Fox River closed to boating in Elgin area as water surges over flood level
By Gloria Casas
Published on April 17, 2026.
The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDN) has closed the Fox River in Elgin and elsewhere as water levels surge past flood level. The ban is in place at the same time as a National Weather Service flood warning remains for the stretch of the Fox from Johnsburg downstream to Red Gate Road in St. Charles, including the Algonquin Lock & Dam tailwater gauge. The maximum river stage was 10.4 inches as of late Thursday, with the waterway expected to rise to 11.3 feet in some areas. The high water led to the cancellation of the South Elgin Earth Day Clean Up event and the closure of several parks. Elgin Fire Department is prepared to manage flood areas and assist with evacuations if necessary.
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