Electric-Only Lakes in Virginia
10 lakes · every row cited to an official source
Quick answer
Virginia has 10 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 10 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 Virginia: the list
| Lake | Motor rule | HP limit | Acres | County | Verified |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Albemarle Lake | Electric Motors Only | — | 35 | Albemarle | |
| Amelia Lake | Electric Motors Only | — | 100 | Amelia | |
| Lake Brittle | Electric Motors Only | — | 77 | Fauquier | |
| Lake Conner | Electric Motors Only | — | 100 | Halifax | |
| Lake Curtis | Electric Motors Only | — | 91 | Stafford | |
| Lake Frederick | Electric Motors Only | — | 117 | Frederick | |
| Lake Orange | Electric Motors Only | — | 124 | Orange | |
| Lake Robertson | Electric Motors Only | — | 31 | Rockbridge | |
| Powhatan Lakes | Electric Motors Only | — | 66 | Powhatan | |
| Swift Creek Lake | Electric Motors Only | — | 156 | Chesterfield |
Frequently asked questions
Can I keep a gas motor tilted up on an electric-only lake in Virginia?
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.