LRIA Objectives

CLEAN LAKE

• Free of pollution & refuse
• Free of excessive weeds & algae
• Minimize impact of Aquatic Invasive Species

BETTER FISHING

• Proper stocking
• Removal of rough fish
• Suitable spawning areas

SAFE LAKE

• Boating, fishing, swimming, water sports, and winter activities can be enjoyed by all
• Free from fear of danger of boating law violators
• Under supervision of proper authorities

BUILD COMMUNITY

• Provide opportunities for neighbors around lake to interact and get to know one another
• Support uses of the lake beneficial to broader community

Safety Concerns on the Water (or Ice)?
If it is an emergency, call 911.

If it is not an emergency but you observe unsafe or dangerous boating out on the lake, you are encouraged to notify the Hennepin County Sheriff's Office.

     Hennepin County Sheriff's Office
     Water Patrol Unit: (612) 596-9880
     Main Office: (612) 348-3744

Reminders about the local laws:

• Personal watercrafts and jet skis are to be off the water 1 hour BEFORE sunset
• You can only tow skiers, surfers, tubes, etc up to 30 mins AFTER sunset and not before sunrise
• Be aware of rocks near the bouys on the west side of the lake

Calendar of Events

Annual Meeting

​Date:  April 28, 2025 at 7:00pm-8:30pm
Location:  American Legion in Chanhassen
Arrive any time after 5pm to eat and socialize.  We will run through some LRIA business and usually have one or two guest speakers.  It's a great time to touch base with neighbors, share ideas, and address concerns before we kickoff into summer.

Boat Parade

Boat Parade
​Date: July 4th, 2025 at 12:00pm
Location:  Meet in the West Bay and follow the lead boat for a tour around the lake.  Decorate your boat and riders in a theme or classic red, white, and blue.  Or just ride along and enjoy the fun.  The more the merrier.

Pavillion Party

Date:  Sunday, August 24, 2025  4:30-6:30pm 
Location:  Lake Riley Park Pavilion
Please join your friends and neighbors for our annual get together! We will be at the Pavilion again this year. We will be ordering food and providing water. You are encouraged to bring a side, salad, or dessert to share and any other beverages you want to drink.  There will be some yard games set out, the playground for the kids to enjoy, and will also have the ice in/ice out board up to try your luck at guessing the weather over the next year and a half. ​

Fish Stocking

​Date:  October TBD (based on weather and the fish)
Location:  Lake Riley Boat Launch
Bring the kids over to help us stock the lake with Walleye fingerlings.  The kids can dump the buckets into the water and watch all the little fish swim out into the lake.  The exact time and date depends on temperature and weather but members will be notified via the email distribution list.

Low Water Levels

Occasionally there will be times of drought and low water levels in the lake.  

• Be aware of underwater hazards such as rocks and branches
• Check boat lift levels to ensure you can get on and off the lift
• ​Move lifts out if necessary
• Try to avoid floating boats too long in the water so as to keep zebra mussels from attaching to motors and intakes

Excellent Water Clarity on Lake Riley

Long-time resident on Lake Riley, John Bushey gives a historical perspective on the exceptionally clear water we have on Lake Riley.

​Read More

(pictures and videos courtesy of David Florenzano)

Ice Boats

Depending on ice and snow conditions, you may see some of the ice boats zipping around the lake.  Their high-speed and quick manueverability make them a site to behold.

*Please remember to mark any large fish holes that you cut in the ice to keep everyone safe.  

Updates from the Watershed District

The association works in conjunction with the Watershed District to help keep Lake Riley clean, healthy, and beautiful.  Download the new brochure to learn more.

Download Brochure

CONTRIBUTE TO THE FISH FUND
​
We are now collecting donations to contribute to the fish fund.  Every year, the LRIA pays to stock fish in the lake that will help with the overall fish health and population.  This is 100% funded by your contributions, so please donate today for fantastic fishing tomorrow.

Donate to Fish Fund

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Partnerships

Every season brings opportunities for Lake Riley neighbors to connect with each other. Many members are active with our Watershed District and the Southwest Metro Lakes Coalition. We have partnered with the University of Minnesota in their world-class carp study, and continue to work with them as they study the complicated balance between lake vegetation, aquatic life, and nutrients in the water.

Members of the LRIA are proud of the abundant fish, fowl and animal life that are brought together by the water of Lake Riley. Keeping the lake healthy to sustain the natural life that abounds within and around it is a priority for the Lake Riley Improvement Association. It is a cherished natural and recreational resource for the whole community.

Watershed District
University of Minnesota
Minnesota DNR

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Let's Go Fishing

 Let's Go Fishing operates fishing trips for seniors, veterans, and the disabled on Lake Riley and other bodies of water.  Please contact them if you would like to get involved in their mission.  

Let's Go Fishing

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Lake Riley in 1945

​Guidelines for Ice Safety.

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Watershed Awareness Worksheet

The Riley Purgatory Bluff Creek Watershed District works to protect our lakes, streams, and wetlands. Watershed districts are unique to Minnesota. They are local government bodies, organized under the state Board of Water and Soil Resources. Their boundaries can cross multiple cities and counties. Why? Because they are based around a watershed, all the land that drains to a particular water body. We invite you to learn about the district, and how you can help to preserve clean water in our community.  ​Learn More