We've found 3 lakes in Idaho where gas engines can't be run and electric motors are allowed.
All of them let you launch a boat with a gas outboard as long as the outboard isn't run.
Gas boats OK, motor up You can launch a boat with a gas outboard. Leave it up and use your electric motor.No gas motors on board Remove the outboard or bring a boat without one.Gas boats: check first The rules don't say. Call before you tow a gas boat there.
Avondale Lake
Electric motors onlyGas boats OK, motor up
Electric motors only; a gas motor may be attached but not used.
Gas outboards
Gas motors may be attached but not used (Idaho Fish and Game)
Other rules
Confirm in Idaho's current fishing seasons and rules before you go.
Managed by
Idaho Department of Fish and Game (Panhandle Region rule)
What the official rules say
Avondale Lake - Electric motors only … When fishing waters listed --electric motors only-- gas (internal combustion) motors may be attached to the boat; but use of the gas motor is prohibited. (IDFG answer, Feb 16 2016)
Freeman Lake
Electric motors onlyGas boats OK, motor up
Electric motors only; a gas motor may be attached but not used.
Gas outboards
Gas motors may be attached but not used (Idaho Fish and Game)
Other rules
Confirm in Idaho's current fishing seasons and rules before you go.
Managed by
Idaho Department of Fish and Game (Panhandle Region rule)
What the official rules say
Freeman Lake - Electric motors only … When fishing waters listed --electric motors only-- gas (internal combustion) motors may be attached to the boat; but use of the gas motor is prohibited. (IDFG answer, Feb 16 2016)
Round Lake
Near Sagle / Sandpoint, Bonner County
Electric motors onlyGas boats OK, motor up
Electric motors only; a gas motor may be attached but not used.
Size
55 acres
Gas outboards
Gas motors may be attached but not used (Idaho Fish and Game)
Other rules
Confirm in Idaho's current fishing seasons and rules before you go.
Managed by
Idaho Parks and Recreation (Round Lake State Park); rule by Idaho Fish and Game
What the official rules say
Round Lake (Bonner County) - Electric motors only … When fishing waters listed --electric motors only-- gas (internal combustion) motors may be attached to the boat; but use of the gas motor is prohibited. (IDFG answer, Feb 16 2016)
No lakes match. Try another state or clear the search.
Before you go
Rules change, and some lakes close for the season or have their own permits. We link each lake to the agency page that states its motor rule, and show the month we checked it (most recently October 2026). Confirm the current rules with the lake's manager before you head out. Your state's boat registration and safety-equipment rules still apply on electric-only lakes.
Know a lake we're missing, or a rule that's changed? Tell us.
