Fish Lake (WI): Motor and Boating Rules
Dane County · near Sauk City · managed by Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
- Gas outboard NO
- Electric trolling YES
- PWC / jet ski NO
- Dane County, WI
- Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
Quick answer
Leave the gas outboard at home for Fish Lake. Electric motors are the only propulsion allowed besides paddle and oar. Fish Lake in WI is restricted to electric motors only — gasoline engines are prohibited under Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources regulations (verified July 26, 2026). Size the motor to your hull, and check the notes below for any lake-specific conditions. 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
Battery math decides your day on Fish Lake. Divide the battery's amp-hours by your motor's draw: a 100 Ah battery on a motor pulling 25 A at half speed gives about four hours continuous — more with intermittent use, less in wind and cold water. A second battery or a paddle backup is cheap insurance.
Electric-only waters in Wisconsin tend to be managed fishing lakes, and it shows: no wake chop, no fuel sheen, and quiet banks. If you fish from a kayak, a bow- or transom-mount conversion makes you a legal motorboat here — registration rules for motorized craft then apply, so check your paperwork before launch.
Worth knowing about Fish Lake: A town ordinance on file in the Wisconsin DNR local boating ordinance database (effective 08/04/1975) states that no combustion engine may be used to propel a boat at any time on Fish Lake, Dane County, and that electric motors may not propel a boat faster than slow-no-wake speed..
Planning options around Wisconsin? The neighboring pages in our database cover Devil's Lake (Electric only, Sauk County) and Interfalls Lake (No motors, Douglas County), and the state hub lists all verified Wisconsin lake motor rules with the official source behind each.
Common mistakes on Electric only water
Leaving the gas outboard mounted "just in case." Depending on the agency, an attached combustion engine can be a violation even when it stays off. Confirm with Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources or leave it home.
Undersizing the battery. Wind is the tax on electric water — a battery that lasts four calm hours lasts two windy ones. Bring reserve capacity or a paddle backup.
Before you launch — verify
- The live rulebook is here: Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
- For edge cases — mounted-but-unused motors, tournaments, temporary orders — phone the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources office covering Dane County.
- Our most recent source check for this page: .
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 Fish Lake?
No — Fish Lake is electric-only. Combustion engines of any size are banned; trolling motors are the legal alternative. Verified July 26, 2026.
Can I use an electric trolling motor on Fish Lake?
You can. Electric propulsion is permitted on Fish Lake; most boats here run a 12 V transom-mount trolling motor. Pack a paddle as backup for when the battery fades.
Are jet skis (PWC) allowed on Fish Lake?
Jet skis are out on Fish Lake. The lake's motor rule leaves no room for personal watercraft.
Who enforces boating rules on Fish Lake?
Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (city / municipal government) sets and enforces the motor rules on Fish Lake, with possible additional ordinances from Dane County or local municipalities. State boating officers and local law enforcement both patrol restricted waters.
Where do I verify the current rules for Fish Lake?
Use the official document linked in the Sources section of this page — it is what this summary is based on — or go to Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources directly. We last verified this page against the source on July 26, 2026.