Ham

Ham Lake is a 168 acre, class 38 lake located in northern Anoka County, primarily managed for Largemouth Bass with Northern Pike as a secondary management species. There is a public access located in the city park on the south side of the lake, and a 2004 survey found angling pressure to be relatively high compared to other lakes in the area at 101.5 hrs/acre. The fish community of Ham Lake reflects a typical Largemouth Bass, Bluegill, Northern Pike community. Northern Pike were sampled at a catch rate of 8.33 fish per gillnet,above average for class 38 lakes. The average sampled pike was 20.95 inches in length, and the largest pike sampled was 29 inches. Over 52% of Northern Pike sampled in this survey were longer than 21 inches, and 4% were greater than 26 inches in length. Largemouth Bass are typically not sampled effectively in gillnets and trap nets, but bass catch rate in gillnets (2.33 fish per net) was above average for abundance in class 38 lakes. Sampled bass ranged from 8 to 16 inches, with an average length of 12.71 inches. Bluegill catch rate was 17.25 fish per trap net, above average for class 38 lakes. Sampled Bluegills ranged from under 3 inches to 8 inches in length, with an average length of 5.53 inches. Size structure was poor, 36% of sampled Bluegills were greater than 6 inches in length and 2% were greater than 7 inches. Black Crappie catch rate was 0.88 fish per trap net, below average for class 38 lakes, and Pumpkinseed Sunfish catch rate was 2.75 fish per trapnet, above average for class 38 lakes. Yellow Bullheads were sampled at 9.33 fish per gillnet, significantly above average for class 38 lakes.

Ham Lake is a typical Largemouth Bass-Bluegill-Northern Pike lake with fair water quality. Northern Pike (NOP) were sampled in the highest gill net catch rate ever recorded for this lake. The average size of NOP sampled was 21.6 inches and 2.2 pounds, with approximately 8% of all captured fish measuring 25.0 inches or larger. No adult Largemouth Bass were captured during this survey, however, young-of-year were present in good numbers in the natural reproduction check. Bluegill (BLG) were sampled above the median level for abundance in the trap net catch. The average BLG captured was 5.1 inches and 0.1 pounds. Pumpkinseed Sunfish (PMK) were sampled at the highest level observed since 1979. The average size of PMK was 5.7 inches and 0.2 pounds. Black Crappie (BLC) were sampled at the lowest catch rate recorded in the last 30 years. The average size of BLC captured was 7.0 inches and 0.2 pounds. Yellow Perch were sampled in low abundance and small average size (6.2 inches and 0.1 pounds). Black Bullhead (BLB) were sampled in low numbers but above average size. The average BLB captured was 13.9 inches and 1.6 pounds. Yellow Bullhead were sampled in the highest gill net catch rate recorded for this lake with the average fish being 10.8 inches and 0.75 pounds.

Ham Lake is a 174 acre basin which is aerated to prevent winterkill. The aeration system broke down in 1996-97 and the lake experienced a partial winterkill. Surviving sunfish grew fast, resulting in a population of bluegill, pumpkinseed and hybrid sunfish with small young and older individuals between 7 and 9 inches. Numbers are lower than in recent nettings, but fish are still plentiful. Northern pike were captured in higher numbers than in recent nettings. Most fish were young with few individuals over 25 inches. Largemouth bass were abundant in the electrofishing samples. A wide range of sizes were present with some over 20 inches. Black crappie were moderate in abundance with no large individuals sampled. Yellow, brown, and black bullhead were present, many large in size. A few yellow perch and white sucker were also sampled.

Based on Minnesota DNR survey data, anglers target Largemouth Bass, Northern Pike, Hybrid Sunfish, White Crappie, and Green Sunfish in Ham. See the full species list above for catch rates, size structure, and quality scores.

Minnesota DNR records list public access for Ham. Check the DNR LakeFinder page for the launch type and directions before you go.

Ham has a maximum depth of 22 feet and a mean depth of 6 feet, per Minnesota DNR data.

The most recent Minnesota DNR survey data for the main sport fish in Ham is from 2016. Surveys this old should be treated with some caution — fish populations change over time.

Yes — Ham has confirmed Eurasian watermilfoil. Clean, drain, and dry your equipment to avoid spreading invasives to other waters.