Loon Lake (IN): Motor and Boating Rules
Warrick County · near Elberfeld · managed by Indiana Department of Natural Resources
- Gas outboard YES
- Electric trolling YES
- PWC / jet ski VERIFY
- Warrick County, IN
- Indiana Department of Natural Resources
Quick answer
Loon Lake allows motorboats at idle speed only. The slow-no-wake rule covers the entire surface, not just a shoreline band. Skiing, tubing, and planing runs are out. Loon Lake in IN is open to motorboats at slow-no-wake speed only, across the entire lake under Indiana Department of Natural Resources regulations (verified July 26, 2026). 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
Slow-no-wake is a speed behavior, not an equipment rule: any motor is fine, but you must run at the slowest speed that maintains steering — roughly idle — leaving no plowing wake. On Loon Lake that applies to the entire surface, not just a shoreline buffer. Our guide to no-wake rules covers how officers judge it.
Practically, an all-lake no-wake rule turns Loon Lake into fishing and cruising water. Waterskiing, tubing, and planing speeds are off the table. Budget extra time for every crossing — idle speed makes the lake feel bigger than the acreage suggests.
Worth knowing about Loon Lake: Reclaimed strip-mine lake (Loon Pit) at Blue Grass Fish and Wildlife Area. DNR: outboards are permitted on Blue Grass, Otter and Loon pits at idle speed only; all other pits on the property are restricted to electric motors. Codified at 312 IAC 8-2-8(g)(4)(B). Distinct from the natural Loon Lake in Whitley/Noble counties..
Two more Indiana waters worth a look while you plan: Lake Lenape (Electric only, Greene County) and Ogle Lake (Electric only, Brown County). For the complete picture, all verified Indiana lake motor rules sit on one sortable page.
Common mistakes on No wake water
Thinking the rule is seasonal. Unless the source says otherwise, an all-lake no-wake listing applies year-round — including the empty weekday morning when it feels unnecessary.
Trimming up to go faster "quietly." Trim changes the wake, not the rule. Level hull, minimal ripple is the standard officers apply on Loon Lake.
Before you launch — verify
- Official rules: Indiana Department of Natural Resources
- Unsure about a detail? Call the Indiana Department of Natural Resources district office that covers Warrick County before towing your boat out.
- We last verified this page on .
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 Loon Lake?
Yes. Gasoline outboards are allowed on Loon Lake. The entire lake is slow-no-wake, so idle speed only. Verified July 26, 2026.
Can I use an electric trolling motor on Loon Lake?
Yes. Electric trolling motors are allowed on Loon Lake. A transom-mount motor in the 30–55 lb thrust range with a deep-cycle battery is the typical setup for this class of water.
Are jet skis (PWC) allowed on Loon Lake?
The official source we cite does not state a clear PWC rule for Loon Lake. Confirm with Indiana Department of Natural Resources before bringing a jet ski.
Who enforces boating rules on Loon Lake?
The rules summarized here come from Indiana Department of Natural Resources (state department of natural resources), with possible additional ordinances from Warrick County or local municipalities. Any peace officer can cite violations, so treat posted rules as enforceable regardless of who is watching.
Where do I verify the current rules for Loon Lake?
The Sources section links the exact regulation we summarized, and Indiana Department of Natural Resources publishes the live version. This page was last checked against it on July 26, 2026.