Any private watercraft that will be moored or operating with a gasoline or electric motor on a lake in a state forest, state park, or state reservoir must have a motorized lake permit. Canoes, rowboats and paddleboats that will never be used with an electric or gas motor on those lakes can have a non-motorized lake permit. If a canoe or rowboat will be used with a motor at some time during the year on one of those listed lakes, a motorized lake permit should be purchased. Prices are listed at http://www.in.gov/dnr/parklake/5058.htm.
It is best to purchase the permit in advance of your visit if possible to ensure that you are in compliance with the requirement. This annual DNR lake permit is available for purchase at state park, reservoir and forests at property offices and entrance gates when staffed. It is also available at the Customer Service Center in the Indiana Government Center and online through the e-store at http://www.innsgifts.com/?WT.cg_n=Content&WT.cg_s=FAQs. At the beginning of the recreation season, attendants are at some launching ramps to sell these permits, but not every ramp or every day. State forest property offices may not be open on weekends and on some weekdays.