Lake Regulations

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Don’t rock the boat, or the lake for that matter. Find information on all kinds of Delavan Lake regulations. Stay informed. Be safe. Get out there and have some fun. Last one in is a rotten egg!

  • Buoy, Raft & Pier Regulations
  • Boat Launch Regulations
  • Boating Regulations
  • Fishing Regulations

Buoy, Raft & Pier Regulations

Buoy and Raft Permits

Did you know...You need a permit in order to have a buoy or raft in the lake? The permit is $30.00 for three years and can be obtained at the Town Hall or downloaded here.

 

Pier Addressing

For safety and emergency reasons it is important that everyone puts their address on their pier. Town Ordinance 19.8(a) states:

​The Town Board shall require the owners of all wharves and piers to install address numbers on those piers clearly visible for purposes of identification. Such numbers shall be a minimum of three (3”) inches in height in a color that contrasts with the color of the pier. Subdivision and Associations shall have the name of the Association or Subdivision installed upon its pier in lieu of address numbers. Such lettering shall be a minimum of three (3”) inches in height in a color that contrasts with the color of the pier. Subdivisions and Associations with multiple piers shall have the name of the Association of Subdivision installed upon its main pier or piers and shall assign and install individual numbers on the remaining piers. Such lettering and numbering shall be a minimum of three (3”) in height in a color that contrasts with the color of the piers.

As of the spring of 2014, if you do not have the proper permit for your buoy or raft you will be warned by the police department and will have 30 days to obtain one. If this is not done then a citation will be issued.

Check the current ordinance to see what the specifications and regulations are to properly install and be compliant with the ordinance.

Boat Launch Regulations

Boat Launch Fees

$100 Fine if boat launch fee is not paid at either Gate House or Drop Box. Daily pass or drop box receipt must be properly displayed in front window of vehicle. View daily and seasonal rates and print a copy of the seasonal application here.

​How is the launch fee is set and calculated?

  • All launch rates are set by the Department of Natural Resources (DNR)
  • Rates are calculated by the number of services at the launch
    • Attendant
    • Restrooms
  • State tax is included in fee

 

Regulations

  • All Boats must be prepped and ready to launch when entering launch area
  • Prep boats in areas marked or designated by park personnel
  • Boat lot for trailer parking only, no cars/trucks without trailers
  • “Dock Master” will direct boaters on what ramp to use for launching and exiting the lake
    • If “Dock Master” is not present please follow pier signage
  • Launching: move you boat to the end of the pier to allow another boat to launch
  • Exiting: move your boat to the first orange post to allow another boat to exit
  • When “exiting” you must be at pier for trailer pickup; no moving off pier in the lake
  • No bait bathroom or boat rider tie ups on piers are allowed, “touch and go” for above
  • No fishing or swimming allowed off or near ramp piers
  • Maximum 10 minutes allowed at piers if mechanical problems
    • After this time period, boat must be removed from launch area
  • Inlet and Outlet are “NO WAKE ZONES”
  • Be sure to remove all weeds and zebra mussels from equipment, trailer and boat before leaving park
    • See “Clean Boats/Clean Waters” stands on outbound roadway
  • Place all bait waste in designated barrels

Boating Regulations

  • Slow No Wake Zones
    • Entire waters of the Inlet and Outlets
    • West bay areas of the lake
    • 200 feet from shore around entire lake
  • Slow No Wake is speed at which boat moves as slowly as possible while still maintaining steering control
  • Slow No Wake is between sunset and sunrise
  • Ski in traffic lane only
    • Only two tow lines per boat
  • Only 1 person per tow line
  • No intoxicated persons on boat
  • Negligent water craft operations is prohibited
  • No Loitering
  • Boats shall comply with manufacturers rating for people and motors
  • No mooring or anchoring overnight without permit
  • No mooring or anchoring in swim area, public beaches or landings
  • No swimmers, snorkelers, or skin divers in traffic lane without a boat, life buoy, or able observer
  • Traffic lane is surface of lake 200 feet from shore

Fishing Regulations

Delavan Lake offers over 2,000 acres of spectacular fishing for:

  • Northern Pike
  • Walleye
  • Bass
  • Perch
  • Muskie
  • Blue Gill
  • Crappie
Delavan Lake Fishing Regulations

Community Park Offers Fishermen:

  • Two Piers to launch and recover four (4) boats at a time
  • Parking for over 150 Boat Trailers
  • Four (4) Porta-Potties at Boat Trailer Lot
  • New launch ramps (2014 Season)
  • Indoor bathroom facilities at Community Center
  • FREE DNR Life Vest Loaner Program
  • Dockmaster Service on Weekends, & Special Holidays
  • Daily Weather Reports posted at Gate House
  • Shore Fishing Pier
  • FREE Lake Maps
  • Lighted Ramp and Parking Lot
  • Overnight Park for Boat Trailers - $25.00 Fee
  • $25.00 Non Resident Season Pass for Parking, Shore Fishing Etc.
  • Three (3) Clean Boats/Clean Waters Cleaning Stands in boat lot area
  • Bait Waste Barrels at Boat Lot Area
  • Boat Prep and Sailboat Rigging Area
  • FREE Coast Guard Auxiliary "Vessel Safety " Checks
  • Electrical Panel at Boat Lot for Blowups, Charging Etc.
  • Special Kayak/Canoe Launch
  • Emergency Jumper Cable Usage
  • Season Launch Passes