Lake Ripley (West Portion)
About Lake Ripley (West Portion)
Lake Ripley (West Portion) is a 614-acre lake near Litchfield in Meeker County, Minnesota. It reaches 18 feet at its deepest point, with an average depth of about 12 feet, and has roughly 3.7 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 4.9 feet.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 14 fish species here, including walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, black crappie, and bluegill. Special fishing regulations apply to sunfish, and they override the statewide limits. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2023.
There are 2 public boat launches (concrete surface) managed by the city and county. Lake Ripley County Park is mapped close to the shoreline for overnight stays. The lake is listed as infested with Eurasian watermilfoil — clean, drain and dry your boat and gear before leaving.
Plan Your Visit to Lake Ripley (West Portion)
- 614 acres, up to 18 feet deep, near Litchfield
- 2 public boat launches (concrete) — managed by the city and county
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, black crappie, and bluegill
- Special fishing regulations apply here and override the statewide limits
- Average water clarity around 4.9 feet
- Camping close to the water at Lake Ripley County Park
- Listed as infested with Eurasian watermilfoil — clean, drain and dry before you leave
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 2 public boat launches (concrete)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- city, county
Conditions
- Surface area
- 614 acres
- Max depth
- 18 ft
- Average depth
- 12 ft
- Shoreline
- 3.7 mi
- Water clarity
- 4.9 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 466 acres
Rules & Regulations
- A Minnesota fishing license is required for anglers 16 and older
- Drain plugs must be out and all water drained before leaving any access; remove aquatic plants from boats and trailers
- Children under 10 must wear a life jacket on a boat that is underway
Facilities
- 2 public boat launches (concrete)
- Camping: Lake Ripley County Park
Best For
- Walleye fishing
- Lakeside camping
- Ice fishing
- Ice is never completely safe — check thickness yourself before walking or driving on any lake
Angler's Report
Minnesota DNR LakeFinder- Species on survey
- 14
- Game fish
- 8
- Stocked
- No
- Last DNR survey
- 2023
- Special regulations
- Yes
- Fishing pier
- No
- Ice fishing
- Yes
- Boat launch
- Yes
Special regulations on this lake
- Sunfish: Daily limit five.
Fishing data: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Regulations change — confirm with the current DNR fishing regulations.
Camping & Reservations
Lake Ripley County Park is mapped on or near Lake Ripley (West Portion). Minnesota state park sites are booked through the DNR reservation system, national forest campgrounds through Recreation.gov, and most state forest campgrounds are first-come, first-served.
Campground locations © OpenStreetMap contributors. Confirm details with the operator.
Activities
Amenities
Fish Species
Plan your trip to Lake Ripley (West Portion)
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Nearby Lakes
Youngstrom Lake
39 out of 100 Lake ScoreMeeker · Beckville153 acres
1.9 miles away
Round Lake
49 out of 100 Lake ScoreMeeker · Litchfield266 acres
2.5 miles away
Star Lake
51 out of 100 Lake ScoreMeeker · Litchfield553 acres
4.1 miles away
Lake Minnie-Belle
60 out of 100 Lake ScoreMeeker · Litchfield597 acres
4.9 miles away
Hope Lake
24 out of 100 Lake ScoreMeeker · Grove City274 acres
5.7 miles away
Lake Manuella
54 out of 100 Lake ScoreMeeker · Darwin293 acres
5.7 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Lake Ripley (West Portion)?
Lake Ripley (West Portion) is in Meeker County, Minnesota, near Litchfield. It covers 614 acres and reaches 18 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Lake Ripley (West Portion)?
Lake Ripley (West Portion) covers 614 acres with about 3.7 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 18 feet and its average depth is about 12 feet.
What fish can you catch at Lake Ripley (West Portion)?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Black Crappie, Bluegill, Pumpkinseed, and Yellow Perch and other species. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on Lake Ripley (West Portion)?
Yes. Lake Ripley (West Portion) has 2 public boat launches (concrete), managed by the city and county. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Lake Ripley (West Portion)?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Lake Ripley (West Portion). Minnesota's public waters are open to swimming where you have legal access, but there are no lifeguards or water-quality monitoring away from designated beaches.
Is Lake Ripley (West Portion) stocked?
The DNR has no stocking report on file for Lake Ripley (West Portion); its fishery is sustained by natural reproduction or has not been stocked recently.
Are there special fishing regulations on Lake Ripley (West Portion)?
Yes. Daily limit five.
Can you camp at Lake Ripley (West Portion)?
Yes. Lake Ripley County Park is mapped on or near the shore. Confirm whether sites are reservable or first-come, first-served before you go.
Does Lake Ripley (West Portion) have invasive species?
Yes. The DNR lists Lake Ripley (West Portion) as infested with Eurasian watermilfoil. State law requires you to clean off plants, pull the drain plug and drain all water before leaving the access.