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Idaho Lakefront Williams Lake Salmon Id...

Lakefront  Lot  Salmon, Idaho

Highway 93 South

Tim Jeneson, Homeowner

This lot at Williams Lake is within walking distance of the boat...

Lot  Salmon, Idaho

TBD N Shoreline Dr

Acres: 0.350

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Showing 10 lake properties within 20 miles:

This exceptional property features a custom-built main house...

Riverfront  Home  Salmon, Idaho

24 Ponderosa Road

8 7.0   Sf: 11539   Yr: 2003  Acres: 13.570

Established Bed & Breakfast business in the heart of historic...

Waterfront  Townhome/Townhouse  Salmon, Idaho

13 Gott Lane

13 12.0   Sf: 10740   Yr: 1995  Acres: 12.040

Established Bed & Breakfast business in the heart of historic...

Waterfront  Commercial  Salmon, Idaho

13 Gott Lane

0 0.0   Sf: 0   Yr: 1995  Acres: 12.040

PRICE IMPROVEMENT! RIVERFRONT Property Features: a NEW...

Riverfront  Home  Salmon, Idaho

48 Fife Lane

5 7.0   Sf: 5505   Yr: 2019  Acres: 5.000

Great investment opportunity! Close to 100 acres, just across...

Acreage  Salmon, Idaho

2064 S Hwy 93

Acres: 97.860

Welcome home to this custom-built Salmon Riverfront log home...

Riverfront  Home  Salmon, Idaho

28 Fife Lane

4 4.0   Sf: 3447   Yr: 2021  Acres: 5.000

Discover a unique investment opportunity with this stunning 7000...

Riverfront  Lot  Salmon, Idaho

102 Main Street

Acres: 0.230

Perched on the banks of the prestigious Salmon River lies your...

Riverfront  Home  Salmon, Idaho

174 Blue Heron Drive

2 1.0   Sf: 1092   Yr: 1972  Acres: 0.312

Space and opportunity are what this 10.17 acre parcel in Carmen...

Waterfront  Acreage  Carmen, Idaho

Tbd N Hwy 93

Acres: 10.170

This property offers a buyer the seclusion of being out in the...

Riverfront  Acreage  Carmen, Idaho

370 N Hwy 93

Acres: 10.330

Williams Lake Information

Williams Lake, located in Idaho, is a picturesque destination known for its recreational opportunities, particularly fishing and boating. Here are some key details about the lake and activities available:

Overview
- Location: Williams Lake is situated in the Cariboo region of British Columbia, but it's important to clarify that if you are looking for a similarly named lake or area in Idaho, Williams Lake in Idaho also exists near the town of Cascade.
- Scenic Beauty: The area is known for its stunning natural landscapes, encompassing forested areas, mountain views, and clear waters, making it a great spot for outdoor enthusiasts.

Fishing
- Fish Species: Williams Lake is home to various fish species, including rainbow trout and brook trout. It is a popular location for anglers.
- Fishing Regulations: Be sure to check local fishing regulations for licensing requirements and seasonal restrictions. Idaho typically requires a fishing license, which can be purchased online or at local vendors.
- Best Times: Fishing can be productive throughout the warmer months, with the peak seasons typically being late spring and summer when fish are more active.

Boating
- Boating Opportunities: Williams Lake is suitable for various types of boating, including paddle sports (kayaking, canoeing) and motorized boats. Always check for any speed limits or restricted areas on the lake.
- Launch Facilities: There may be public launch sites available for boaters. It's advisable to check for any amenities like docks or parking.
- Safety Precautions: As with any boating activity, wearing life jackets, following navigation rules, and being cautious of weather conditions are important for a safe experience.

Additional Activities
- Hiking and Camping: The surrounding area often provides trails for hiking and options for camping, which are great ways to explore the natural beauty of Idaho.
- Wildlife Watching: Keep an eye out for local wildlife, as the region is rich in biodiversity.

Accessibility
- Getting There: Check local maps or GPS services for the best routes to Williams Lake. Be mindful of access roads, especially in winter, as conditions can vary.

Local Resources
- Visitor Centers: Local visitor centers can provide maps, guides, and information about fishing conditions and regulations.
- Local Guides and Outfitters: If you’re unfamiliar with the area, consider hiring a local guide for fishing or boating trips to enhance your experience.

Always remember to respect nature and follow best practices for conservation while enjoying your time at the lake. Enjoy your outdoor adventures at Williams Lake in Idaho!

If you're interested in specific real estate options, amenities, or activities around the lake, feel free to ask a Lake Real Estate Specialist!

Are Jet Skis permitted on Williams Lake? Yes
Can you Swim in Williams Lake? Yes
What is the Water Quality at Williams Lake? Excellent
Are Power Boats permitted at Williams Lake? Yes
What is the Lake Depth at Williams Lake? 185 ft.
What are the Nearby Cities to Williams Lake? Salmon

Williams Lake
Fishing Information

The lake has great rainbow trout fishing all year round. Williams Lake was formed approximately 6,000 years ago when a landslide, probably triggered by an earthquake, blocked Lake Creek, the primary source of inflow. From 1941 to 1983 the Idaho Department of Fish and Game stocked the lake with rainbow trout, but discontinued stocking when it was discovered that a self-sustaining population had become established. Today, the productive waters of Williams Lake yield rainbow trout of up to two pounds. This year-round fishery, with its easy access, is a great area for the novice and experience angler alike. The cool, productive waters of this lake are ideal for trout. Wild rainbow averaging 13 to 16 inches are common in the creel with some weighing up to two pounds. Keep an eye out for the occasional bull trout as well. In general, the best times to fish are in the spring, during and immediately following ice-out; the fall, as water temperatures drop; and the winter, when the lake is ice covered. Shore anglers can be most successful using small pieces of marshmallow with a worm or eggs. The marshmallow floats the bait above the bottom where fish can see it. The basic medium weight rod and reel with 6 - 8 lb. test line and no. 8 or 10 hooks are about all you need to get started. The best areas for shore anglers are near the two primary access sites and at the walk-in campground area on the southwest part of the lake. Trolling is also a popular and effective way to fish Williams Lake. Most anglers are successful using pop gear with a nightcrawler. Your boat speed should be adjusted to keep tackle in the upper 25 feet of water. You may also wish to try other types of gear including flatfish, flies and small gold or green-colored trout lures. Williams Lake is a great place to try fly fishing. Wading or tubing can provide even the beginner with success. Black or olive wooly buggars, leeches or scuds fished weighted (lightly) with floating lines, or unweighted with a slow sinking line, is effective. Sometimes savage strikes can be enticed with muddler minnows or white maribou streamers fished with an erratic retrieve. Occasionally, anglers find that fish caught during the summer months have a slightly "mossy" taste. This is due to the warmer water temperature and algae blooms which sometimes occur. This can be eliminated fairly easily by bleeding the fish immediately after landing. This is done by making a vertical cut from the underside of the fish, just ahead of the tail fin up to the spine. The fish should then be immediately iced. Ice fishing on Williams Lake can be really exciting. It provides the only ice fishery in the Salmon area and conditions are generally good from December through March. REMEMBER, when ice fishing, safety is the key. Check the ice carefully, dress in layers to keep warm, and be alert for rapidly-changing weather conditions. You will need an ice auger and strainer to keep ice cleared from the holes. A short ice fishing rod or the tip portion of an old rod with a simple reel, or specially designed tip-ups can be used. Bright-colored ice flies or jigs baited with maggots or fresh fish eggs are effective tackle. The best technique is to work the bait by jigging (moving it up and down in an irregular pattern) through the upper 25 feet of water. As mentioned earlier, you may catch the occasional bull trout at Williams Lake, and though there are no special regulations, we encourage anglers to practice catch and release since the population of bull trout is limited. The best procedures are as follows:

If you intend to release fish, using barb-less hooks will make hook removal much easier.

Do not over-play the fish, retrieve it quickly.

Do not handle the fish by the gills.

Do not remove the fish from the water.

If hooked in the lip area, carefully back the hook out. If hooked deeper in the throat or gill area, cut the line as close to the hook as possible. It will rust out or pass through the fish.

Release the fish by gently holding upright and moving forward and backward until it is ready to swim away.

Bull Trout are typically olive green to brown on back and sides, lightening to white on the belly. Look for yellow spots on upper body and red or orange spots on the sides. A whitish border on fins may be evident.

Williams Lake Rainbow Trout Forest Services 208-334-4199




Williams Lake
Local Area Businesses

Zane Grey wrote the novel Thunder Mountain while living on Williams Lake. Thunder Mountain derives its name from local Indians that named it after hearing thunder reverberate through the narrow valley forming Williams Lake.

There is unequaled hunting, hiking, biking, kayaking throughout the area.

There is a very good airport in nearby Salmon. The Lewis and Clark expedition crossed the continental Divide and entered Lemhi County on August 12, 1805.

The Lewis and Clarke National Historic Trail provides a tremendous opportunity to enjoy the rich history of the area.