St. Regis Pond (NY): Motor and Boating Rules
Franklin County · near Saranac Lake · managed by New York State Department of Environmental Conservation
- Gas outboard NO
- Electric trolling NO
- PWC / jet ski NO
- Franklin County, NY
- 388 acres
- New York State Department of Environmental Conservation
Quick answer
All boat motors are prohibited on St. Regis Pond. The ban includes electric trolling motors. St. Regis Pond 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
In practice, St. Regis Pond is paddle water: kayaks, canoes, jon boats under oars, and float tubes. Anglers who want to cover water rig drift socks and plan around the wind instead of a motor — position upwind and work the fishable banks on the drift.
Gear check before the drive to St. Regis Pond: 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 St. Regis Pond: Largest pond (388 acres) of the 18,400-acre Saint Regis Canoe Area, the only designated canoe area in New York State. 6 NYCRR 196.4(a) prohibits operation of mechanically propelled vessels and aircraft on the listed canoe area waters, including St. Regis Pond..
If this water doesn't fit your boat, compare Quaker Lake (Electric only, Cattaraugus County) or Canadice Lake (HP limit, Ontario County) — or scan all verified New York lake motor rules to filter by restriction type before you hitch up.
Common mistakes on No motors water
Assuming electric is exempt. It isn't: the no-motor listing for St. Regis Pond covers trolling motors too — that is usually the whole point of the rule.
Skipping the PFD because "it's just a paddle lake." Life-jacket carriage rules apply to unpowered craft everywhere, and quiet water gets patrolled too.
Before you launch — verify
- The live rulebook is here: New York State Department of Environmental Conservation
- For edge cases — mounted-but-unused motors, tournaments, temporary orders — phone the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation office covering Franklin County.
- Our most recent source check for this page: .
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 St. Regis Pond?
No. St. Regis Pond is listed as a no-motor water, which bans gasoline outboards and every other motor type. Verified July 26, 2026.
Can I use an electric trolling motor on St. Regis Pond?
Electric doesn't get an exception here. The rule closes St. Regis Pond to every motor type, so plan a paddle-powered trip.
Are jet skis (PWC) allowed on St. Regis Pond?
No — PWC cannot legally run here. The motor restriction on St. Regis Pond rules them out along with other powered craft.
Who enforces boating rules on St. Regis Pond?
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (state department of natural resources) sets and enforces the motor rules on St. Regis Pond, with possible additional ordinances from Franklin County or local municipalities. State boating officers and local law enforcement both patrol restricted waters.
Where do I verify the current rules for St. Regis Pond?
Start with the source document linked under Sources below; it is the regulation this page summarizes. For anything ambiguous, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation is the authority. Our last verification against the source: July 26, 2026.