Ripley Lake
Washburn County, Wisconsin
About Ripley Lake
Ripley Lake earns its reputation as one of Washburn County's premier walleye fisheries, a intimate 37-acre lake reaching 22 feet at its deepest. Access is limited, which keeps boat traffic low — a plus for solitude seekers. Anglers target Largemouth Bass and Panfish.
Bottom composition: 75% sand, 10% gravel, 5% rock, 10% muck
Type: lake · Hydrology: SEEPAGE
Lake Location
45.75470° N, 91.77670° W
WBIC 1877000 · Wisconsin DNRFish Species
Full table →Fishing Tips
- ·Walleye feed most actively at dawn and dusk. Jig along deep structural breaks or troll crankbaits along weedlines at 6–8 ft depth.
- ·Night fishing under a full moon can produce excellent walleye results from late June through August.
- ·Largemouth bass relate to shallow structure. Work topwater lures at dawn in summer, then switch to soft plastics rigged weedless around lily pads and fallen wood.
- ·Bluegill and crappie stack up in 8–15 ft of water near weedlines. Small jigs tipped with a waxworm are hard to beat.
- ·Panfish are often excellent for kids and beginners — look for them around any dock or submerged brush piles.
Local's Guide
Fishing
Species-specific tips above. Wisconsin fishing license required for ages 16+. See current season regulations below.
View fishing regulations ↓Swimming
Sandy bottom sections make for good swimming. No lifeguard on duty — swim at your own risk.
Content coming soon
Nearby Dining
Looking for supper clubs and bait shops near Ripley Lake? Local dining recommendations coming soon.
Content coming soon
Insider Tips
Local knowledge about Ripley Lake — best times to visit, quiet spots, and what the regulars know. Contributed tips coming soon.
Content coming soon
Lake Conditions
Water Clarity
—
No data
Trophic Status
—
No data
Invasive Weeds
Not documented
Clean lake
Seasonal Notes
See below
Ice-out dates, peak fishing windows
Seasonal notes for Ripley Lake coming soon — ice-out timing, peak fishing windows, and fall color dates.
Condition data sourced from Wisconsin DNR surveys. Real-time weed and clarity reports coming soon.
Frequently Asked Questions
What fish can you catch in Ripley Lake?
Ripley Lake is home to Largemouth Bass (Abundant), Panfish (Common), and Walleye. Wisconsin fishing regulations apply — check current seasons and size limits before heading out.
Can you boat on Ripley Lake?
Ripley Lake does not currently have a public boat landing listed in the Wisconsin DNR database. Shore fishing or kayak/canoe access may still be available — check local access points.
How big is Ripley Lake?
Ripley Lake has 37 acres in surface area, a maximum depth of 22 feet.
What is the bottom of Ripley Lake like?
The lake bottom is composed of 75% sand, 10% gravel, 5% rock, 10% muck. Sandy and gravel bottoms typically support good swimming and healthy fish habitat.
Are there invasive species in Ripley Lake?
No invasive species are currently documented in Ripley Lake by the Wisconsin DNR. Always clean, drain, and dry your boat before leaving to help protect this lake.
Where is Ripley Lake located?
Ripley Lake is located in Washburn County, Wisconsin. GPS coordinates: 45.7547° N, 91.7767° W.
Are there vacation rentals on Ripley Lake?
Stay Northern is building the most complete rental directory for Washburn County lakes. Check our Ripley Lake vacation rentals listing — if none are available yet, check back soon or browse nearby Washburn County lake rentals.
Fishing Regulations
Current season regulations for Ripley Lake
| Species | Season | Min. Length | Daily Bag |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bullheads | Open All Year | No minimum length limit and the daily bag limit is unlimited. | — |
| Catfish | Open All Year | No minimum length limit and the daily bag limit is 10. | — |
| Cisco And Whitefish | Open All Year | No minimum length limit and the daily bag limit is 10. | — |
| Lake Sturgeon | Closed | No fishing allowed. | — |
| Largemouth Bass And Smallmouth Bass | May 2, 2026 to March 7, 2027 | No minimum length limit and the daily bag limit is 5. | — |
| Muskellunge And Hybrids | May 2, 2026 to December 31, 2026 on open water | The minimum length limit is 40" and the daily bag limit is 1. | — |
| Northern Pike | May 2, 2026 to March 7, 2027 | No minimum length limit and the daily bag limit is 5. | — |
| Paddlefish | Closed | No fishing allowed. | — |
| Panfish | Open All Year | No minimum length limit and the daily bag limit is 25. | — |
| Rock, Yellow, And White Bass | Open All Year | No minimum length limit and the daily bag limit is unlimited. | — |
| Rough Fish | Open All Year | No minimum length limit and the daily bag limit is unlimited. | — |
| Round Goby | Open All Year | The daily bag limit is 0, one may be killed and possessed for transport to a WDNR Office. | — |
| Ruffe | Open All Year | The daily bag limit is 0, one may be killed and possessed for transport to a WDNR Office. | — |
| Shovelnose Sturgeon | Closed | No fishing allowed. | — |
| Trout | See specific regulations | https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/fishing/trout/ . | — |
| Walleye, Sauger, And Hybrids | May 2, 2026 to March 7, 2027 | The minimum length is 15", but walleye, sauger, and hybrids from 20" to 24" may not be kept, and only 1 fish over 24" is allowed. The daily bag limit is 3. | — |
| White Perch | Open All Year | The daily bag limit is 0, one may be killed and possessed for transport to a WDNR Office. | — |
Regulations sourced from Wisconsin DNR fisheries data. Always verify current regulations before fishing.
Lake Details
- WBIC
- 1877000
- County
- Washburn County
- Surface Area
- 37 acres
- Max Depth
- 22 ft
- Bottom
- 75% sand, 10% gravel, 5% rock, 10% muck
- Lake Type
- lake
- Coordinates
- 45.7547, -91.7767
Nearby Trails
Washburn County ATV/UTV Trails
116 mi · Washburn County
Washburn County Snowmobile Trails
250 mi · Washburn County
Boat Rentals Nearby
Pontoon
Listing soonFishing Boat + Motor
Listing soonKayak / Canoe
Listing soonKnow a local boat rental operator near Ripley Lake? Let us know.
Lake data sourced from the Wisconsin DNR. Last updated 3/24/2026.