Ward County Lake Quality
North Dakota, 4 lakes, average grade C (Fair)
Ward County has 4 graded lakes — a thin enough sample that one or two stressed lakes can move the county average noticeably. Use the per-lake pages below for what actually matters. Ward County averages to a C. The distribution behind that average matters more than the letter: a few stressed lakes versus many decent ones can produce the same average as the inverse.
Most of the county's monitored lakes are shallow — under 50 feet — which means wind keeps the water column mixed all summer and sediment-bound phosphorus releases back into the surface layer whenever the bottom is disturbed. Velva Sportsmans Dam Lake (B) is the cleanest in the county.
Quick Answers for Ward County
Planning a trip? Check special fishing regulations for Velva Sportsmans Dam Lake, whether the fish are safe to eat, and the best times to fish — or check the official North Dakota fishing regulations.
Fishing in Ward County
All Lakes in Ward County
| Rank | Lake | Grade | Clarity | Max Depth | Phosphorus |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Velva Sportsmans Dam Lake | B | 13.6 ft | 23.2 ft | - |
| 2 | North Carlson Lake | B | 3.7 ft | 24.7 ft | - |
| 3 | Hiddenwood Lake | C | 3.1 ft | 17.9 ft | - |
| 4 | Lake Darling | D | 5.8 ft | 28.7 ft | 395 µg/L |
Other Counties in North Dakota
See how Ward County stacks up in the national county water-quality rankings, or browse the full directory of graded lakes across all 15 states.
Where to stay near Ward County
Top-rated places to stay near Ward County
Availability and prices from Stay22 partners (Booking.com, Vrbo, Expedia). We may earn a commission from bookings, at no extra cost to you.
Planning a trip to Ward County?
Get lake water-quality report cards plus the best cabin & lodging deals near Ward County — straight to your inbox. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.
Source: EPA National Aquatic Resource Surveys, 2026.