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Most boaters think SLOW NO WAKE means a boat must be going slow enough to not put out any wake behind the boat.  This is not true.

Slow No Wake actually MEANS moving at the slowest speed possible while still maintaining steerage.

• If there is a wind or current, you might have to go a little faster to maintain steerage.
• This means boaters going downstream with a current need to go faster than boaters traveling upstream against the current.  Boaters going against a current have greater control of their boats and don't have to go as fast.
• The speed and maintaining steerage under water current and/or wind conditions depends on your boat's characteristics.  It has nothing to do with actually making a small stern or bow wake.  
  
  
• That being said, keep in mind that you are liable for damages you cause other boats by a wake you produce.  Problems result when boaters are not cognizant of conditions and/or their boat's capabilities, especially in the narrow Yahara River.  
• Sudden outflow from controlling the Tenney Lock for boat traffic can also produce problems locally downstream from the lock.
• When water levels are low, the river will be even more narrow and large rocks on the bottom can be a problem with respect to where boats can navigate through the channel.  

On Madison area lakes:

• There is a permanent SLOW NO WAKE zone within 200 feet of any shoreline or pier.  That's 2/3 of the length of a football field!  When lake water is high, temporary local ordinances are put into effect on each lake increasing that distance or even making an entire lake SLOW NO WAKE.  Watch for signs at the boat launches.
  
  
• There are permanent SLOW NO WAKE zones along the Yahara River where it flows between the Madison/Dane County lakes.  One is from Cherokee Marsh north and east of Lake Mendota to the curve in the navigable channel in North Bay of Lake Mendota.  Another is along the Yahara River segment between Lakes Mendota and Monona.  And there is a lengthy zone along the river between Lake Monona on into Mud Lake.  (see map below)  
• Beyond Lake Waubesa, the river is unnavigable except to paddlers.  To boat on Lake Kegonsa, you'll have to put in at that lake.  
• The same for Lake Wingra, an extremely shallow lake.