Changes for Boaters on the Fox River: What You Need to Know

The City of Oshkosh has officially banned activities like wakeboarding, tubing, aquaplaning, and water skiing on the Fox River. The reason? Erosion concerns along the shoreline. The new rule was passed unanimously by the Oshkosh Common Council, following a growing push from riverfront homeowners worried about the long-term impacts of heavy boat traffic.

So, what exactly is banned? Pretty much anything that involves towing someone behind a boat.

The new rules cover the stretch of river from 900 feet east of the CN railroad bridge to roughly 1,900 feet upstream from the Congress Avenue bridge.

Local marina owners and boating enthusiasts weighed in during early discussions, and while they successfully pushed back against a full slow-no-wake zone, they did agree that the high-impact tow sports were a bigger factor in shoreline wear than just regular cruising.

Lt. Tim Eichman from the Winnebago County Sheriff’s Office, who oversees river patrol, said enforcement will begin with an educational approach. Expect friendly reminders early in the season—unless you’re really gunning it, in which case a citation might come your way.

Tubing at low speeds might just earn you a warning at first, but zipping along like you’re in the X Games? Not so much. And just a heads-up—while the sheriff's office is out enforcing, only Oshkosh police can issue city ordinance citations. So most tickets will be mailed after the fact.

Ray Mauer, Oshkosh’s parks director, said signs will go up near boat launches, and they're working with local marinas and clubs to get the word out.

Bottom line: if your idea of a perfect summer day involves pulling friends behind your boat on the Fox, you’ll want to find a new spot—head on over to Sand Pit in Lake Butte Des Morts!