Boating on Lake Iroquois
The waters of Lake Iroquois, as is the case for nearly all the waters in the state of Vermont, are public. The rules and regulations for activities in and on the public waters of the state are set by state government. Rules for specific lakes, as well as the general rules governing all lakes in Vermont can be found in the Use of Public Waters Rules.
WAKE BOATS AND WAKE SPORTS: THE NEW 2024 RULE
In 2024, a new rule governing wake sports was implemented. Uner this rule, wakesports using a wakeboat shall only occur within defined wakesport zones. This rule only applies to those who operate a wakeboat on Vermont’s inland lakes, ponds, and reservoirs. Wakesports are not restricted on Lake Champlain, Lake Memphremagog, the Connecticut River reservoirs, and Wallace Pond.
Any wake boat entering a lake that permits wake sports must either declare that lake as its home lake and only operate there or must be decontaminated according to the protocol determined by the Vermont Department of Environmental Conservastion to ensure that no aquatic invasives are being carried in the ballast tanks. The complete rule, the detailed decontamination protocol, a list of lakes permitting wake sports, and a map of each wake sport zone can be found on the VT DEC Wake Sports site.
Lake Iroquois is among the lakes that allow wake sports. The Lake Iroquois wake sport zone map, along with other maps of the lake, can be found here. Any wake boat entering Lake Iroquois must be decontaminated according the VT DEC approved protocol.
Some things to know when boating on Lake Iroquois
- The LIA operates a Greeter and Boat Wash Program at the public access at the north end of Lake Iroquois off of Beebe Lane. If a greeter is on duty all boats must stop to be inspected before entering the lake. Under Vermont law, if a greeter inspecting a boat determines that a boat needs to be washed and a boat wash is available then the boater must comply.
- Personal watercraft, such as jet skis or any other Class A vessel that uses an inboard engine powering a water jet pump, are specifically prohibited on Lake Iroquois.
- Speed limits: boats may not travel at speeds greater than 5 mph within 200 feet of shore, a person in the water, other vessels, docks, or a divers-down flag. There are some 200 foot white buoys placed around the lake by individuals to aid in judging this distance.
- Vermont law requires all motorized boat operators born after January 1, 1974, to pass a boater safety course and to carry a boater education card. For boaters from out of state, Vermont will recognize boating education cards that meet NASBLA requirements and Canadian Pleasure Craft Operator Cards that meet Transport Canada’s requirements.
- Loon nesting sites: Between May 1 and July 31 all persons and vessels are prohibited from approaching within 300 feet of any loon nesting site. The loon nesting site on Lake Iroquois is clearly marked with signs and buoys
- Skiers and wakeboarders must wear approved flotation devices and there must be an observer in the boat who is 12 years or older in addition to the driver.
- For further information: Boating on Lake Iroquois and Preventing Invasives