New Wake Rules For Lake Minnetonka
2023 Lake Minnetonka Boating Rules -
For 2023 the Lake Minnetonka Conservation District (LMCD) approved rule updates for Lake Minnetonka in August of 2022. Lake Minnetonka has several boating restrictions that are different from the rules set for the rest of Minnesota’s water ways.
Beginning January 1, 2023, the new LMCD rules place a five mile-per-hour speed limit on all boats within 300 feet from the shore. This is an increase from the previous 150-foot distance. The current rule requiring a 150-foot distance from docks, anchored boats, swimmers, or scuba warning flags throughout the lake did not change.
The LMCD posted this map to show where boats will be limited to 5 mph…
Several areas and a few entire bays remain Quiet Water Areas. In these areas watercraft cannot be operated more than 5 mph or at a speed that results in more than a minimum wake. Quiet Water Areas are delineated by waterway markers.
The bays that have been established as Quiet Eater Areas are Carsons Bay, Emerald Lake, Libbs Lake, St. Louis Bay, and Grays Bay (from 4pm Fridays through 11:59PM Sundays and add day on holidays).
There are buoys marking Quiet Water Areas in parts of the following bays. Black Lake, Excelsior Bay, Harrisons Bay, North of Big Island/Cruisers Cove in Lower Lake, Maxwell Bay, St. Albans Bay, and Wayzata Bay.
All channels between bays maintain the 5 MPH, Minimum wake requirements.
Speed Limits -
Towing Rules-
NUMBER TOWED
No more than three persons may be towed at one time.
OBSERVER
In addition to the watercraft operator, an observer (not a rear-facing mirror) is required to continuously observe the person(s) being towed. The observer must be at least 12 years old and able to communicate with driver.
HOURS
Towing is prohibited from one-half hour after sunset until sunrise.
LIFE JACKETS
A person being towed must wear a life vest, belt, or other buoyant device. If the buoyant device is not U.S. Coast Guard-approved, a U.S. Coast Guard approved life jacket must also be on board and readily available to the person being towed.
LENGTH OF TOW
Maximum length of 85 ft (except with written permission of the Sheriff).
DISTANCE
Towing may not occur within 150 ft of a swim area, skin or scuba diver’s flag, swimmer, watercraft, dock, or pier (except dock/pier where initially operating from).
EMPTY TOW
An unoccupied tow line may not be dragged behind a watercraft for an unreasonable length of time.
TOWING IN CHANNELS
No person shall tow or be towed into or through any marked channel connecting two bodies of water. It is unsafe.
It is your responsibility to know and follow the rules. Let’s make 2023 an amazingly fun season of boating on Lake Minnetonka.