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Lake Williams, Connecticut, USA

Also known as:  Williams Pond

One of the lesser known water destinations in Connecticut’s Mystic Country is beautiful Lake Williams. Although the lake is mostly private, a hand-carry boat launch near the dam provides public access. The launch is owned by the Town of Lebanon, and visitors can fish along the shore. Residents and their guests have plenty of water access for swimming, fishing, boating, sailing and wildlife watching, Lake Williams is…
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    • All About Lake Williams, CT

    Lake Locations: USA - US New England Region - Connecticut - Mystic Country Region, CT -

    One of the lesser known water destinations in Connecticut’s Mystic Country is beautiful Lake Williams. Although the lake is mostly private, a hand-carry boat launch near the dam provides public access. The launch is owned by the Town of Lebanon, and visitors can fish along the shore. Residents and their guests have plenty of water access for swimming, fishing, boating, sailing and wildlife watching,

    Lake Williams is not a natural lake. It first became a temporary pond about 1816, when a succession of settlers built temporary dams across Bartlett Brook to provide water power for mills. Water was usually held only during the fall and winter months, while the adjoining fields were dried out and used to plant hay in spring and summer. It wasn’t a full-time lake until 1865 when a permanent dam created the year-round pond. Officially called Williams Pond, the lake was named after local settler Elias Williams who operated a sawmill at the dam. Although the sawmill is long gone and the water power no longer as vital to downstream business, Lake Williams has become a tightly-knit community of seasonal and year-round residents who thoroughly enjoy waterfront living. Swimming, water skiing, tubing, jet-skiing, sailing, paddling and fishing are some of their favorite summer activities.

    The homes are clustered on a small portion of the Lake Williams shoreline, primarily on the east side. Much of the western bank is semi-marshland and undeveloped. A few of the older lots were grandfathered into the zoning plan as year-round residential, while the rest are zoned as seasonal. Seven islands dot the lake’s surface, with cottages on several of them. The Lake Williams Beach Association has existed as a property owners association for many years. The group works to engender community spirit and provide community access to the water with three separate beach sites and a large pavilion which can be reserved by members for large gatherings. The beaches, all located toward the northeastern end of the lake, are available to cottage owners and their guests. One of these holds the only actual boat ramp on Lake Williams. A second group, named Friends of Lake Williams, was formed in the late 1990s in response to the threat of invasive plant species found in the lake. This group worked to eradicate the imminent threat and continues to warn against invasive species, monitor water quality, arrange for local lake clean-up events, and produce a well-attended boat parade.

    Because the lake is uncrowded and has much undeveloped shoreline, the area is a haven for wildlife. Beaver, otter, heron and cormorants join the more common ducks, geese, and other pond familiars such as turtles, frogs, salamanders and the like along the shoreline. The quiet backwaters are particularly attractive to such wildlife, and canoeing or kayaking these bays is a popular activity. Fishing is always a favorite way to enjoy the lake. Lake Williams holds largemouth bass, chain pickerel, yellow perch, bluegill, sunfish and bullheads. The bass grow to good size and are one of the main fishing draws. The perch are especially favored as a target of ice anglers. All fishermen must hold the appropriate fishing license and adhere to state fishing regulations.

    A commercial campground occupies a portion of the southwest shore. This popular business has spaces for tents and RVs and even advertises a ‘doggy beach’ for campers’ four-footed family members. The campground rents canoes, kayaks and rowboats and allows private boat launching from their boat ramp during regular business hours. Boats over 20 feet, jet skis and wave runners are not permitted to launch here. A few property owners rent their cottages or homes on a short-term basis. Real estate for sale becomes available occasionally. Since Lake Williams is only about 20 miles from the City of Hartford, such properties tend to sell quickly.

    Most of Lake Williams is located in either the Town of Lebanon or the Town of Hebron. Both are old, historic towns, with Lebanon recognized as one of the oldest in the former colony of Connecticut. Chartered in 1700, Lebanon was always a patriotic stronghold, with a full 50% of its adult male residents participating in the Revolutionary War. The home of colonial Governor Trumbull is open for regular tours, and opportunities for a history lesson avail visitors in several locations. Lebanon is also a great place for outdoor activities such as bike riding and walking; many dirt roads wind through farmlands and forest plots. Well-attended attractions include the Farmers Market, Memorial Day Parade, Summer Dancefest, Lebanon Country Fair, and Antique Show on The Green. Air Line State Park Trail passes just north of Lake Williams. This 22-mile long trail is based on the famed Air Line Railroad route that once provided fast service between cities along the east coast. The trail is free to walk and is open to non-motorized traffic, including biking and horseback riding. Some portions are wheelchair accessible.

    Located only a few miles from the Rhode Island state line, Lake Williams is within a few miles of Mystic Seaport and Waterford Speedway. The entire area is filled with historic markers and the locations of famous battles and events of the Revolution. Lake Williams offers the perfect home base for visiting the countryside and exploring this part of New England. Activities are not limited to the summer months; downhill skiing, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing are favored pastimes in winter. Autumn is particularly beautiful, as the glorious golds, reds and yellows of the forested hills rise majestically between giant granite boulders and rock outcroppings. Here and there, an ancient stone wall snakes mysteriously through the forest, leading one to wonder at the long-gone settler who built it. Small inns and quaint cafes join artisan shops on country crossroads, and the rural atmosphere allows one to forget that busy 21st century life exists just over the next hill.

    A visit to Lake Williams is great any time of year. Come join the locals in enjoying this hidden piece of paradise for an afternoon or a weekend. You’ll be surprised you’ve never heard of Williams Pond before.

    Things to Do at Lake Williams

    These are some activities in the Lake Williams, CT area visitors can enjoy:

    • Vacation Rentals
    • Fishing
    • Boating
    • Sailing
    • Swimming
    • Beach
    • Canoeing
    • Kayaking
    • Jet Skiing
    • Water Skiing
    • Tubing
    • Camping
    • Campground
    • Hiking
    • Biking
    • Downhill Skiing
    • Cross-Country Skiing
    • Snowshoeing
    • Horseback Riding
    • Wildlife Viewing
    • State Park
    • Antiquing

    What Kind of Fish Are in Lake Williams?

    Lake Williams has been known to have the following fish species:

    • Bass
    • Black Bass
    • Bluegill
    • Chain Pickerel
    • Largemouth Bass
    • Perch
    • Pickerel
    • Pike
    • Sunfish
    • Yellow Perch
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    Find Places to Stay at Lake Williams

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    More Sites to Book a Lake Williams Vacation

    Our interactive Lake Williams lodging map above is an easy tool for comparing VRBO rental homes and nearby hotels with Booking.com, but there could be times when you need to expand your search for different types of accommodations. Here are some other lake lodging partners we recommend:

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    Lake Williams Statistics & Helpful Links

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    Lake Type: Artificial Reservoir, Dammed

    Water Level Control: Gilman Brothers Company

    Surface Area: 272 acres

    Shoreline Length: 6 miles

    Normal Elevation (Full Pond): 443 feet

    Average Depth: 5 feet

    Maximum Depth: 12 feet

    Completion Year: 1865

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