Ward Lake Fishing in Anoka County, Minnesota

• Overview

  Ward Lake stands in Anoka County, Minnesota. Around the bank it is rolling bush. The water covers some 37 acres, so pick a bank rather than trying to cover it all. It lies lower than most water we list in Minnesota. Head to Ham Lake, 2.9 miles away, for anything you forgot. The nearest city of size is Minneapolis, 21 miles away. No border sits close enough to matter.

• Where to Fish on Ward Lake

  No figure exists for depth, so let the water show you. The shallow end warms first and pulls fish in ahead of the rest. Bays and points beat straight shoreline every time on water like this. Anoka County records list bluegill, common carp, black crappie, largemouth bass and pumpkinseed among the fish reported. The county list is broader than any single water. Take Ward Lake a stretch at a time.

• Seasonal Patterns

  On the long-term average, July reads 71°F and January reads 11°F. Expect a real winter and a strong spring after it. Hard water holds through the cold months, breaking up near early April. Averages place the thaw at early April and the freeze at late November. Fish feed hardest at the start and the close of the open season. It holds true on Ward Lake more years than not.

• Tackle & Baits

  The access position is unclear from public sources. Parking sits half a mile out, which makes for a walk with tackle. A small crankbait along the drop and a worm in the thick stuff cover the bass. Season dates differ by species, so read the table. Where tickets apply, they are sold in the nearest town rather than on the bank. Swan Lake at 2.3 miles is the sensible second choice. The position on Ward Lake is worth confirming on the day.