Blackhawk Lake (WI): Motor and Boating Rules
Iowa County · near Highland · managed by Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
- Gas outboard YES
- Electric trolling YES
- PWC / jet ski VERIFY
- Iowa County, WI
- Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
Quick answer
Blackhawk 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. Blackhawk Lake in WI is open to motorboats at slow-no-wake speed only, across the entire lake under Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources regulations (verified July 26, 2026). Rules change and local ordinances may add restrictions — always confirm with Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources before you launch.
Rules at a glance
What this means in practice
Slow-no-wake is a speed behavior, not an equipment rule: any motor is fine, but you must run at the slowest speed that maintains steering — roughly idle — leaving no plowing wake. On Blackhawk Lake that applies to the entire surface, not just a shoreline buffer. Our guide to no-wake rules covers how officers judge it.
Practically, an all-lake no-wake rule turns Blackhawk Lake into fishing and cruising water. Waterskiing, tubing, and planing speeds are off the table. Budget extra time for every crossing — idle speed makes the lake feel bigger than the acreage suggests.
Worth knowing about Blackhawk Lake: Wis. Admin. Code NR 45.11(8) provides that no person may operate a motorboat of any kind in any manner except at slow-no-wake speed, in no case exceeding 5 mph, on the waters of Blackhawk Lake, towns of Highland and Eden, Iowa County. Gas motorboats may be used but only at slow-no-wake speed..
Two more Wisconsin waters worth a look while you plan: White Lake (HP limit, Marquette County) and Crystal Lake (No motors, Vilas County). For the complete picture, all verified Wisconsin lake motor rules sit on one sortable page.
Common mistakes on No wake water
Thinking the rule is seasonal. Unless the source says otherwise, an all-lake no-wake listing applies year-round — including the empty weekday morning when it feels unnecessary.
Trimming up to go faster "quietly." Trim changes the wake, not the rule. Level hull, minimal ripple is the standard officers apply on Blackhawk Lake.
Before you launch — verify
- Official rules: Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
- Unsure about a detail? Call the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources district office that covers Iowa County before towing your boat out.
- We last verified this page on .
Rules change and local ordinances may add restrictions — always confirm with Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources before you launch.
Frequently asked questions
Are gas motors allowed on Blackhawk Lake?
Yes. Gasoline outboards are allowed on Blackhawk Lake. The entire lake is slow-no-wake, so idle speed only. Verified July 26, 2026.
Can I use an electric trolling motor on Blackhawk Lake?
Yes. Electric trolling motors are allowed on Blackhawk Lake. A transom-mount motor in the 30–55 lb thrust range with a deep-cycle battery is the typical setup for this class of water.
Are jet skis (PWC) allowed on Blackhawk Lake?
The official source we cite does not state a clear PWC rule for Blackhawk Lake. Confirm with Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources before bringing a jet ski.
Who enforces boating rules on Blackhawk Lake?
The rules summarized here come from Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (state department of natural resources), with possible additional ordinances from Iowa County or local municipalities. Any peace officer can cite violations, so treat posted rules as enforceable regardless of who is watching.
Where do I verify the current rules for Blackhawk Lake?
The Sources section links the exact regulation we summarized, and Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources publishes the live version. This page was last checked against it on July 26, 2026.