What You'll Find at Ward Lake

Ward Lake is a freshwater lake about 6 miles north of Ketchikan that holds cutthroat trout and Dolly Varden char. The lake sits at roughly 300 feet elevation in the Tongass National Forest, surrounded by spruce and hemlock. It's accessible by road — the Ward Lake Road branches off the North Tongass Highway — which makes it one of the easier freshwater options if you're based in Ketchikan and don't want to fly or boat to a remote system.

The lake is roughly 117 acres and reaches depths over 100 feet in places, though much of the shoreline is shallower. Cutthroats here run small to medium, typically 8 to 14 inches, with occasional fish to 16 inches. Dolly Varden are usually smaller, 6 to 10 inches, but they're aggressive and willing. The water is clear and cold year-round, which keeps the fish active even in summer.

Key Takeaways

  • Ward Lake is a 6-mile drive north of Ketchikan and requires no boat or floatplane, making it accessible for anglers without backcountry logistics.
  • Cutthroat trout and Dolly Varden char are the main species, with cutthroats ranging 8 to 14 inches and Dollies smaller but more aggressive.
  • Fly fishing with small streamers and nymphs works year-round, though spring and fall typically produce better numbers than summer.
  • The Forest Service maintains a developed recreation area with parking, a boat launch, and a short trail around the lake.
  • Alaska fishing regulations require a valid license, and there are specific slot limits and seasonal closures that change by year.

When to Fish Ward Lake

Spring (April through May) is strong because the lake is clearing from winter and the fish are hungry after a long cold season. Cutthroats and Dollies both feed aggressively on emerging insects and small baitfish. Water temperatures are still cold — in the 40s — but that's when Southeast Alaska's freshwater fish are most active.

Summer (June through August) can be slower during midday because the water warms and the fish move deeper or suspend. Early morning and evening are your best windows. Fall (September through October) picks up again as water temperatures drop and fish move shallower to feed before winter. Winter fishing is possible but requires dealing with ice, short daylight, and cold that makes wading miserable.

Fly Patterns and Tackle That Work

Small streamers in black, olive, and brown work year-round. Tie them on size 8 to 12 hooks and fish them with a slow, steady retrieve or short strips. Cutthroats will chase them, and Dollies hit them hard. Nymphs — particularly small dark patterns like Pheasant Tails and Hare's Ears in sizes 14 to 18 — work well when the fish are feeding subsurface, especially in spring and fall.

A 5-weight or 6-weight rod is standard for this lake. Bring a floating line and a sink-tip line; the floating line works the shallows and edges, and the sink-tip lets you reach the deeper water where cutthroats often hold. Tippet should be 4X to 5X — the water is clear and the fish are not large, so fine tippet means more takes.

Spin anglers do well with small spoons (1/8 to 1/4 ounce) and spinners. Cast and retrieve steadily, or troll slowly if you're in a boat. The fish here aren't leader-shy, so 6-pound test is plenty.

How to Access Ward Lake

From Ketchikan, take the North Tongass Highway north out of town. Ward Lake Road branches off to the left (west) roughly 6 miles out. Follow it to the Ward Lake Recreation Area parking lot. The Forest Service maintains the area, and there's a developed boat launch, picnic tables, and a short walking trail around part of the lake.

You can fish from shore along the trail and from the developed areas. If you have a small boat or canoe, you can launch and fish the deeper water and the far shoreline. The lake is not large, so you can cover a lot of water in a day without a boat, but having one opens up the middle and the deeper holes where larger cutthroats hold.

Regulations and Seasonal Closures

Alaska requires a valid freshwater fishing license for anyone 16 and older. You can buy a 1-day, 3-day, or annual license through the Alaska Department of Fish and Game website or at sporting goods stores in Ketchikan.

Specific regulations for Ward Lake change year to year and can include slot limits on cutthroat trout, daily bag limits, and seasonal closures. Before you fish, check the current regulations in the Southeast Alaska Sport Fishing Regulations booklet, available online from Fish and Game or at the Ketchikan office. Regulations often differ between cutthroats and Dollies, and between different parts of the lake, so reading the fine print matters.

What to Bring and How to Prepare

Southeast Alaska weather is wet and cool even in summer. Bring rain gear, a warm layer, and waterproof boots. The trail around the lake is short but can be muddy. Insect pressure is moderate compared to some Southeast systems, but bring bug spray anyway, especially in June and July.

Bring more flies than you think you'll need — small streamers and nymphs get lost in trees and on rocks. A headlamp is useful if you're fishing early or late. If you're wading, felt-soled boots or boots with good grip are important because the bottom can be slippery.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fish Ward Lake year-round?

Technically yes, but winter is brutal. Ice forms on the lake, daylight is short, and the cold makes wading dangerous. Most anglers fish spring through fall. Check current regulations because some years have seasonal closures on certain species.

Do I need a boat to fish Ward Lake?

No. The shoreline trail and developed areas give you access to productive water. A boat or canoe lets you reach the middle and deeper holes, but you can catch fish from shore, especially in spring and fall when they're feeding in the shallows.

What's the difference between the cutthroats and Dollies here?

Cutthroats are larger (8 to 14 inches typically) and more selective about what they eat. Dollies are smaller (6 to 10 inches) but aggressive and will hit almost anything. Both are fun on light tackle, but Dollies give you more action if numbers matter to you.

How far is Ward Lake from downtown Ketchikan?

About 6 miles by road. The drive takes 10 to 15 minutes depending on traffic. It's close enough for a half-day trip or a few hours after work if you're staying in town.

What if I don't have a fishing license?

You need one if you're 16 or older. Buy a 1-day license at a sporting goods store in Ketchikan or online through the Alaska Department of Fish and Game. A 1-day license costs less than a full day's worth of gas to fly somewhere remote.