Williams

Cook County

Near Lutsen

DOW: 16036100

Northern PikeGood · 67Yellow PerchAverage · 33

A 36-acre lake near Lutsen in Cook County — best known for pike and panfish. Last surveyed 1986.

Fish Species (3)

Northern Pike

Good · 67

Above-normal numbers · average-size fish

Gill-net survey · surveyed Jul 1986

Last surveyed 1986 — treat with caution

Avg Weight

1.58 lbs

Catch rate: 22.0 per gill net · typical 3.9–9.4 for a lake like this

Survey History

Date	Catch Rate	Avg Length	Avg Weight	Gear
Jul 2, 1986	22.00	-	1.58 lbs	Standard gill nets
Jul 5, 1972	10.67	-	1.92 lbs	Standard gill nets
Jul 5, 1972	3.25	-	2.07 lbs	Standard trap nets

Yellow Perch

Average · 33

Below-normal numbers · average-size fish

Gill-net survey · surveyed Jul 1972

Last surveyed 1972 — treat with caution

Avg Weight

0.15 lbs

Catch rate: 0.67 per gill net · typical 2–23 for a lake like this

Survey History

Date	Catch Rate	Avg Length	Avg Weight	Gear
Jul 5, 1972	0.67	-	0.15 lbs	Standard gill nets

Other species in this lake (1)

Rough fish, bullheads, and baitfish recorded in DNR surveys — present in the lake, but not typical angling targets.

White Sucker

Average · 42

Below-normal numbers · large fish

Gill-net survey · surveyed Jul 1972

Last surveyed 1972 — treat with caution

Avg Weight

3.65 lbs

Catch rate: 0.67 per gill net · typical 2.6–17.5 for a lake like this

Survey History

Date	Catch Rate	Avg Length	Avg Weight	Gear
Jul 5, 1972	1.25	-	3.22 lbs	Standard trap nets
Jul 5, 1972	0.67	-	3.65 lbs	Standard gill nets

See the best northern pike lakes in Minnesota

Fishing Regulations

Statewide limits

Standard statewide Minnesota limits for the species in this lake.

Northern Pike

Season: May 9, 2026 – Feb 28, 2027

Northeast zone

Angling: 2 (not more than 1 over 40" in possession. All from 30-40" must be immediatley released).

Perch

20 daily and 40 in possession

More statewide rules (spearing, rough fish)

Northern Pike

Season: Nov 15, 2026 – Feb 28, 2027

Northeast zone

Darkhouse spearing: 2 (Not more than 1 over 26").

Bowfin, buffalo, carp, carpsuckers, freshwater drum, goldeneye, redhorse, and suckers

no limit

Biologist Notes

July 2, 1986THIS LAKE IS FULL OF SMALL NORTHERN PIKE. THERE APPEARS TO BE LITTLE OR NO FORAGE AVAILABLE.

THIS LAKE IS FULL OF SMALL NORTHERN PIKE. THERE APPEARS TO BE LITTLE OR NO FORAGE AVAILABLE.

July 5, 1972Williams Lake has a good population of N Pike, mostly small sizes, with a few Suckers and Perch for forage.

Williams Lake has a good population of N Pike, mostly small sizes, with a few Suckers and Perch for forage.

Frequently Asked Questions

What fish can you catch in Williams?

Based on Minnesota DNR survey data, anglers target Northern Pike and Yellow Perch in Williams. See the full species list above for catch rates, size structure, and quality scores.

Is there public access at Williams?

We don't have a confirmed public access point on record for Williams. Check the DNR LakeFinder page for current access details before you go.

How deep is Williams?

Williams has a maximum depth of 19 feet, per Minnesota DNR data.

When were the main sport fish in Williams last surveyed?

The most recent Minnesota DNR survey data for the main sport fish in Williams is from 1986. Surveys this old should be treated with some caution — fish populations change over time.

Does Williams have any invasive species?

No invasive species are on record for Williams in Minnesota DNR data. Always clean, drain, and dry your equipment to help keep it that way.

Are there special fishing regulations on Williams?

No — Williams has no lake-specific regulations in the 2026 Minnesota DNR regulations, so statewide Minnesota limits apply. The statewide perch limit is: 20 daily and 40 in possession. Verify current rules with the Minnesota DNR before keeping fish.