The Lake Rakers
Where We Work (and How Travel Works)
Most of our work is on the Okoboji side of the Iowa Great Lakes, but we can travel to other lakes when it makes sense.
- Main service area: West Lake Okoboji, East Lake Okoboji, Upper & Lower Gar, and Minnewashta.
- By request: Big Spirit Lake and nearby lakes (may include a travel charge depending on distance and job size).
- Pricing is tied to lake behavior: heavier-growth bays and shallow, warm shorelines cost more than clean, deep stretches that only need a light reset.
Real-World Weed Growth by Area
- West Lake – Heaviest growth: Miller’s Bay, Smith’s Bay, North Triboji, Emerson Bay shallows.
- West Lake – Moderate: Okoboji Boat Works area, Pillsbury Point.
- West Lake – Lighter: Dixon Beach, Manhattan Beach, outer Gull Point.
- East Lake – Heaviest growth: Upper East Lake (north end), Pike’s Point, Parks Marina → Bridges Bay, Sand Bar area.
- East Lake – Moderate: Downtown Okoboji shoreline, around Parks Marina entrance.
- East Lake – Lighter: The Narrows (deep channel stays relatively clean).
- Upper Gar: Very heavy growth almost everywhere – shallow, warm, and weed-dense.
- Lower Gar & Minnewashta: Moderate to heavy, depending on depth and bottom type.
- Big Spirit – Heaviest: north shore and Orleans shallows.
- Big Spirit – Moderate: Marble Beach area.
- Big Spirit – Lighter: deeper west and southwest shorelines.
When you tell us your lake, bay, and approximate depth, we already have a good idea how fast weeds come back and how many visits you’ll realistically need.
Core Weed Removal Packages
These packages cover the most common shoreline needs – from one-time cleanups to full-season maintenance.
One-Time Shoreline Reset
Best for lighter-growth areas or “get it ready for guests” weeks.
- Hand-cut and rake weeds around docks, hoists, and main swim areas.
- Skim loose and floating weeds so you’re not staring at green mats.
- Stage weeds to drain and dry so they don’t rot in the water.
Final price depends on how long your shoreline is, how thick the weeds are, and how easy it is to access your property.
3-Visit Seasonal Plan
Most popular for normal to moderate-growth bays.
- Three scheduled visits during key parts of the season.
- Focused on your main swim zone, hoists, and dock lanes.
- Helps keep things under control without you constantly raking.
Heavier-growth bays may need a higher-visit plan; lighter bays might get by with fewer visits.
Holiday & Peak-Weekend Tune-Ups
Optional add-on before big weekends or family events.
- Quick cleanups before busy weekends or when guests are coming.
- Great for people already on a seasonal plan who want things extra sharp.
- Helps reset the shoreline between regular visits.
Pricing depends on timing, lake conditions, and whether you’re already on a plan.
Custom & Larger Properties
Built for long shorelines, multiple docks, or heavy-growth pockets.
- Multiple docks or hoists, or long stretches of shoreline.
- Heavy weed beds, shallow bays, or tricky access.
- We build a plan around your exact shoreline and how you use it.
We’ll walk your shoreline (or review good photos/video) and give you a custom quote.
Add-On & Specialty Services
Not every shoreline is the same. These add-ons cover special situations and heavier-growth zones.
Navigation Lanes (Where Allowed)
Focused clearing from your dock out toward deeper water.
- Approx. 15-foot-wide lane from your dock or hoist to cleaner water (where rules allow).
- Helps protect props and makes it easier to get in and out.
- Often paired with a shoreline reset or seasonal plan.
Extra Haul-Away & Disposal
For when you don’t want piles on your property.
- Standard visits include staging weeds to dry on your property.
- Full haul-away can be added if you don’t want to deal with piles at all.
- Price depends on volume, access, and disposal options.
Eco-Friendly Shoreline Cleanup & Mulch Option
Instead of leaving weeds to rot in the lake, we remove them and give you options: simple haul-away or staged drying so they can be reused as mulch or compost.
- We stage removed weeds where they can drain and dry instead of rotting in the water.
- Once fully dry, weeds can be mixed into compost or used as mulch around trees and plantings.
- This reduces landfill trips and turns “waste” into something useful.
Things to Keep in Mind
- Fresh piles can smell while they dry, so we avoid staging right next to patios or main seating areas.
- Drying and composting take time; weather and pile size affect how fast it breaks down.
- If you don’t want any piles at all, we can simply haul everything away.
How We Build Your Quote (Simple Version)
1. Lake, Bay & Growth Level
First, we look at where you are on the lake and how aggressive the weed growth is:
- Light-growth areas: deeper, wind-exposed stretches that stay fairly clean.
- Moderate-growth areas: bays that get weeds, but not full surface mats.
- Heavy-growth areas: shallow, warm bays and soft-bottom shorelines that fill in fast.
Light areas might only need a one-time reset. Heavy bays often need a seasonal plan or more frequent visits.
2. Shoreline Size, Depth & Access
Next, we factor in how much shoreline and water we’re actually working in:
- Approximate shoreline length (how far your docks and swim area run).
- Typical water depth where people stand, swim, or play.
- How easy it is to get equipment and crew to the water (steps, hills, tight paths, etc.).
Bigger, deeper, or harder-to-reach setups take more time, and that is reflected in your quote.
3. Visit Frequency
- One-time reset for listing photos or “just clean it up once.”
- Seasonal plan for areas that always grow back.
- Extra tune-ups for big weekends or events.
When you send clear photos or a short video of your shoreline and tell us your lake and bay, we can usually give a very accurate estimate before we ever step on your dock.
Get Your Fast, Free Quote
Text or email a quick photo or video of your shoreline for the fastest response.
Call or Text: 712.227.4879
Email: Jeff@BojiWorkz.com