CHARLESTON, W.Va. — New boating rules are now in effect on West Virginia’s small impoundments.
The changes follow approval of DNR rules by the West Virginia Legislature during the 2026 regular session and take effect on May 6, 2026.
Under the new regulations motorboats over 10 horsepower may operate at no-wake speed on Elk Fork, North Bend, O’Brein, Stonecoal, and Woodrum Lakes. The same regulation has already been in place on the Upper Mud River Reservoir in Lincoln County for a few years. No special permit is required.
Any vessel with an electric motor must operate at no wake speed on an electric motor only impoundment.