I have been watching the Fox River in Mchenry and it is opening pretty good. 2 Days ago I passed over it about 4 times and you could almost watch it opening. This is from rt 120 looking north.
South was open around the bend... but not much further. The north was open as far as you can see until the river bends. I ASSUME it is open further. If this section is this open, there is usually at least open water up the middle for a good ways. As far as access goes, the sides still have ice. With temps hitting 60 tomorrow, the sides should be getting thin. There is a park, Weber's Park just north of rt 120 on Riverside Drive that you can put in at. Across the river is Water Tower Marina. This time of year, this may be the better put in. If I am able to get out this week, that's where I would drop at. I would head North!