Dunham Lake (MI): Motor & Boating Rules
Oakland County · near Highland · managed by Michigan Department of Natural Resources
- Gas outboard: NO
- Electric trolling: NO
- PWC / jet ski: NO
Quick answer
You cannot run any motor on Dunham Lake — not even electric. Dunham Lake in MI is closed to all boat motors, including electric trolling motors under Michigan Department of Natural Resources regulations (verified July 14, 2026). The listing makes this Oakland County water paddle-only. Rowboats, kayaks, and float tubes remain welcome. Rules change and local ordinances may add restrictions — always confirm with Michigan Department of Natural Resources before you launch.
Rules at a glance
| Restriction class | No Motors Allowed |
|---|---|
| Horsepower limit | n/a |
| Electric trolling motors | NO |
| Gas outboards | NO |
| PWC / jet skis | NO |
| Wake rule | None listed for Dunham Lake |
| Hours rule | None listed for Dunham Lake |
| Zones | All of Dunham Lake, no zones listed |
| Managing body | State department of natural resources: Michigan Department of Natural Resources |
| Official source | Michigan Department of Natural Resources — michigan.gov |
| Last verified |
What this means in practice
Why do agencies zero out motors entirely? Usually the lake is small, shallow, or managed as quiet fishing water, where even trolling-motor wakes and noise change how it fishes. The payoff for you: flat water, no engine traffic, and fish that see less pressure.
Gear check before the drive to Dunham Lake: paddles or oars, wearable PFDs for everyone aboard, and a whistle. If your boat has a motor bolted on, plan to remove it at home — showing up at the ramp with one invites a conversation with the officer even if it stays off.
Worth knowing about Dunham Lake: Local watercraft control R 281.763.47 (Highland Township).
Common mistakes on No motors water
Arriving with the motor still bolted on. Even if you never start it, an attached motor can be treated as a violation here. Pull it at home, not at the ramp.
Confusing this lake with a nearby electric-only water. Same county, opposite answer for your trolling motor — check the exact lake name against the source before loading the truck.
Before you launch — verify
- The live rulebook is here: Michigan Department of Natural Resources
- For edge cases — mounted-but-unused motors, tournaments, temporary orders — phone the Michigan Department of Natural Resources office covering Oakland County.
- Our most recent source check for this page: .
Rules change and local ordinances may add restrictions — always confirm with Michigan Department of Natural Resources before you launch.
Frequently asked questions
Are gas motors allowed on Dunham Lake?
No — and not just gas. The no-motor listing for Dunham Lake covers every kind of mechanical propulsion. Verified July 14, 2026.
Can I use an electric trolling motor on Dunham Lake?
Electric doesn't get an exception here. The rule closes Dunham Lake to every motor type, so plan a paddle-powered trip.
Are jet skis (PWC) allowed on Dunham Lake?
Jet skis are out on Dunham Lake. The lake's motor rule leaves no room for personal watercraft.
Who enforces boating rules on Dunham Lake?
Michigan Department of Natural Resources (state department of natural resources) sets and enforces the motor rules on Dunham Lake, with possible additional ordinances from Oakland County or local municipalities. State boating officers and local law enforcement both patrol restricted waters.
Where do I verify the current rules for Dunham Lake?
Use the official document linked in the Sources section of this page — it is what this summary is based on — or go to Michigan Department of Natural Resources directly. We last verified this page against the source on July 14, 2026.
Sources
- Controlling document (agency web page): Michigan Department of Natural Resources — michigan.gov
- Published and enforced by: Michigan Department of Natural Resources
- Date of our latest source check: