Lake Mohawk (NJ): Motor and Boating Rules
Sussex County · near Sparta · managed by New Jersey State Police Marine Services Bureau
- Gas outboard YES
- Electric trolling YES
- PWC / jet ski VERIFY
- Sussex County, NJ
- New Jersey State Police Marine Services Bureau
Quick answer
Lake Mohawk splits into zones with different motor rules. No-wake and no-waterskiing zones in Tamarack Cove, Turtle Cove, Three Finger Cove, the South End Cove and west of Manitou Island (N.J.A.C. 13:82-3.8(a)-(d)). Lake Mohawk in NJ is subject to motor and speed restrictions in designated zones under New Jersey State Police Marine Services Bureau regulations (verified July 26, 2026). The written boundaries control, not the buoys. Rules change and local ordinances may add restrictions — always confirm with New Jersey State Police Marine Services Bureau before you launch.
Rules at a glance
What this means in practice
First trip to Lake Mohawk? Idle out, find the zone markers, and fix them against shoreline landmarks before you open up. Buoy positions shift with water level and season, and 'the buoy moved' has never beaten a written boundary in a hearing.
Zone rules also shape where the fish see pressure: restricted zones collect anglers and paddlers, open zones collect speed. On Lake Mohawk, working the seam just inside the restricted line often means quiet water within casting distance of the traffic edge.
Worth knowing about Lake Mohawk: Private club lake in Sparta Township whose boating is regulated by N.J.A.C. 13:82-3.8. Power vessels are capped at 35 mph in daytime with lake-wide slow speed/no wake overnight; barefoot skiing, wake surfing, kite skiing, parachute skiing/para-sailing and ski jumping are prohibited without a Boat Regulation Commission waiver..
If this water doesn't fit your boat, compare Lake Marcia (No motors, Sussex County) or Parvin Lake (Electric only, Salem County) — or scan all verified New Jersey lake motor rules to filter by restriction type before you hitch up.
Common mistakes on Zoned water
Navigating by buoys alone. Buoys drift, sink, and get pulled for winter; the written boundary in the source controls Lake Mohawk regardless of what is floating today.
Ignoring the stricter-sign rule. When posted signage and the written zone disagree on Lake Mohawk, follow the stricter one on the water and sort it out with New Jersey State Police Marine Services Bureau after.
Before you launch — verify
- Read the current regulation yourself: New Jersey State Police Marine Services Bureau
- A two-minute call to the New Jersey State Police Marine Services Bureau office for Sussex 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 New Jersey State Police Marine Services Bureau before you launch.
Frequently asked questions
Are gas motors allowed on Lake Mohawk?
Yes, gasoline power is permitted here. The posted wake rule applies: Slow speed/no wake within 200 feet of any shore, dock or structure; 35 mph maximum 7:30 a.m. to sunset (N.J.A.C. 13:82-3.8(e)-(f)). Verified July 26, 2026.
Can I use an electric trolling motor on Lake Mohawk?
Yes — trolling motors are legal on Lake Mohawk. 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 Lake Mohawk?
The official source we cite does not state a clear PWC rule for Lake Mohawk. Confirm with New Jersey State Police Marine Services Bureau before bringing a jet ski.
Who enforces boating rules on Lake Mohawk?
Rule-making for Lake Mohawk sits with New Jersey State Police Marine Services Bureau (state department of natural resources), with possible additional ordinances from Sussex 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 Lake Mohawk?
Use the official document linked in the Sources section of this page — it is what this summary is based on — or go to New Jersey State Police Marine Services Bureau directly. We last verified this page against the source on July 26, 2026.