Salem Lake Boat Launching

Motorized Boats with up to a 60-horsepower motor may be launched and run on Salem Lake. Boats with engines larger than 60 horsepower may be launched, but they must use a trolling motor. Motorized boats may only be run to get from fishing spot to fishing spot and to and from the dock. No pleasure cruising is allowed.

• Non-Motorized Lunches are welcome. You may paddle canoes, kayaks, and stand-up paddleboards, as well as row your shell or sail a boat.
• Inflatable Kayaks, Canoes, SUP’s are allowed pending an inspection of the Salem Lake staff.
• No inflatable rafts/tubes or designs that cause persons to have body parts in the water are allowed.
• All boats must be off the water 30 minutes prior to closing.

Salem Lake Boat Rentals

Jon-Boats
$6 per day (for fishing only; fishing permit extra)

Jon-boats are 16-foot aluminum boats that come with canoe, paddle and life jackets. You may put your own electric trolling motor on the boat or any gasoline motor up to 10 horsepower. No motors are available to rent. Jon-boats hold a maximum of 4 people.

Kayaks
$4 per hour

Kayaks are available to rent from May 1 to October 15 when the water temperature remains above 65 degrees. Seven tandem kayaks and six single-person kayaks are available for rent. Life vests and paddles are provided. You may fish off our kayaks with a daily permit.

Boat Rental Rules & Policies

• You must be 16 years of age or older to rent any city boat, and a 16+-year-old must be on the rented boat at all times
• Life vests must be worn at all times in city rental boats
• All boat/kayak rentals stop at 5:00 p.m.
• All citizens fishing and boat launching need to check-in at the bait shop prior to beginning your activity
• Fees are $6 for motorized vessels & $4 for paddling
• Pleasure cruising is not allowed in motorized boats
• Boaters must be off the water by 6:45 p.m.
• The gate locks at 7:30 p.m. daily