Williamstown Lake is a deep, popular recreation lake in northern Kentucky’s Grant County – a 330-acre reservoir near the city of Williamstown that draws boaters, anglers and lakeside homeowners from the Cincinnati area. With 70-foot depths, good bass and crappie fishing, and a setting right off I-75 next to the famous Ark Encounter, it’s one of the busiest small lakes in the region. This guide is part of our growing Kentucky Lakes Database.
- Williamstown Lake at a glance
- How deep is Williamstown Lake?
- Fishing Williamstown Lake
- Boating, swimming and recreation
- Water level
- Getting there and what’s nearby
- Know before you go
- Frequently asked questions
- How deep is Williamstown Lake?
- What fish are in Williamstown Lake?
- Can you swim at Williamstown Lake?
- Where is Williamstown Lake?
Williamstown Lake at a glance
- Surface area: ~330 acres, with about 28 miles of shoreline
- Depth: average ~21 ft, maximum ~70 ft
- Elevation: in the Outer Bluegrass of northern Kentucky
- Location: Grant County, at Williamstown (off I-75)
- Built: 1955, impounding the South Fork of Grassy Creek as Williamstown’s water supply
- Top fish: largemouth bass, white & black crappie, bluegill, channel catfish
How deep is Williamstown Lake?
Williamstown Lake averages about 21 feet deep and reaches roughly 70 feet at its deepest, with a winding 28-mile shoreline across 330 acres. That depth and the many coves make it both a productive fishery and a popular boating lake, and it has supported extensive shoreline home development.
Fishing Williamstown Lake
The lake offers solid fishing for largemouth bass, white and black crappie, bluegill, sunfish and channel catfish. A Kentucky fishing license is required. Anglers fish the timber, points and the many creek arms; the deep water also offers cooler refuges in summer. Note: invasive zebra mussels were confirmed in the lake in 2022, so clean, drain and dry your boat to avoid spreading them.
Boating, swimming and recreation
Williamstown is a popular boating and recreation lake, with ramps, a marina area and supports for fishing, pontooning, paddling and water sports, plus designated swimming areas. Its closeness to Williamstown and I-75 makes it busy on summer weekends, and the lakeside community keeps it lively. Flatwater paddling on the quiet arms is a favorite.
Water level
As a municipal water-supply reservoir, Williamstown Lake stays fairly stable, though levels can drop in drought. Check conditions before launching.
Getting there and what’s nearby
Williamstown Lake is at Williamstown in Grant County, northern Kentucky, just off I-75 about 45 minutes south of Cincinnati. The Ark Encounter attraction is in Williamstown, making the lake an easy add-on to a visit.
Know before you go
- Fishing license: a Kentucky license is required.
- Zebra mussels: confirmed in 2022 – clean, drain and dry your boat.
- Easy access: right off I-75 near the Ark Encounter.
Frequently asked questions
How deep is Williamstown Lake?
It averages about 21 feet and reaches roughly 70 feet at its deepest, across about 330 acres.
What fish are in Williamstown Lake?
Largemouth bass, white and black crappie, bluegill, sunfish and channel catfish.
Can you swim at Williamstown Lake?
Yes – the lake has designated swimming areas and is a popular boating and recreation lake.
Where is Williamstown Lake?
At Williamstown in Grant County, northern Kentucky, just off I-75 about 45 minutes south of Cincinnati, near the Ark Encounter.
Related: explore the small lakes of Kentucky, or head back to the Kentucky Lakes Database.
Explore more Kentucky lakes: the largest lakes in Kentucky and the deepest lakes in Kentucky.