Perry Lake (MI): Motor & Boating Rules
Oakland County · near Ortonville · managed by Michigan Department of Natural Resources
- Gas outboard: NO
- Electric trolling: YES
- PWC / jet ski: NO
Quick answer
Perry Lake is an electric-only water. Gasoline engines are banned outright. Trolling motors of any thrust rating are legal. Perry Lake in MI is restricted to electric motors only — gasoline engines are prohibited under Michigan Department of Natural Resources regulations (verified July 14, 2026). Most anglers here run 30–55 lb thrust off a 12 V battery. 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 | Electric Motors Only |
|---|---|
| Horsepower limit | n/a |
| Electric trolling motors | YES |
| Gas outboards | NO |
| PWC / jet skis | NO |
| Wake rule | None listed for Perry Lake |
| Hours rule | None listed for Perry Lake |
| Zones | All of Perry 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
Mind the access details agencies attach to electric-only water: many of these lakes are agency-owned, which can mean launch permits, registration checks at the ramp, seasonal hours, or invasive-species inspections. The rules table above and the notes on this page carry anything lake-specific we verified for Perry Lake.
Registration still applies once a motor of any kind goes on the boat — electric included in most states, Michigan's rules on the state page here. Bring the card, keep the numbers visible, and you'll clear the only paperwork check that matters on an electric-only lake like Perry Lake.
Worth knowing about Perry Lake: Local watercraft control R 281.763.64 (Brandon Township).
Common mistakes on Electric only water
Treating "electric-only" as "no motors." Opposite mistake, same wasted trip: trolling motors are legal on Perry Lake. You don't have to paddle unless you want to.
Reading the ramp sign as the whole rule. Signs summarize; documents govern. The exact wording for Perry Lake is one click away in the Sources section below.
Before you launch — verify
- Read the current regulation yourself: Michigan Department of Natural Resources
- A two-minute call to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources office for Oakland County settles anything this page leaves open.
- This summary was last checked against the source on .
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 Perry Lake?
No. Gas power is off the table here; the rule allows electric motors and unpowered craft only. Verified July 14, 2026.
Can I use an electric trolling motor on Perry Lake?
Yes — trolling motors are legal on Perry Lake. Size the motor to your hull, bring enough battery for the day, and check this page's notes for any lake-specific motor conditions.
Are jet skis (PWC) allowed on Perry Lake?
Jet skis are out on Perry Lake. The lake's motor rule leaves no room for personal watercraft.
Who enforces boating rules on Perry Lake?
Rule-making for Perry Lake sits with Michigan Department of Natural Resources (state department of natural resources), with possible additional ordinances from Oakland County or local municipalities. On the water, expect enforcement from state boating officers and the county sheriff's marine unit alike.
Where do I verify the current rules for Perry 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: