Parts of Fox River, Chain O' Lakes reopened after flooding

As flood waters in western Lake County continue to recede, state officials have reopened portions of the Fox River and Chain O' Lakes.

The no-wake restriction on the Chain has been lifted and boaters are now allowed to travel at their leisure.

Boaters are urged to watch out for piers and debris that may have come lose during the flooding of the past two weeks.

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources has opened the upper Fox River, between the mouth of the Chain in Johnsburg to the Stratton Lock and Dam in McHenry. However, the Fox Waterway Agency has imposed a no-wake restriction on that area due to potentially dangerous conditions and high water.

No-wake means boats are not allowed to travel fast enough to create a wake behind the boat, which is at about 5 miles per hour.

The lower Fox River between the dams in McHenry and Algonquin remains closed to all boating.

For more information regarding closures and restrictions, visit the Fox Waterway Agency web site at www.foxwaterway.org.