Electric-Only Lakes in Michigan
5 lakes · every row cited to an official source
Quick answer
Michigan has 5 lakes in our database where only electric motors are allowed. Gas outboards are prohibited on these waters; a transom-mount trolling motor with a deep-cycle battery is the standard legal setup. Each lake below links to a full rules page citing the official regulation.
Electric-only status usually comes from the agency that owns or manages the lake — fishing lakes are kept quiet and wake-free by design. On the 5 waters listed here, that means no gasoline engines at all, while electric trolling motors are welcome. Before you rig up, two details matter: whether a gas motor may stay on the transom unused (states differ), and battery capacity for the day. Our guide on what electric-only really means walks through thrust ratings, batteries, and typical setups.
Electric-Only Lakes in Michigan: the list
| Lake | Motor rule | HP limit | County | Verified |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bass Lake | Electric Motors Only | — | Oakland | |
| Eagle Lake | Electric Motors Only | — | Kalamazoo | |
| Perry Lake | Electric Motors Only | — | Oakland | |
| Round Lake | Electric Motors Only | — | Kent | |
| Versluis Lake | Electric Motors Only | — | Kent |
Frequently asked questions
Can I keep a gas motor tilted up on an electric-only lake in Michigan?
It depends on the managing agency — some allow an unused gas motor to remain mounted, others treat any attached gas engine as a violation. Check the lake's page here and its official source, or ask the agency directly before launching.
What size trolling motor do I need for these lakes?
For most small fishing boats, 30–55 lb of thrust is plenty; thrust is not horsepower. Pair it with a group 24–31 deep-cycle battery for a day of fishing. Our electric-only guide covers sizing in detail.