Sources
Fox Waterway Agency
Waterway Zones
https://foxwaterway.com/waterway-zones/
Fox Waterway Agency
FWA Map
https://foxwaterway.com/fwa-map/
Fox Waterway Agency
Water Levels
https://foxwaterway.com/water-levels/
Fox Waterway Agency
Current Waterway Status
https://foxwaterway.com/
Fox Waterway Agency
Code of Rules and Regulations, February 2026
https://foxwaterway.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Master-Ordinance-Book-Febuary-2026.pdf
About the Author
Susan Starwalt is the Broker Owner of Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Star Homes and The Star Home Team, serving Northern Illinois and Southern Wisconsin. Licensed since 1998, Susan works alongside Jim Starwalt and the company's management team.
The Star Home Team has helped more than 4,000 families buy and sell homes and serves buyers and sellers throughout Lake County, McHenry County, Kenosha County and surrounding communities. The team provides local market knowledge, real estate guidance, marketing and personalized service. The Star Home Team is licensed in Illinois and Wisconsin.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
If spending more time on the Chain O’Lakes has you considering a move, The Star Home Team can help you explore waterfront and nearby homes throughout the area.
You can also continue exploring our Chain O’Lakes Life Blog for more local information about the lakes, boating, fishing, restaurants and communities.
The Star Home Team
Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Star Homes
Serving Northern Illinois and Southern Wisconsin
Licensed in Illinois and Wisconsin
