Ripple

A targeted survey of nearshore fish species in Ripple Lake was conducted on August 15, 2023 by Aitkin Area Fisheries staff. Sampling sites were evenly spaced around the lake and each was sampled by backpack electrofishing and seining with a 50-foot or 15-foot seine, where possible. Backpack electrofishing was completed at all fourteen sampling stations, but four stations were sampled from the boat due to site conditions. Similarly, a 50-foot seine was used to sample seven stations, a 15-foot seine was used at three stations, and site conditions prevented the use of seines at 4 stations. Nearshore sampling captured 16 species of fish including 4 species that were intolerant of disturbance (ie., Blackchin Shiner, Blacknose Shiner, Iowa Darter, Rock Bass) and one that was tolerant of disturbance (ie., Black Bullhead). The nearshore data were combined with trap net and gill net data from a July 2023 survey to describe the fish community and provide a Fish-based IBI (FIBI) score. The FIBI uses fish community data to measure a lake's health, and the types of fish species present can help identify any stressors that may be negatively affecting the lake environment. In Minnesota lakes, certain fish species cannot survive without clean water and a healthy habitat (e.g., Blackchin Shiner, Blacknose Shiner, Iowa Darter, Rock Bass), while other species are tolerant of degraded conditions (e.g., Black Bullhead). The FIBI score, composed of several fish community diversity and composition metrics, indicates the overall health of a lake by comparing it to what is expected for a healthy lake. For additional information on the FIBI, search for "lake index of biological integrity" on the mndnr.gov website. Data from this survey indicates Ripple Lake is in good health as indicated by an FIBI score above the impairment threshold for aquatic life used determined for similar lakes. Data from this survey will contribute biological information about the health of the fish community to Mississippi River (Brainerd) Watershed assessment process in coordination with MN Pollution Control Agency.

Ripple Lake, located about five miles south of Aitkin, is part of the lower Ripple River chain of lakes. There is a public access located in the outlet channel a short distance downstream from the lake. Motor vehicle travel from this access is not recommended during the winter due to flowing water. During open water periods, most boaters are able to navigate upstream to Elm Island Lake at normal water levels. Downstream travel to Diamond Lake is limited by a water control structure. During low water conditions, this is only practical with a canoe or other small craft; however, paddlers can navigate all the way to the Mississippi River and beyond. The water is heavily tannin stained, appearing brown, and the shoreline is characterized by having numerous points and bays, with good stands of hardstem bulrush and wild rice. Walleye catch rates in 2023 (3.0 per gill net) increased from 2018 (1.6 per gill net) and was at the upper end of the expected range for similar lake types. Walleye have been stocked regularly at a variety of sizes and frequencies since the 1980's. The catch rates in the eleven surveys conducted since then have ranged from 1.6 to 3.4 per gill net. Several stocked year classes were identified in this survey suggesting that efforts have been somewhat successful at maintaining a modest walleye population, typical for this type of lake. Walleye growth was average, reaching 15 inches in their fourth year. The Walleye sample averaged 16 inches long and 1.7 pounds, with fish ranging from 7.5 to 25.3 inches. The 2023 catche rates of Bluegill and Black Crappie were similar to historic surveys, with Black Crappie abundance well above the expected range for similar lakes and Bluegill abundance more typical. Crappie growth is slow, with few fish exceeding 10 inches long and needing 8-12 years to reach that size. Black Crappie averaged 8.2 inches, with a maximum size of 10.6 inches long. Bluegill exhibited much better size and growth characteristics than crappie, likely in part due to their more moderate abundance. Bluegill, in the 2023 trap net catch, averaged 6.3 inches, with 37% measuring greater than 7 inches and the largest was 8.3 inches. Multiple year classes of each species indicated annual natural reproduction. Northern Pike abundance (8.4 per gill net) increased since the previous survey (5.3 per gill net) and was the highest that has been previously observed. Catch rates of 3-5 per gill net are more typical at Ripple Lake. Sizes ranged from 14.9 to 33.9 inches, and they averaged 23.3 inches and 2.9 pounds. Growth rates of Pike in Ripple Lake were average for the area, reaching 20 inches in about 4 years. Anglers are encouraged to release larger pike to help protect their role in maintaining quality size structure of many species, and to maximize the sporting benefit for multiple anglers by recycling these quality fish. Maintaining the good bulrush and rice beds is important for both fish and wildlife resources. In addition, coarse woody habitat such as fallen trees and branches offer additional habitat that should be left in place for the benefit of most fish species in Ripple Lake. While it can be inconvenient when a tree falls into one's dock or swimming area, consider moving it to an area along your shoreline that is clear of your activity, rather than removing it from the lake. Benefits of good habitat stewardship are often rewarded with good fishing. Lastly, one Rusty Crayfish was also observed during this survey. Rusty Crayfish are invasive and can significanly alter habitat in lakes. Close attention to Crayfish will be paid in future assessments to determine how they progress in this environment.

Ripple Lake, located about five miles south of Aitkin, is part of the lower Ripple River chain of lakes. There is a public access located in the outlet channel a short distance downstream from the lake. Motor vehicle travel from this access is not recommended during the winter due to flowing water. During open water periods, most boaters are able to navigate upstream to Elm Island Lake at normal water levels. Downstream travel to Diamond Lake is limited by a water control structure and only practical with a canoe or other small craft, however paddlers can navigate all the way to the Mississippi River and beyond. The water is heavily tannin stained, appearing brown, and the shoreline is characterized by having numerous points and bays, with good stands of hardstem bulrush and wild rice. Walleye catch rates in 2018 (1.6/gill net) decreased slightly from 2013 (2.2/gill net) and was near the lower end of the expected range for similar lake types. Walleye have been stocked regularly at a variety of sizes and frequencies since the 1980's. The catch rates in the ten surveys conducted since then have ranged from 1.6 to 3.4 per gill net. Historically, stocking efforts along with some natural reproduction have supported a moderate Walleye population near the average for similar lake types, but no natural reproduction has been observed since 1991 and survival of stocked fingerlings appears lower than it used to be. Several stocked year classes were identified in this survey suggesting that efforts have been somewhat successful at maintaining a modest walleye population, typical for this type of lake. Walleye grew fast and were nearly 17 inches after 4 years. The sample averaged 17 inches, with fish observed over 26". The 2018 catches of Bluegill and Black Crappie were similar to historic surveys. Black Crappie abundance was well above the expected range for similar lakes, while Bluegill abundance was moderately low. Crappie growth is slow, with few fish exceeding 10 inches long. Multiple year classes indicate annual natural reproduction. Bluegill exhibit much better size and growth characteristics than crappie, likely in part due to their relatively low abundance. Sizes in the 2018 trap net catch averaged 6.0 inches, with 35% measuring greater than 7 inches and the largest just over 9 inches. Northern Pike abundance (5.3/gill net) increased somewhat since the previous survey (3.1/gill net) and was above the historic average for the lake (3.5/gill net). Sizes ranged from 15.8" to 28.8", and averaged 20.7" and 1.9 pounds. While growth rates of pike in Ripple Lake have historically been slightly above local and statewide averages, they were very near average for the area in 2018. Anglers are encouraged to release larger pike to help protect their role in maintaining quality size structure of many species, and to maximize the sporting benefit for multiple anglers by recycling these quality fish. Maintaining the good bulrush and rice beds is important for both fish and wildlife resources. In addition, coarse woody habitat such as fallen trees and branches offer additional habitat that should be left in place for the benefit of most fish species in Ripple Lake. While it can be inconvenient when a tree falls into one's dock or swimming area, consider moving it to an area along your shoreline that is clear of your activity, rather than removing it from the lake. Benefits of good habitat stewardship are often rewarded with good fishing.

Based on Minnesota DNR survey data, anglers target Northern Pike, Walleye, Black Crappie, Rock Bass, and Largemouth Bass in Ripple. See the full species list above for catch rates, size structure, and quality scores.

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

Ripple has a maximum depth of 39 feet, per Minnesota DNR data.

The most recent Minnesota DNR survey data for the main sport fish in Ripple is from 2023.

No invasive species are on record for Ripple in Minnesota DNR data. Always clean, drain, and dry your equipment to help keep it that way.