What Ward Lake Offers

Ward Lake sits three miles north of Ketchikan in the Tongass National Forest, a shallow, protected water that holds cutthroat trout and Dolly Varden char year-round. The lake is small — roughly 117 acres — and rarely deeper than 30 feet, which means the fish are accessible to anglers of any skill level and the water stays fishable even when Southeast Alaska weather turns rough. The main draw is cutthroat, which run 8 to 14 inches and take small spinners, flies, and spoons readily. Dolly Varden share the lake and grow larger, sometimes reaching 16 inches, but they are less predictable and more likely to hit live bait or larger presentations.

The lake drains into Ketchikan Creek and sits in old-growth Sitka spruce and western hemlock forest, so the setting is quiet and the water stays cold. There is a developed recreation area with a parking lot, picnic tables, and a short trail to the shore, making it one of the most accessible fishing spots in the Ketchikan area for anglers who do not want to hire a guide or take a boat.

Key Takeaways

  • Ward Lake holds cutthroat trout and Dolly Varden year-round in shallow water that is easy to fish from shore.
  • Cutthroat average 8 to 14 inches and respond to small spinners, flies, and spoons; Dolly Varden are larger but less consistent.
  • The lake is accessible by car from Ketchikan with a developed parking area and short walk to the water.
  • Spring and fall are most reliable for cutthroat; summer can be slow due to warm water and heavy angler pressure.
  • No motorboats are allowed, and the lake is catch-and-release only for cutthroat, with a daily limit on Dolly Varden.

When to Fish Ward Lake

Spring — April through early June — is the strongest season for cutthroat at Ward Lake. The water is cold, fish are active after winter, and the lake is less crowded than it will be in summer. Early morning and late evening produce best, and overcast days often outfish clear ones because the shallow water warms quickly in direct sun.

Fall, from September through October, is the second-best window. Water temperature drops again, cutthroat feed heavily before winter, and the tourist season has ended so you will have more space to work. Winter is fishable but slow; the lake does not freeze solid, but cold water and short daylight hours make trips less rewarding unless you are targeting Dolly Varden, which can be more active in cold conditions.

Summer — June through August — is the toughest time. The water warms, cutthroat move deeper or become lethargic, and the lake draws heavy foot traffic from tourists and casual anglers. If you fish summer, plan for early morning or dusk, and bring smaller flies and spinners because the fish are less aggressive.

Tackle and Technique for Cutthroat and Dolly Varden

Cutthroat at Ward Lake respond best to small presentations. Spinners in sizes 0 and 1 — particularly in silver, gold, or black — work consistently from shore. Fly anglers do well with small streamers (size 8 to 12) in black, olive, or white, or with nymphs fished near the bottom in deeper pockets. Spoons in the 1/8- to 1/4-ounce range cast far and cover water quickly, which is useful when you are working from shore and cannot move the boat.

Dolly Varden are less predictable but larger. They will take the same small spinners and spoons as cutthroat, but they often prefer live bait — small sculpins or young salmon fry if you can obtain them — or larger streamers fished slowly along drop-offs. The lake has structure along its eastern shore where the bottom slopes away; that is where Dolly Varden tend to hold, especially in summer when they move deeper.

Cast from the developed shoreline near the parking area, or walk the trail around the lake to find quieter spots. The water is clear, so use light line — 4- to 6-pound test for spinning, 4- to 5-weight fly rod — and approach the shore slowly to avoid spooking fish in the shallows.

Access and Facilities

Ward Lake Recreation Area is located on North Tongass Highway, about three miles north of downtown Ketchikan. There is a paved parking lot with space for roughly 20 vehicles, picnic tables, and a vault toilet. A short, well-maintained trail leads from the parking area to the lake shore, and a longer loop trail circles the lake (about 1.3 miles) if you want to explore different sections.

There are no rental boats or guide services based at the lake itself, and motorboats are not allowed. You fish from shore or bring your own small raft or float tube if you want to reach deeper water. The area is open year-round and free to use. In winter, the parking lot and trail are maintained, but snow and ice can make footing tricky, so bring appropriate footwear.

Regulations and Catch Limits

Ward Lake is managed under Alaska Department of Fish and Game regulations for Southeast Alaska. Cutthroat trout are catch-and-release only, so you must return all cutthroat to the water unharmed. Dolly Varden have a daily limit of five fish, with a minimum size of 7 inches; check current regulations before you go because limits can change year to year.

A valid Alaska fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older. Non-resident licenses are available for the day, week, or season and can be purchased online or at sporting goods stores in Ketchikan. Bait restrictions may apply — some waters in Southeast Alaska prohibit live bait or require barbless hooks — so verify the current rules with the Alaska Department of Fish and Game or a local tackle shop before you fish.

Getting There from Ketchikan

Ward Lake is a short drive from downtown Ketchikan. Head north on North Tongass Highway for about three miles; the recreation area entrance is marked with a sign. The drive takes roughly 10 minutes from the cruise ship docks or downtown hotels. If you do not have a rental car, local taxi services and tour operators in Ketchikan can arrange transportation, though it may be cheaper to rent a vehicle for the day if you plan to fish multiple locations in the area.

The road is paved and maintained year-round, but winter weather can make driving slower. There is no public transportation directly to the lake, so a car is the most practical option. Once you arrive, the parking area is accessible and the walk to the water is short enough for anglers of any age or fitness level.

Nearby Water and Alternatives

If Ward Lake is crowded or the fishing is slow, several other options are within a short drive of Ketchikan. Perseverance Lake, also in the Tongass National Forest, holds cutthroat and is less developed than Ward Lake, making it quieter. Naha River and Ketchikan Creek both have cutthroat and Dolly Varden but require more effort to reach and are better suited to anglers with some backcountry experience.

For saltwater fishing, Ketchikan has excellent access to Southeast Alaska's marine fishery — halibut, rockfish, and salmon — through charter boats and guide services. Ward Lake is best for a quick, accessible freshwater outing; if you want to spend a full day or explore more remote country, the other options are worth considering.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fish Ward Lake in winter?

Yes. The lake does not freeze solid and remains fishable year-round. Winter is slower than spring or fall, and the water is very cold, but Dolly Varden can be active. Bring warm clothing and check road conditions before you go, as snow and ice can affect the drive and the trail.

Do I need a guide to fish Ward Lake?

No. The lake is accessible from shore, and cutthroat and Dolly Varden are straightforward to catch with basic spinning or fly tackle. A guide is not necessary unless you want instruction or want to fish more remote waters in the area.

What size fish should I expect?

Cutthroat average 8 to 14 inches; catching a 12-incher is a solid day. Dolly Varden run larger, sometimes 16 inches or more, but are less consistent. Both species are small enough that light tackle is appropriate and the fishing is fun rather than challenging.

Is there a best time of day to fish?

Early morning and late evening are most productive, especially in spring and fall. Summer fishing is better at dawn or dusk because the shallow water warms quickly and fish become inactive in midday sun. Overcast days often outfish clear ones for the same reason.

Can I bring my own boat or float tube?

Motorboats are not allowed, but you can bring a small raft, canoe, or float tube if you want to reach deeper water or explore the lake. Check with the recreation area or Alaska Department of Fish and Game for any current restrictions on non-motorized vessels.