To submit this form online, fill out the information, attach proof of liability insurance within the form, and press the “Submit” button below.

You may also print a Lake Bloomington Boat Permit Application to submit via the self-registration drop box, in person, or via mail. The printed application will not be acceptable via e-mail. Click here to download the PDF.

Payment instructions and a copy of the form will be sent via e-mail to the e-mail address provided on this form. Retain a copy for your records and print it out. The printed out, completed document will represent your Boat Permit until a permit sticker is received in the mail. This copy is only valid for 30 days after the date submitted. If you have not received your boat sticker, please call the Water Department at 309-434-2225. Citations will be issued for boats on the water for 30 days with no current year sticker. Permits are valid from January 1 to December 31 each year. Permit fees are not prorated.

Payment instructions will be sent via e-mail to the e-mail address provided on this form.

BOATING RULES AND REGULATIONS

Recreational boating is permitted at Lake Bloomington. The boat ramp is located in Hubbard Park and can be reached by taking County Road 1750 East to Park View Lane. Turn East on Park View which will take you directly to the boat ramp and parking. Boaters must comply with the following provisions:

1. All boats must have a current State Boating License and City of Bloomington Boat Permit. To obtain a City of Bloomington Boat Permit, all applicants are required to show proof of watercraft liability insurance, in the amount of at least $100,000.00, and evidence of current State Registration. Additional information and instructions on how to complete the form and submit payment and proof of liability insurance are provided on the Lake Bloomington Boat Permit Application.
2. Boats operating on the Lake must carry all State required equipment. (Personal flotation devices, fire extinguisher, whistle or horn, etc.) And obey all State of Illinois regulations.
3. Maximum 40 horsepower limit.
4. Maximum speed limit of 25 mph.
5. All boats must obey all posted “NO WAKE” areas. The entire Lake is “NO WAKE” from ½ hour after sunset until 7:00 am.
6. Racing is prohibited.
7. During Skiing hours (noon - 7:00pm) all boats operating in the area open to skiing shall operate in a counterclockwise pattern and shall make all turns counterclockwise (see Skiing Rules and Regulations below).
8. All motorized boats must yield to any sail-powered or muscle-powered craft.
9. All passengers must be properly seated when underway.
10. All passengers under age 13 must wear an approved personal flotation device while the boat is underway.
11. Operating a boat while UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF ALCOHOL OR DRUGS IS PROHIBITED.
12. Careless or reckless operation of any type will not be tolerated.
13. No jet skis, jet-propelled, or air driven craft of any type are allowed.
14. Swimming from boats is prohibited.

SKIING RULES AND REGULATIONS

Recreational skiing is permitted at Lake Bloomington. This includes tubing or related activities. Skiers must comply with the following provisions:

1. Skiing is allowed from noon to 7:00pm only.
2. Skiers must wear approved jacket type personal flotation device.
3. At least 2 people qualified to operate the boat must be aboard while pulling a skier. One to act as an observer.
4. Skiing within 100 ft of any dock, shore, raft, buoy, or other watercraft is prohibited.
5. Boats may pull only 1 person at a time.
6. Skiers must start from the water and not from the shore or docks.
7. Only the person actually skiing or preparing to ski shall be in the water at any time.

FISHING RULES AND REGULATIONS

Walleye, Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Hybrid Striped Bass, Northern Pike, Crappie, Bluegill, and Catfish can be caught at Lake Bloomington. Fishing is open to the public year-round. Ice fishing can be dangerous.  Please use caution. The City of Bloomington is not responsible for any accidents or injury that may occur. When fishing Lake Bloomington anglers must comply with the following rules and regulations:

1. Anyone 16 years of age or older must have a valid Illinois Fishing License.
2. Two-pole and line fishing only. No Jugs or Trot lines.
3. Fishing from a boat around private docks is prohibited when swimmers are present and between sunset and sunrise.
4. No littering!

For current fishing regulations, please visit the Illinois Department of Natural Resources website at www.ifishillinois.org. Size and creel limits are also posted at the Lake Bloomington Parks Office.

Friends of EverBloom provides a free fishing pole rental program available to all ages. For more information, stop at the office or call 309-434-2161.

PARK RULES AND REGULATIONS

The City of Bloomington maintains several park areas in various locations around Lake Bloomington for general day use. Picnic tables, shelters, grills, and playground equipment are all available on a first come, first served basis. Park areas are open from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily. When using any of the Public Use Areas at Lake Bloomington, the following rules apply:

1. No swimming or wading.
2. Fires are permitted in grills only. No open fires.
3. Alcoholic beverages are prohibited.
4. No overnight camping.
5. No vehicles allowed off roadway.
6. No littering!