Bushwhacker Lake (MO): Motor and Boating Rules
Vernon County · near Bronaugh · managed by Missouri Department of Conservation
- Gas outboard YES
- Electric trolling YES
- PWC / jet ski NO
- Vernon County, MO
- 157 acres
- Missouri Department of Conservation
Quick answer
Bushwhacker 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. Bushwhacker Lake in MO is open to motorboats at slow-no-wake speed only, across the entire lake under Missouri Department of Conservation regulations (verified July 26, 2026). Rules change and local ordinances may add restrictions — always confirm with Missouri Department of Conservation before you launch.
Rules at a glance
What this means in practice
The upside of idle-only water: Bushwhacker Lake fishes like a much bigger lake. No wake chop washing out shoreline bites, no ski traffic pushing fish deep at midday, and trolling speeds that are already legal by definition. Bring patience for the ride out and the fishing tends to repay it.
Big motors are welcome at idle on most no-wake lakes, but think about whether you want one: you will burn launch-ramp time and fuel to move at trolling-motor pace. Many regulars on water like Bushwhacker Lake simply run the electric all day and keep the outboard for other lakes.
Worth knowing about Bushwhacker Lake: 157-acre lake created in 1982 on a 4,790-acre MDC area along the Vernon-Barton county line. The area page states that boats with motors larger than 10 horsepower must be operated at slow, no-wake speed; under 3 CSR 10-11.160, houseboats, airboats, and personal watercraft are prohibited..
If this water doesn't fit your boat, compare Binder Lake (No wake, Cole County) or Duck Creek Conservation Area Pool 1 (No wake, Bollinger County) — or scan all verified Missouri lake motor rules to filter by restriction type before you hitch up.
Common mistakes on No wake water
Watching the speedometer instead of the stern. Slow-no-wake is judged by the wake you throw, not the number on the GPS. A plowing hull at 4 mph is a citation on Bushwhacker Lake.
Confusing no-wake with electric-only. Gas motors are fine here at idle speed. If you were about to buy a trolling motor just for Bushwhacker Lake, read the table above first.
Before you launch — verify
- Read the current regulation yourself: Missouri Department of Conservation
- A two-minute call to the Missouri Department of Conservation office for Vernon 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 Missouri Department of Conservation before you launch.
Frequently asked questions
Are gas motors allowed on Bushwhacker Lake?
Yes, gasoline power is permitted here. Keep it at idle — the slow-no-wake rule covers every acre of the lake. Verified July 26, 2026.
Can I use an electric trolling motor on Bushwhacker Lake?
Yes — trolling motors are legal on Bushwhacker 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 Bushwhacker Lake?
Jet skis are out on Bushwhacker Lake. The lake's motor rule leaves no room for personal watercraft.
Who enforces boating rules on Bushwhacker Lake?
Rule-making for Bushwhacker Lake sits with Missouri Department of Conservation (state department of natural resources), with possible additional ordinances from Vernon 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 Bushwhacker Lake?
Use the official document linked in the Sources section of this page — it is what this summary is based on — or go to Missouri Department of Conservation directly. We last verified this page against the source on July 26, 2026.