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 2026 RULE
As of June 11, 2026, a new rule governing wake sports was implemented. Under this rule, wakesports using a wakeboat shall only occur within defined wakesports zones. Additionally, ballasted vessels, including wakeboats, are required to decontaminate their ballast tanks when moving between waterbodies. Lake Iroquois has no designated wakesport zone. Wakesports can still occur on Lake Champlain, Lake Memphremagog, the Connecticut River reservoirs, and Wallace Pond at least 200 feet from the shoreline, and in accordance with all other Use of Public Waters rules.
A wakeboat may operate without filling the ballast tank(s), not creating an enhanced wake, on any lake or pond where traditional motorboats are allowed, provided decontamination requirements are followed. Wakesports operators are required to maintain a 500-foot safety offset from other users. 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.
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