Motor Regulations for Lakes in Iowa

A vessel equipped with any size motor may be operated only at “slow, no wake speed” on artificial lakes that are under the custody of the Department of Natural Resources and are more than 100 acres in size. Lakes included in the regulation are:

On artificial lakes less than 100 acres in size, only a powerboat equipped with one or more outboard battery-operated electric trolling motors is allowed. There is no motor restriction on natural lakes or federal reservoirs.

Other lakes managed by counties and municipalities also have regulations. Always check local regulations. Please note that:

• On Lake Macbride, Johnson County, a boat with a motor exceeding 10 horsepower may be used only from September 8 through May 20 of each year and operated only at “slow, no wake speed.”
• Only motors of 100 horsepower or less may be used on Loch Ayr, Ringgold County.

Motors of any horsepower operated at “slow no wake speed” only are allowed on the following lakes: