DONIPHAN, Mo. — In celebration of National Fishing and Boating Week, the Eleven Point
Ranger District of the Mark Twain National Forest will host a youth fishing day at Ripley Lake,
weather permitting, on Saturday, June 8, 2024. Participation is open to all kids ages 2-15. Fishing
licenses are not required June 8 and 9, 2024 throughout the state of Missouri, but size and daily
limits still apply.
The free event will take place from 8 a.m. to noon. Door prizes will be provided to the first 50
kids. The Missouri Department of Conservation and the U.S. Forest Service have limited fishing gear
to provide, so participants are encouraged to bring their own equipment and bait.
The event aims to promote and introduce kids to fishing on public lands. Facepainting, games,
crafts, interpretive presentations, and other activities will be available. Staff will be on hand
to assist with angling techniques and instruction.
Food and drinks will not be available, but participants are encouraged to bring their own.
Children MUST be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Directions to Ripley Lake from Doniphan, MO:
- Take Highway 160 west 9 miles to Highway C.
- Turn right/north onto C and travel about 1 mile.
- Turn right onto Forest Road 3240 at the entrance sign and continue another mile to Day Use
area.
Ripley Lake is a 20-acre lake with an average depth of 12 feet. The lake is stocked yearly with
catfish. Only nonmotorized or boats with electric motors are allowed on this lake. Photo by Anthony
Lee/Mark Twain NF
For more information about the fishing event, contact Emily Dietz, Fish Biologist at
You could also visit our website to learn more about Ripley Lake.