Lake Williams Fishing Guide, McLean County, North Dakota

• Overview

  In North Dakota, Lake Williams belongs to McLean County. The surface lies 1,804 feet up. About 868 acres, so local knowledge or a boat saves a lot of walking. The shoreline runs about 5.9 miles, so it pays to pick a stretch and stay with it. Size puts it in the front rank of our McLean County list. Supplies mean a trip to Washburn, 19 miles off. The nearest city of size is Fargo, 195 miles away. It sits well inside its county, with no border complications.

• Where to Fish on Lake Williams

  Depth is not on record here, so the bank has to tell you. Weed, then depth: that is the order to fish a water of this kind. The shallow end warms first and pulls fish in ahead of the rest. Fish documented in McLean County include bluegill, rainbow smelt, smallmouth bass and northern pike. The county figures include rivers and lakes alike. On Lake Williams that means starting tight and working out.

• Seasonal Patterns

  July runs about 69°F on average, January about 9°F. The middle months are generous; the ends are demanding. Once it clears, about mid April, the fishing comes on quickly. Ice usually gives way near mid April, and forms again about late November. Reckon on open water from spring through to late autumn, with May and June the strongest. Plan around that when you fish Lake Williams.

• Tackle & Baits

  There is no clear statement anywhere on who can fish it. No dam controls it, and the level follows the season. No made access is recorded, so a short walk in is the likely arrangement. Bass water: a Texas-rigged worm near cover, a spinnerbait when you need to cover ground. Where the road in crosses private land, ask first. Some water is controlled locally without a sign saying so. Failing this one, try Peterson Lake, 1.4 miles away. Confirm access to Lake Williams locally before you travel.