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TrollingMotorBatteries.com

Lake finder

Electric-only lakes in Illinois

We've found 4 lakes in Illinois where gas engines can't be run and electric motors are allowed.

How electric-only rules work How much battery you need Suggest a lake

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.

Beaver Dam Lake (Beaver Dam State Park)

Near Carlinville, Macoupin County
Electric motors onlyGas boats: check first

Electric trolling motors only; no gasoline engines.

Size
59 acres
Launch
Boat ramp with loading dock
Fees & permits
Free boat launch and docks
Other rules
Maximum depth about 10 ft.
Fish
Largemouth bass, bluegill, sunfish, channel catfish
Managed by
Illinois Department of Natural Resources
What the official rules say
No gasoline engines are allowed, only electric trolling motors.

Ramsey Lake (Ramsey Lake State Recreation Area)

Near Ramsey, Fayette County
Electric motors onlyGas boats: check first

Electric trolling motors only; gas motors not allowed.

Size
40 acres
Launch
Launching ramp and boat dock
Other rules
Additional fishing ponds on site.
Fish
Largemouth bass, bluegill, redear sunfish, channel catfish, black crappie
Managed by
Illinois Department of Natural Resources
What the official rules say
Gas motors are not allowed, but electric trolling motors are permitted.

Siloam Springs State Park Lake

Near Clayton, Adams / Brown County
Electric motors onlyGas boats: check first

Electric motors only; no outboards.

Size
58 acres
Launch
Main launching ramp on southeast side; cartop launch on northeast side
Fees & permits
Illinois fishing license; Inland Trout stamp to possess trout
Other rules
No swimming. Inland Trout Stamp needed to keep trout.
Fish
Largemouth bass, bluegill, redear, crappie, channel catfish, walleye, rainbow trout, carp
Managed by
Illinois Department of Natural Resources
What the official rules say
Only electric motors are allowed (no outboards).

Weldon Springs Lake (Weldon Springs State Park)

Near Clinton, DeWitt County
Electric motors onlyGas boats: check first

Electric motors only.

Size
29 acres
Launch
Boat launching ramp
Other rules
Spring-fed lake. Boat rentals at the concession.
Fish
Largemouth bass, catfish, bullhead, crappie, bluegill, sunfish
Managed by
Illinois Department of Natural Resources
What the official rules say
Only electric boat motors may be used.

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.

Other states

Alabama 2Arizona 5Arkansas 3California 4Connecticut 3Delaware 1Georgia 5Idaho 3Indiana 3Iowa 3Kansas 2Kentucky 3Maine 1Maryland 5Massachusetts 3Michigan 9Minnesota 5Mississippi 1Missouri 3Nebraska 2New Hampshire 1New Jersey 2New Mexico 9New York 4North Carolina 4Ohio 5Oklahoma 6Oregon 6Pennsylvania 4Rhode Island 3South Carolina 7Tennessee 4Texas 3Virginia 2Washington 4Wisconsin 7