The ice is off the lakes, the water’s warming, and the Fox Chain O’Lakes is shifting from winter quiet to spring buzz. If you’ve spent the last few months dreaming about getting back on the water, your wait is almost over. Here’s what’s happening — and what to start planning for — as we head into April.
The lakes are open — and the fish are moving
Spring is prime time on the Fox Chain. Walleye are staging for their pre-spawn run, crappie are pushing into the shallows, and bass anglers are dusting off their tackle boxes. If you haven’t renewed your Illinois fishing license yet, now’s the time.
The walleye tournament circuit fires up in April, with events running through the Chain’s south section — Pistakee Lake, Nippersink, and Channel Lake are all in play. Watch our fishing reports page for real-time updates on what’s biting and where.
Marinas and boat launches are gearing up
Marinas across the Chain are opening for the season. If you need spring service — engine tune-ups, bottom paint, oil changes — book it now before the rush hits. Most launch ramps at Chain O’Lakes State Park and public access points are already open, though early spring conditions can mean muddy lots and high water. Check conditions before you trailer.
If you’re new to the Chain, our first-timer’s boating guide has everything you need on launches, rentals, no-wake zones, and navigation.
Walleye tournaments kick off in April
The competitive fishing season starts this month. The Fox Chain’s walleye circuit draws boats from across the Midwest, with tournaments launching from spots like Port of Blarney and the State Park ramp. Entry fees typically run $50–100 per team, and these events fill up fast. Follow local bait shops and our events page for dates and registration.
Bass tournaments ramp up through May, including the IHSA Bass Fishing State Tournament — one of the biggest high school fishing competitions in Illinois, held right here on the south Chain.
Spring wildlife is worth the trip on its own
If you haven’t seen the American White Pelican migration yet, late March through mid-April is your window. Hundreds of these massive birds — nine-foot wingspans — gather on Grass Lake and Nippersink Lake during their northward migration. It’s one of the most underrated wildlife spectacles in the state. Grab binoculars and head to the shoreline. Read more in our wildlife and nature guide.
What’s ahead: summer events already on the calendar
The warm-weather calendar is already filling up. Here are the big ones to mark now:
Father’s Day Fishing Derby — June 20 Free family fishing event at Lakefront Park in Fox Lake. Great for kids, great for bragging rights.
Celebrate Fox Lake — June 27 The village’s signature festival — live music, food vendors, rides, and fireworks over the water. Biggest single-day event on the Chain.
Fox Lake Friday Night Live — July through August Weekly concerts at the new Lakefront Park amphitheater every Friday night. Different theme each week, food vendors, and a lawn where the kids can run while you actually relax. This has become one of the best weekly traditions on the Chain.
Cardboard Boat Race — August 8 Build a boat out of cardboard. Try not to sink. The crowd loves every second of it.
Check our full 2026 event guide for the complete lineup.
Start planning your spring trip
Whether you’re a local boat owner getting the pontoon ready or a Chicago family looking for a weekend escape, the Fox Chain is waking up. The water’s open, the fish are biting, and the best season of the year is just getting started.
Browse our business directory to find marinas, bait shops, restaurants, and places to stay. See you on the water.