Electric-Only Lakes in Ohio

5 lakes · every row cited to an official source

Quick answer

Ohio 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 Ohio: the list

Lake Motor rule HP limit Acres County Verified
Findley Lake Electric Motors Only — 93 Lorain
Lake Hope Electric Motors Only — 120 Vinton
Punderson Lake Electric Motors Only — 80 Geauga
Rose Lake Electric Motors Only — 17 Hocking
Stonelick Lake Electric Motors Only — 200 Clermont

Frequently asked questions

Can I keep a gas motor tilted up on an electric-only lake in Ohio?

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.