Hardy Lake (IN): Motor and Boating Rules
Scott County · near Scottsburg · managed by Indiana Department of Natural Resources
- Gas outboard YES
- Electric trolling YES
- PWC / jet ski YES
- Scott County, IN
- Indiana Department of Natural Resources
Quick answer
Where you launch and run matters on Hardy Lake — the restrictions are zoned. Hardy Lake in IN is subject to motor and speed restrictions in designated zones under Indiana Department of Natural Resources regulations (verified July 26, 2026). On this lake: Idle-speed zones cover every embayment; all water within 200 feet of a shoreline; the area near the spillway; and the upstream end of the lake beyond a marked northeast-southwest line. Rules change and local ordinances may add restrictions — always confirm with Indiana Department of Natural Resources before you launch.
Rules at a glance
What this means in practice
Zoned rules exist because one lake serves two crowds: anglers and paddlers get protected water while powerboats keep the open basin. Plan your day by zone — launch, fishing spots, and any full-speed running — before you're on the water reading buoys at a distance.
Time can matter as much as geography on zoned water — some zones switch rules by hour or season. The source document states the schedule where one exists. When a zone boundary and a posted sign disagree, follow the stricter one and sort it out with Indiana Department of Natural Resources later.
Worth knowing about Hardy Lake: DNR reservoir at Hardy Lake State Recreation Area; the lake lies in Scott and Jefferson counties. Zones are set by 312 IAC 5-10-5; outside the marked zones there is no horsepower limit..
Planning options around Indiana? The neighboring pages in our database cover Geist Reservoir (Zoned, Hamilton County) and J.C. Murphey Lake (Electric only, Newton County), and the state hub lists all verified Indiana lake motor rules with the official source behind each.
Common mistakes on Zoned water
Assuming the whole lake is open because the launch zone is. Zones can flip a few hundred yards out. Read the zone map before you commit to a route.
Missing hour-based switches. Some zoned rules change by time of day or season — check the hours row in the table above for what applies on Hardy Lake.
Before you launch — verify
- The live rulebook is here: Indiana Department of Natural Resources
- For edge cases — mounted-but-unused motors, tournaments, temporary orders — phone the Indiana Department of Natural Resources office covering Scott County.
- Our most recent source check for this page: .
Rules change and local ordinances may add restrictions — always confirm with Indiana Department of Natural Resources before you launch.
Frequently asked questions
Are gas motors allowed on Hardy Lake?
Gas motors are legal on Hardy Lake. Note the wake rule: idle speed in embayments and within 200 feet of shoreline. Verified July 26, 2026.
Can I use an electric trolling motor on Hardy Lake?
You can. Electric propulsion is permitted on Hardy Lake; most boats here run a 12 V transom-mount trolling motor. Pack a paddle as backup for when the battery fades.
Are jet skis (PWC) allowed on Hardy Lake?
Yes, PWC are allowed on Hardy Lake, subject to standard state PWC rules (operator age, PFD, daylight hours where applicable). Local ordinances may add limits.
Who enforces boating rules on Hardy Lake?
Indiana Department of Natural Resources (state department of natural resources) sets and enforces the motor rules on Hardy Lake, with possible additional ordinances from Scott County or local municipalities. State boating officers and local law enforcement both patrol restricted waters.
Where do I verify the current rules for Hardy Lake?
Use the official document linked in the Sources section of this page — it is what this summary is based on — or go to Indiana Department of Natural Resources directly. We last verified this page against the source on July 26, 2026.