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​Boating on Lake Helen

Lake Helen Boating Rules


Lake Helen is under a Slow-No-Wake restriction beginning promptly at 4 pm and ending at 10 am. 
 
Boaters should observe the “Slow-no-wake” rule anywhere on the lake during these hours. (Please share this regulation with your boating guests.)
 
What to know:
  • DNR rules require that boats maintain a Slow-No-Wake status within 100' of the shoreline, swimmers and other boats on the lake.   
  • Special rules apply to personal watercraft, which are required to operate at Slow-No-Wake speed within 200' of the shoreline and within 100' of swimmers, docks, rafts, and other boats.
  • All watercraft are required to maintain a 100' distance when repeatedly circling another vessel or swimmer. 
  • “Slow, No Wake Speed” means a speed at which a vessel moves as slowly as possible while still maintaining steerage control.
  • A complete set of Boating Regulations are posted in the Park near the boat launch.  

Additional resources:
> Portage County Boating Regulations, including No Wake ordinances
 > DNR Boating in Wisconsin including Regulations
> Wisconsin BOAT SAFETY Tips

To Report a Violation to the DNR

Click on the DNR logo to learn how to report a violation
 

Clean Boats, Clean Waters Program

The Lake Helen Protection & Rehabilitation District has been a part of the Clean Boats - Clean Waters program since 2009. 
​
New in 2026: The Lake Helen R&P District will be partnering with the Portage County Parks Department to construct a new Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) Removal Station, complete with new signage and equipment to help local and guest boaters properly clean their boats and trailers prior to and after entering the water to minimize the risk of invasive species transfers. 

How the program works:

Volunteers have been trained to work at the boat launch to remind boat owners to:
  • INSPECT your boat, trailer and equipment.
  • REMOVE any attached aquatic plants, mud, or animals (before launching, after loading and before transporting on a public highway).
  • DRAIN all water from boats, motor, live wells, bilge, bait buckets and other containers before leaving the landing.
  • NEVER MOVE live fish away from a water body.
  • DISPOSE of unwanted bait in the trash.               
  • BUY minnows from a Wisconsin bait dealer. Use leftover minnows only under certain conditions.
    (For more information on these conditions go to dnr.wi.gov/topic/invasives/boat)
  • RINSE boat and equipment with hot or high pressure water OR DRY boat for at least five days

 

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Additional "Clean Boats - Clean Waters" resources can be found at the Wisconsin Lakes Partnership website.

This includes the Watercraft Inspection Report forms.