Hiddenwood Lake is a 131-acre productive, nutrient-rich eutrophic lake in Ward County, North Dakota with a maximum depth of 18 feet (14-foot average). Water quality is graded C based on 2 sampling years through 2024. The lake supports 5 documented fish species including Northern Pike, Walleye, and Yellow Perch. Public access is available with 1 public boat landing. Compared to the 3 other monitored lakes in Ward County, Hiddenwood Lake ranks #3 for water quality.
Source: EPA Water Quality Portal sampling records, North Dakota DNR, last sampled 2024-10-08. Grade methodology: LakeGrade methodology.
Watch Hiddenwood Lake water quality
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Swimming Safety
Generally safe for swimming, moderate water quality
Water Quality Grade: C, Fair
Very murky, less than 3.1 ft of visibility. Chlorophyll-a: 4.8 µg/L. Trophic State Index: 54.
| Metric | Value | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Water Clarity (Secchi Depth) | 3.1 ft | F |
| Phosphorus | No data | |
| Chlorophyll-a (Algae) | 4.8 µg/L | A |
| Trophic State Index (TSI) | 54 | Eutrophic |
High nutrients, frequent algae, reduced clarity
Lake Details
| Characteristic | Value |
|---|---|
| Maximum Depth | 17.9 ft |
| Average Depth | 13.5 ft |
| Surface Area | 131 acres |
| Shoreline Length | 2.9 mi |
| Public Access | Yes |
Where to stay near Hiddenwood Lake
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Fish Species
Click a species to see every graded lake where it is documented.
Fishing Hiddenwood Lake
Invasive & Introduced Species
Red chips are ecologically harmful invasive species. Gray chips are stocked or introduced fish that aren't a current ecological concern.
Source: USGS Nonindigenous Aquatic Species (NAS) Database. Hover a chip to see scientific name, ecological context, status, and first-observed year.
Recreation & Access
Location
County Ranking
Ranked #3 of 4 lakes in Ward County
Cleaner Lakes Within 30 Miles
Hiddenwood Lake holds Grade C. One nearby lake has a higher grade.
See full comparison →Nearby Lakes in Ward County
Explore Hiddenwood Lake across LakeGrade
Fish species and top-graded lakes across North Dakota
Fish species and best lakes in Ward County
Species activity outlook by water temperature and season
Where to stay at North Dakota's top lakes, each with its grade
High nutrients, frequent algae, reduced clarity
North Dakota's cleanest and most-polluted lakes, ranked
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Other Grade C Lakes in North Dakota
Eutrophic Lakes in North Dakota
More records, surveys & data sources
Reservoir Info (USACE NID)
Hiddenwood Lake is a man-made reservoir impounded by the Hiddenwood Lake Dam (completed 1933), built primarily for flood risk reduction on the Missouri River-TR; earth-type dam, 18 ft tall.
- Surface area
- 131 ac
- Normal storage
- 1,780 ac-ft
- Max storage
- 2,250 ac-ft
- Drainage area
- 8 sq mi
- Hazard class
- Low
- Owner
- Ward Co Highway Dept
Source: USACE National Inventory of Dams, NID ID ND01045 · Operator website
Lake Size & Watershed
Size, shoreline, and watershed area from HydroLAKES (HydroSHEDS). Mean depth is a modeled estimate.
Data Sources
Water quality data from the EPA Water Quality Portal
Lake size & watershed from HydroLAKES (HydroSHEDS)
Grading methodology based on Metropolitan Council standards
Depth, fish, and access data from North Dakota Game & Fish
Public boat-access points from the USGS National Boat Ramps inventory
Most recent sample: 2024-10-08
Monitoring stations: 1