Lake Guest Info

Safe Boating and Fishing Rules

We hope you enjoy your day boating here on Pleasant Lake!  For your safety and enjoyment as well as that of others, please follow these important boating and fishing rules.

NO WAKE ZONES – When you are within 150 feet of any shore, other boats, skiers, swimmers, floats, or marked swimming areas, State law mandates that you must slow down to NO WAKE speed.  NO WAKE means no faster than 6 mph.

TOWING SKIERS – All skiers must wear like jackets.  A maximum of two people may be towed at any time.  An observer 13 years or older is required for each skier.  No skiing is allowed before sunrise and after sunset.  Always keep your boat and skier 150 feet or more away from EVERYTHING including the shore, the island, other boats, skiers, swimmers, floats, and marked swimming areas.  Do not drop a skier within 150 feet of the shore.

ON-BOARD SAFETY – It is illegal and dangerous to sit on the edge of the cockpit, bow or transom.  There must be at least one appropriately-sized life jacket for every person aboard.  By law, children age 5 and under must wear a life jacket at all times.

BOATING CERTIFICATION – New Hampshire Law requires that all persons who operate a powerboat with a motor greater than 25 horsepower must have a New Hampshire Safe Boater Education Certificate and that Certificate must be carried on board.  Out-of-state boaters must have completed a National Association of Safe Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) approved course and carry that certificate on board.  Call 1-888-254-2125 or go to boat-ed.com/nh/ for more information.

WILDLIFE / LOONS – Pleasant Lake is home to many water birds, including nesting loons.  The loon is a protected species and harassment is a punishable offense.  Loon chicks are very small and cannot dive or fly to escape an oncoming boat, kayak, or canoe.  Please keep well away from all water birds, especially loons and their chicks.

FISHING –  Children under the age of 16 may fish without a license.  The use of lead sinkers and jigs is strictly prohibited.  Ingestion will kill a loon!  Only smelt can be used as live bait in Pleasant Lake.  Be sure to follow all the Fishing Rules published in the New Hampshire Freshwater Fishing Digest.  Ask the Lake Host (at the Elkins boat ramp) how to become involved in the Pleasant Lake Rock Bass Marathon.

Copies of A Boater’s Guide to NH Boating Laws and the New Hampshire Freshwater Fish Digest at Tight Lines Bait and Tackle Shop in Elkins or Clarke’s Ace Hardware in New London

The above information is available in a print version here.