Slow/No Wake - 6:00 PM-11:00 AM
- One-Way Boat Traffic- Counter Clockwise at all times
- Maximum 4 legally parked vehicles at launch sites, all year
- Observe DNR boating 100 ft. distance rule
- NO Camping or overnight parking at accesses Ordinance 20.02
- NO parking on Pretty Lake Road
- Speed Limit on Pretty Lake Road is 25 MPH or less
- ALL vehicular traffic driving on exposed beach areas, including golf carts, ATVs, and riding lawn mowers is strictly prohibited, except when the vehicle must be operated by a person to launch a boat.
Printable link Ottawa Boating Regulations
SAFETY FIRST!
It seems to be an annual occurrence: Concerns are brought forth by many residents regarding reckless and at times, outright dangerous conduct on the water and unlawful parking and usage violations at the three Ottawa-owned lake accesses.
Wisconsin has different age requirements for operating different types of watercraft:
People under 12 years old cannot operate a PWC. People between 12 and 15 years old can operate a PWC if they have a valid boating safety certificate from the Wisconsin DNR. People 16 and older can operate a PWC if they have a valid boating safety certificate from the Wisconsin DNR, unless they were born before January 1, 1989. People under 16 cannot rent or lease a PWC.
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MotorboatsPeople under 10 years old cannot operate a motorboat. People 10 and 11 years old can operate a motorboat if they are accompanied by a parent or guardian, or someone at least 18 years old who is designated by the parent or guardian. People 12 to 15 years old can operate a motorboat alone if they have a boating safety course certificate, or they can be accompanied as above. People 16 and older who have a boating safety course certificate can operate a motorboat without restrictions.
Everyone who operates a watercraft must know boating safety tips and lake rules and take responsibility for themselves and others who share the water at the same time. Pretty Lake is only 65 acres and is mostly shallow. Recreational capacity is limited by its size and navigable depth. Keep a safe distance! This is common sense safety and most important. If you have guests using your watercraft or if they bring their own, it is YOUR responsibility to share the following rules:
The Public Trust Doctrine protects the rights of transportation and navigation on waterways. It offers protection of water quality and aquatic habitat, swimming, boating, fishing, and general enjoyment of water recreational activities.
REPORT VIOLATIONS!
If you witness a blatant boating violation, submit documentation by photo or video, and get the WS# boater registration number, then report violations to our current DNR warden.
Dan Hodge : Email Address: joseph.hodge@
Mobile Phone: (262) 875-7755
OR: Submit directly to DNR. DNR staff are available to receive reports from 7am to 10pm daily. To report violations call or text toll-free 1-800-TIP-WDNR (800-847-9367. All calls are held Confidential. Call or text day or night.
Waukesha County Sheriff non-emergency number : 262-446-5070
ABUSERS WILL BE TICKETED
In a critical emergency, dial 911
An Important Safety Message from PLAA & PLPRD
A DNR advisory sign you'll see at the Town of Ottawa Lake main access site on Pretty Lake to help prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species as part of our involvement with "Clean Boats Clean Waters"effort.
Wisconsin DNR FISHING Reports for Pretty Lake
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Updated 04-17-2025