Interfalls Lake (WI): Motor and Boating Rules
Douglas County · near Superior · managed by Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
- Gas outboard NO
- Electric trolling NO
- PWC / jet ski NO
- Douglas County, WI
- Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
Quick answer
You cannot run any motor on Interfalls Lake — not even electric. Interfalls Lake in WI is closed to all boat motors, including electric trolling motors under Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources regulations (verified July 26, 2026). The listing makes this Douglas County water paddle-only. Rowboats, kayaks, and float tubes remain welcome. 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
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.
Gear check before the drive to Interfalls Lake: 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 Interfalls Lake: Wis. Admin. Code NR 45.11(4)(b) prohibits operating a motorboat of any kind in any manner on Interfalls Lake in Pattison State Park, town of Superior, Douglas County. The physician's-statement electric-motor exception of NR 45.11(5) applies..
Planning options around Wisconsin? The neighboring pages in our database cover Fish Lake (Electric only, Dane County) and Kangaroo Lake (Zoned, Door County), and the state hub lists all verified Wisconsin 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.
Confusing this lake with a nearby electric-only water. Same county, opposite answer for your trolling motor — check the exact lake name against the source before loading the truck.
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 Douglas 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 Interfalls Lake?
No — and not just gas. The no-motor listing for Interfalls Lake covers every kind of mechanical propulsion. Verified July 26, 2026.
Can I use an electric trolling motor on Interfalls Lake?
Electric doesn't get an exception here. The rule closes Interfalls Lake to every motor type, so plan a paddle-powered trip.
Are jet skis (PWC) allowed on Interfalls Lake?
Jet skis are out on Interfalls Lake. The lake's motor rule leaves no room for personal watercraft.
Who enforces boating rules on Interfalls Lake?
Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (state department of natural resources) sets and enforces the motor rules on Interfalls Lake, with possible additional ordinances from Douglas County or local municipalities. State boating officers and local law enforcement both patrol restricted waters.
Where do I verify the current rules for Interfalls 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.