That evening boat cruise is a staple for Lone Lake residents. Fishing means—go where the fish are. “Own your wake”, a guideline for all, is vital as that wake washes on the shoreline of all Lone Lake residents.

While personal watercraft have a MN law to stay 150’ from shore, there is no required distance for boats. Suggestions include as far as 200’, but how does the driver “compute” that distance while driving the watercraft? And does that really apply when cruising with little or no wake?

Some possibilities:

The football playing field is 300 feet. Are you half a football field away?
Major League Baseball….bases are 90’ apart. Is that where the fish are?
Check out your shoreline. Is it approximately 50’? 100’? 150’?

How far out are you?

Is your boat about 20’ long? 5 boat lengths gets you 100’.

More DNR numbers:

Water skiing, tubing, wake-surfing and similar skills are prohibited between 1/2 hour AFTER sunset…. to sunrise of the following day.
Personal watercraft may operate between 9:30 a.m. and 1/2 hour BEFORE sunset.
Tow ropes may not be longer than 150’.

To deposit or leave any refuse in or upon the waters of a state lake or at public access areas is illegal. 0 garbage goes overboard.

To chase wildlife with a motorboat, or operate a boat where it is prohibited, including marked spawning beds, is illegal.

To operate a watercraft within an area legally marked off as a swimming area, or within 150’ of a diver’s warning flag. (Occasionally seen on Lone Lake.)

Summarized, the MN laws and DNR rules expect respect for humans, animals, and nature. Please do your part.

More questions? Click here for the MInnesota Boating Guide 2024.

(Note from a 40+ year boat captain—good to remind you of things you thought you knew.)