Boating Rules & Reminders
Wake Boat Lake Health Impact Concerns
In September 2022, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources shared a report that included information about the environmental impact of Wake Boats on Michigan inland lakes. This report talks about how Wake Boats erode the shoreline and stir up sentiment which often has a high phosphorus content.
In this report the Michigan Department of Natural Resources shared the following recommendations:
When wakesurfing or wakeboarding, during which boat speed, wave shapers and/or ballast are used to increase wave height, operate at least 500 feet from docks or the shoreline, regardless of water depth.
When wakesurfing or wakeboarding, never operate in water less than 15 feet deep.
Completely drain ballast tanks before transporting your watercraft over land.
More information is available here.
At its deepest point, Upper Silver Lake is 25 feet deep, with many narrow areas and areas that are 15 feet or less.
While a private lake, Upper Silver Lake, is monitored by a Marine Patrol Officer and follows all Michigan Boater Safety and Michigan Department of Natural Resource laws. Tickets may be issued for violations of these laws and regulations.
NOTE: Persons born on or after July 1, 1996 shall not operate a motorboat unless they have been issued a boating safety certificate. A person who was born after December 31, 1978 shall not operate a Personal Watercraft on Michigan waterways unless they have obtained a boating safety certificate.
Please visit www.boat-ed.com/michigan for information on how to obtain a boating safety certificate.
Important Reminders
Help us keep Michigan lakes free from invasive species. Before you launch and when pulling your boat make sure your trailer and boat are free of algae, living or dried plant matter, and invasive species.
High-speed boating and water sports are allowed between 11:00 am and 7:30 pm eastern standard time.
All boats and personal watercraft with motors must follow a counter-clockwise direction.
All boats and personal watercraft must observe posted no-wake zones and speed limits (5 mph) in bays and channels.
All boats and personal watercraft pulling skiers, tubers, etc., must have a spotter in addition to the driver. The boat or personal watercraft must have available capacity for the individual(s) being towed to board and ride the watercraft safely.
All individuals using a personal watercraft or being towed must wear a life jacket.
All boats should have enough life jackets on board for the boat’s capacity, including kayaks and paddle boards.
Boats overtaking slower boats must pass on the left. It is discouraged to pass another watercraft in the narrow sections of Upper Silver Lake as there is not enough space to do so safely.
Boats and personal watercraft must maintain a safe distance from the shore and dams, docks, diving platforms, other watercraft, and towed riders.
Motor boats must yield the right of way to sailboats and non-motorized boats. Non-motorized boats are encouraged to stay close to shore outside of lake quiet hours for safety.
Please abide by all posted lake and common area rules.
Guests utilizing the lake or association common areas should be able to identify the property they are staying at by address or plot number if asked by an association representative.
Fishing on Upper Silver and Upper Upper Silver Lakes
MIDNR fishing regulations and licenses also apply for Upper Silver and Upper Upper Silver lakes details are available here.