Lake Ripley Fishing in Meeker County, Minnesota

• Overview

  Lake Ripley is a Meeker County water, Minnesota side. Elevation runs to 1,115 feet. About 595 acres, so local knowledge or a boat saves a lot of walking. The outline measures near 3.6 miles, so local knowledge counts. On our Meeker County list it sits near the top for size. The nearest place of any size is Litchfield, 1.6 miles away. The nearest city of size is Minneapolis, 63 miles away. There is no boundary nearby to worry about.

• Where to Fish on Lake Ripley

  The deepest measured water here is close to 21 feet. On a natural lake the weed line and the shelf beyond it do the work. Still water like this holds fish on the edges rather than out in the open. Meeker County records list largemouth bass, walleye and northern pike among the fish reported. County records show what lives in the area; the local agency holds the water-by-water list. On Lake Ripley that means starting tight and working out.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Average temperature peaks around 72°F in July and bottoms out near 11°F in January. Winter shuts things down for a spell, then spring reopens them fast. After early April the shallows warm and the fish move up. Averages suggest open water from about early April through to roughly late November. Right after break-up, and again as the nights sharpen, is when to go. The season on Lake Ripley follows the weather closely.

• Tackle & Baits

  Whether the bank is open is not something our records settle. It formed naturally, so levels move with rainfall rather than with a gate. There is a launch about half a mile from the bank. Mapping shows a jetty some half a mile off. A camping area sits within half a mile of here. There are toilets half a mile off. A phone call first saves an afternoon. Access can change hands, so last year's answer may not hold. The position on Lake Ripley is worth confirming on the day.