Starrett Lake (WI): Motor and Boating Rules
Vilas County · near Sayner · managed by Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
- Gas outboard NO
- Electric trolling YES
- PWC / jet ski NO
- Vilas County, WI
- Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
Quick answer
Starrett Lake is an electric-only water. Gasoline engines are banned outright. Trolling motors of any thrust rating are legal. Starrett Lake in WI is restricted to electric motors only — gasoline engines are prohibited under Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources regulations (verified July 26, 2026). Most anglers here run 30–55 lb thrust off a 12 V battery. 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
Mind the access details agencies attach to electric-only water: many of these lakes are agency-owned, which can mean launch permits, registration checks at the ramp, seasonal hours, or invasive-species inspections. The rules table above and the notes on this page carry anything lake-specific we verified for Starrett Lake.
Registration still applies once a motor of any kind goes on the boat — electric included in most states, Wisconsin's rules on the state page here. Bring the card, keep the numbers visible, and you'll clear the only paperwork check that matters on an electric-only lake like Starrett Lake.
Worth knowing about Starrett Lake: Wis. Admin. Code NR 45.11(6)(d)2. limits boats on Starrett Lake in the Northern Highland and American Legion State Forest, town of Plum Lake, Vilas County, to battery-powered electric motors at slow-no-wake speed not to exceed 5 mph..
If this water doesn't fit your boat, compare Mirror Lake (No wake, Sauk County) or White Lake (HP limit, Marquette County) — or scan all verified Wisconsin lake motor rules to filter by restriction type before you hitch up.
Common mistakes on Electric only water
Treating "electric-only" as "no motors." Opposite mistake, same wasted trip: trolling motors are legal on Starrett Lake. You don't have to paddle unless you want to.
Reading the ramp sign as the whole rule. Signs summarize; documents govern. The exact wording for Starrett Lake is one click away in the Sources section below.
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 Vilas 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 Starrett Lake?
No. Gas power is off the table here; the rule allows electric motors and unpowered craft only. Verified July 26, 2026.
Can I use an electric trolling motor on Starrett Lake?
Yes — trolling motors are legal on Starrett Lake. Size the motor to your hull, bring enough battery for the day, and check this page's notes for any lake-specific motor conditions.
Are jet skis (PWC) allowed on Starrett Lake?
Jet skis are out on Starrett Lake. The lake's motor rule leaves no room for personal watercraft.
Who enforces boating rules on Starrett Lake?
Rule-making for Starrett Lake sits with Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (state department of natural resources), with possible additional ordinances from Vilas 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 Starrett 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.