Little Falls Lake (WI): Motor and Boating Rules
St. Croix County · near Hudson · managed by Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
- Gas outboard NO
- Electric trolling NO
- PWC / jet ski NO
- St. Croix County, WI
- Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
Quick answer
Little Falls Lake is closed to motors of every kind. Gasoline outboards are banned here. Electric trolling motors are banned too. Little Falls Lake in WI is closed to all boat motors, including electric trolling motors under Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources regulations (verified July 26, 2026). Paddle power is your only option on this water. 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
Don't confuse this class with electric-only. On electric-only waters a trolling motor is the answer; here it is part of the violation. The distinction trips up more visitors to Little Falls Lake than any other rule, because the two lake types often sit minutes apart in the same county.
Fishing Little Falls Lake without a motor rewards different tactics: anchor along wind-blown banks instead of trolling, use the breeze as your trolling motor with a drift sock to slow the boat, and pick launch points so the paddle back is downwind at the end of the day.
Worth knowing about Little Falls Lake: Wis. Admin. Code NR 45.11(4)(q) prohibits operating a motorboat of any kind in any manner on Little Falls Lake in Willow River State Park, towns of St. Joseph and Hudson, St. Croix County. Under NR 45.11(5), a person with a physician's statement of inability to row or paddle may use a battery-operated electric motor at slow-no-wake speed (max 5 mph)..
If this water doesn't fit your boat, compare Kangaroo Lake (Zoned, Door County) or Mirror Lake (No wake, Sauk County) — or scan all verified Wisconsin 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 Little Falls Lake covers trolling motors too — that is usually the whole point of the rule.
Planning big-water distances. Under paddle power, Little Falls Lake fishes smaller than the map suggests. Pick a launch that puts your spots within honest paddling range.
Before you launch — verify
- Read the current regulation yourself: Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
- A two-minute call to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources office for St. Croix 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 Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources before you launch.
Frequently asked questions
Are gas motors allowed on Little Falls Lake?
No. The listing closes Little Falls Lake to all motors, gasoline included; only unpowered craft may operate. Verified July 26, 2026.
Can I use an electric trolling motor on Little Falls Lake?
No — the no-motor listing covers electric too. On Little Falls Lake that means human power only: paddles, oars, or a float tube's fins.
Are jet skis (PWC) allowed on Little Falls Lake?
Jet skis are out on Little Falls Lake. The lake's motor rule leaves no room for personal watercraft.
Who enforces boating rules on Little Falls Lake?
Rule-making for Little Falls Lake sits with Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (state department of natural resources), with possible additional ordinances from St. Croix County or local municipalities. On the water, expect enforcement from state boating officers and the county sheriff's marine unit alike.
Where do I verify the current rules for Little Falls 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.