Best Practices
|
|
|
|
Boaters and anglers are a major source of aquatic invasive species introduction in Michigan. Do your part to prevent their spread by cleaning, draining, drying and disposing every time you leave the water.
Stop Aquatic Invasive Species
CLEAN boats, trailers and equipment and remove all mud, debris and aquatic plant material from trailers and watercraft before launching or retrieving a watercraft. Use a hose or power washer when available.
DRAIN live wells, bilges, ballast tanks, and all water from boats before leaving the access site. Consider disinfecting live wells and bilges with a bleach solution (1/2 cup bleach to 5 gallons of water) when possible. Fish diseases and microscopic life stages of aquatic invasive species can be hiding in seemingly clean water, so draining is an important step. DRY all boats and equipment thoroughly before leaving an access area and prior to relaunching in a new waterbody. DISPOSE of bait in the trash. Do not release bait into the water. Release of bait and minnows can lead to the unintended introduction of diseases and aquatic invasive species. DO NOT TRANSFER FISH to water bodies other than where they were caught. This helps prevent the spread of both aquatic invasive species and fish diseases. IT’S THE LAW DO NOT launch or transport watercraft or trailers unless they are free of aquatic organisms, including plants. DO NOT transport a watercraft without removing all drain plugs and draining all water from bilges, ballast tanks, and live wells. DO NOT release bait into the water. Violation of the law is a state civil infraction. Violators may be subject to fines. Learn more on aquatic invasive species in Marble-Coldwater Chain of Lakes here. Wake boats are not the only type of boat that can cause damage. All motorized vessels create wakes and propeller wash that can cause shoreline erosion, impact the lakebed, damage property, and disturb other boaters. Boaters are responsible for the damage and injuries their wake may cause and should follow these Michigan State regulations.
In Michigan, "slow, no wake speed" is defined as the slowest speed at which a vessel can still maintain steering. You must operate at a slow, no-wake speed within 100 feet of the following:
Wake Boat activity has increased substantially in recent years. While the challenges and excitement of the sport are undeniable, they do produce large wakes which can have harmful side effects to our lakes.
Large wakes erode the shoreline and stir up bottom sediment which introduces phosphorus back into the water column. Phosphorus can cause algae blooms. Sediment hinders water clarity, can clog fish gills and suffocate fish eggs. View the video revealing adversarial impact from wake boats on lakes below. To adhere to the State of Michigan Department of Natural Resources recommendations please stay at least 500’ from shore, and in water more than 15 feet deep. Your help in both upholding these guidelines and spreading the word will go a long way towards maintaining the health of our lake. |
Protecting our lakes doesn’t happen on its own.
Every contribution helps protect and improve our lakes. Archives
September 2026
Best Practice Categories
All
|
|
Visit Our Facebook Page
Copyright © 2025
|
|