Lake Ripley

Lake Ripley is a lake in Meeker County, Minnesota. Lake Ripley covers about 609 acres, reaches a recorded 18 feet and holds about 6,082 acre-feet.

How the Size and Shape of Lake Ripley Affect Fishing

Lake Ripley is small enough to check weeds, wood, rock and the first deep drop without spending the whole day moving around.

Fish and Baits at Lake Ripley

Fish reported from Lake Ripley include black crappie, bluegill, largemouth bass, northern pike, walleye, and yellow perch.

Bass

For bass at Ripley, fish weeds, wood and shade with a spinnerbait, jig or Texas-rigged worm for largemouth.

Crappie, Yellow Perch, and Sunfish

For panfish at Ripley, use a small jig or minnow beside brush for crappie, and fish a worm, cricket or tiny jig near weeds for bluegill, and keep a small jig, minnow or worm close to bottom for yellow perch.

Walleye

For roaming fish at Ripley, jig a minnow or troll a crankbait along points and deeper edges for walleye.

Northern Pike

For large predators at Ripley, cast a spoon, spinnerbait or swimbait beside weeds for northern pike.

How the Seasons Change Lake Ripley

Spring at Ripley is a good time to check warm coves and incoming water, and summer is a good time to fish shade, weeds and the first drop into deeper water. Fall at Ripley can bring fish back to windy points and banks, while winter calls for smaller baits fished slowly.

A Simple Plan for Fishing Lake Ripley

On a first trip to Ripley, check one quiet cove, one rocky or firm point and the nearby deep water with a moving lure, then use a jig or worm where you find fish.

Useful Tackle for Lake Ripley

A medium spinning rod covers smaller lures at Ripley, while a heavier rod and stronger leader are better for northern pike.

Lake Ripley FAQs

Where should an angler start on the 609-acre Lake Ripley?

At Ripley, pick one cove and the closest point or drop into deep water, then fish that small area well before making a long move.

Should anglers fish the 18-foot deep end of Lake Ripley?

Not every trip. A better place at Ripley is where a point, drop-off or group of baitfish gives the fish a reason to stop.

What does the 6,082 acre-foot storage figure mean at Lake Ripley?

At Ripley, it shows that a lot of the water sits away from the bank and around the old channel or deep end.