2020 Lock Fees & Operations

Due to Wisconsin’s safer at home orders, the Fox Locks system will not begin operation until May 30, 2020. Please check the schedule carefully.

IMPORTANT UPDATE: The Menasha Lock will remain closed in accordance with DNR rule 40. For more information, please visit this link. 

Appleton Area Locks

Heart of the Valley area locks

DePere & Little Kaukauna Locks

2020 Fox Locks Fee Schedule

Day Pass $10 Recreational

• A daily pass is valid for one day, for use at all open locks on the Fox River for motorboats and non-motorized boats.

Season Pass – $100

• A season pass permanently affixed to your vessel is valid all season at open locks on the Fox river for motorized and non-motorized boats.
• All passes are non-transferrable.
• All season passes must be affixed to your vessel in an area that is most visible to a lock tender.

“Motorboat” means any boat equipped with propulsion machinery, whether or not the machinery is the principal source of propulsion, a boat propelled usually by an internal combustion engine.. The term includes but is not listed to powerboat, speedboat, fishing boat, or cabin cruiser.  (for further information on  motorboats, please visit this link)

“Non-Motorized Boat” means a boat which is not propelled by machinery but is designed and constructed to be used for transportation of a person or persons on water. This term includes but is not limited to canoe, sailboat, kayak, inflatable boat, row boat or dingy. (for further information on non-motorized boats, please visit this link.)

Commercial Vessels $80 per lockage

“Commercial motorboat” means a motorboat while it is being operated to transport property or passengers for hire or while it is being used by its operator or owner to earn a livelihood or to gain a profit or both. This term includes construction barges. For more information, please visit this link.

Tour boat $80 per trip, down and back
“Tour Boat” means a motorboat transporting passengers to gain profit.

• Trip 1 De Pere and Little Kaukauna (Little Rapids)
• Trip 2 Combined Locks, Little Chute Lock and Cedars Lock
• Trip 3 Appleton Locks 1,2,3 and 4

Scheduled Paddle Events
$1.00 each with a minimum of 25 participants per lockage
“Scheduled Paddle Events” are publicly advertised at least one month prior to the event in local media outlets and digital platforms.

Special Lockages after hours and off season. These events require 24 hour notice by calling our office. To schedule a special lockage, please contact Jim Van Boxtel, locks manager at 920-202-1853 (m).

• $50 per lockage for Motorized and Non-motorized boats
• $150 per lockage for Commercial Vessels except Tour Boats
• $150 Round Trip Little Chute and Appleton Locks for all Tour Boats
• Less than 24 hour notice of cancellation will result in a charge of $40.

Vessel Lockage Procedure

• To notify Lock Tender approach lock and sound 3 long blasts on horn
• Upon approaching lock at a safe and slow speed, Lock Tender will direct timing and placement of all vessels into and out of the lock chamber. Generally larger vessels enter and exit first.
• Personal Flotation Devices (PFD) are recommended for all passengers. Children 13 years old and younger are required by Federal Law to wear a PFD while aboard recreational vessels underway.
• Appropriate required PFD must be worn by all paddlers during lockage.
• A bow and stern safety line provided by Lock Tender is required for all vessels. Safety lines must be attended at all times and are never to be tied to any vessel.
• Turn engine off while in lock.
• No smoking or cooking while in lock.
• Passengers of recreational vessels must remain in their vessels at all times during the lockage procedure. For safety, pets should be on a leash.
• Operators should have vessel information and fee readily available for the Lock Tender. Seasonal permits must be permanently displayed in a location easily seen by Lock Tender.
• All operators must be able to control their vessel in a safe and sober manner.
• Failure to adhere to the above guidelines may result in a refusal of lockage and/or notification of law enforcement authorities. Lock Tender will complete Incident Report record.
• Public docks are provided for recreational use and may be used at  your own risk. Docks are located upstream of Menasha Lock, Appleton Lock #2 and Lock #4, Appleton at the Appleton Yacht Club, Little Chute Guard Lock, Little Rapids, and De Pere Lock