North-South Lake (NY): Motor and Boating Rules
Greene County · near Haines Falls · managed by New York State Department of Environmental Conservation
- Gas outboard NO
- Electric trolling NO
- PWC / jet ski NO
- Greene County, NY
- 84 acres
- New York State Department of Environmental Conservation
Quick answer
All boat motors are prohibited on North-South Lake. The ban includes electric trolling motors. North-South Lake in NY is closed to all boat motors, including electric trolling motors under New York State Department of Environmental Conservation regulations (verified July 26, 2026). Kayaks, canoes, and other paddle craft are allowed. Rules change and local ordinances may add restrictions — always confirm with New York State Department of Environmental Conservation before you launch.
Rules at a glance
What this means in practice
A no-motor listing is the strictest class on the books. It is not just about gasoline: mounting any motor, including a small electric trolling unit, puts you outside the rule on North-South Lake. Whether a motor may stay attached-but-unused varies by agency — ask New York State Department of Environmental Conservation before assuming.
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.
Worth knowing about North-South Lake: 84-acre lake at DEC's North-South Lake Campground in the Catskill Forest Preserve, Town of Hunter. DEC states that no motorized boats are permitted; rowboat, canoe, kayak and paddleboard rentals are available..
Planning options around New York? The neighboring pages in our database cover Moreau Lake (No motors, Saratoga County) and Quaker Lake (Electric only, Cattaraugus County), and the state hub lists all verified New York lake motor rules with the official source behind each.
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.
Trusting an old fishing forum thread. Motor listings change by rulemaking, not rumor. The source document linked below is current as of our verification date — read that instead.
Before you launch — verify
- Read the current regulation yourself: New York State Department of Environmental Conservation
- A two-minute call to the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation office for Greene 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 York State Department of Environmental Conservation before you launch.
Frequently asked questions
Are gas motors allowed on North-South Lake?
No — and not just gas. The no-motor listing for North-South Lake covers every kind of mechanical propulsion. Verified July 26, 2026.
Can I use an electric trolling motor on North-South Lake?
No. North-South Lake bans all motors, including electric trolling motors. Paddle, oars, or drift are your propulsion options here.
Are jet skis (PWC) allowed on North-South Lake?
No. Jet skis and other personal watercraft are effectively prohibited on North-South Lake under the lake's motor restriction.
Who enforces boating rules on North-South Lake?
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (state department of natural resources) sets and enforces the motor rules on North-South Lake, with possible additional ordinances from Greene County or local municipalities. State boating officers and local law enforcement both patrol restricted waters.
Where do I verify the current rules for North-South Lake?
The Sources section links the exact regulation we summarized, and New York State Department of Environmental Conservation publishes the live version. This page was last checked against it on July 26, 2026.