Guide To Fishing At Rathbun Lake

AKA: Rathbun Reservoir

With plenty of access for shoreline fishing, Rathbun Lake is a favorite of anglers who enjoy fishing from the bank. And, there's over 150 miles of shoreline accessible to anglers fishing from boats.

Available Fish Species
Amenities
Today's Weather & Forecast
Boat Launch Ramps
Marinas
Campgrounds & RV Parks
Map
Lake Video
Contact Info

Rathbun Lake in Iowa is a renowned fishing destination, offering anglers a wealth of opportunities to reel in a variety of popular fish species. As one of the largest lakes in the state, Rathbun Lake spans over 11,000 acres and provides anglers with ample space to explore its waters.

One of the sought-after fish species in Rathbun Lake is crappie. Anglers can find both black crappie and white crappie in the lake, providing exciting angling opportunities. These panfish can be targeted near submerged structures, such as brush piles, fallen trees, or rock piles. Anglers often have success using small jigs, minnows, or artificial baits to entice crappie. Spring and fall tend to be productive seasons for crappie fishing in Rathbun Lake.

Largemouth bass is another popular species in Rathbun Lake. The lake's diverse habitat, including weed beds, submerged structures, and rocky shorelines, provides an ideal environment for bass. Anglers can target largemouth bass using various techniques, such as casting with soft plastic baits, topwater lures, or crankbaits. Largemouth bass in Rathbun Lake can reach impressive sizes, providing an exciting challenge for anglers.

Rathbun Lake also offers opportunities to catch other fish species, including walleye, channel catfish, flathead catfish, and bluegill. Walleye can be targeted using techniques such as trolling with crankbaits or spinner rigs, casting with jigs or live bait rigging. Channel catfish and flathead catfish can be pursued using cut bait, stinkbaits, or live bait in areas with good cover. Bluegill can be found near vegetation or submerged structures and can be caught using small jigs, worms, or crickets.

Boating is a popular activity on Rathbun Lake, and anglers can take advantage of the lake's boat ramps and marinas to access their favorite fishing spots. Whether it's a motorized boat, kayak, or canoe, boating provides anglers with the flexibility to explore different areas of the lake and increase their chances of success.

Camping facilities are available near Rathbun Lake, allowing anglers to extend their fishing trips and fully immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the area. Campgrounds offer amenities such as RV hookups, tent sites, picnic areas, and hiking trails, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable stay for visitors.

In summary, Rathbun Lake in Iowa offers excellent fishing opportunities for a variety of popular fish species, including crappie, largemouth bass, walleye, channel catfish, flathead catfish, and bluegill. With its boating options, camping facilities, and diverse fishing opportunities, Rathbun Lake provides a complete outdoor experience for anglers and nature enthusiasts, making it a top destination for fishing in the heart of Iowa.

This is an 11,000-acre lake in south-central Iowa that produces big walleye, bass and crappie. The full list of fish species includes bass, catfish, crappie, walleye, sunfish and hybrid stripers. There are half a dozen campgrounds at or nearby the lake, as well as a marina, stores, lodging, bait and tackle, restaurants and rental boats. Several boat launch ramps are open to the public.

What to fish for...

Fishing for largemouth bass, channel catfish, flathead catfish, black crappie, walleye, bluegill, warmouth, white bass and hybrid striped bass at Rathbun Lake in Iowa.

Primary fish species residing in Rathbun Lake

Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.

Rathbun Lake Amenities

Marina: YES
Boat Rental: YES
Boat Launch Ramp: YES
Campgrounds: YES
RV Hookups: YES
Lodging: YES
Convenience Store: YES
Bait & Tackle: YES
Restaurant: YES

Today's Weather & Forecast

Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings

Honey Creek Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, on the south side of the north arm of the lake, off Hornet Place, this is a six-lane, concrete ramp with docks and paved parking.

Island View Park East Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the southeast section of the lake, off Intaglio Place, this is a four-lane, concrete ramp with paved parking.

Island View Park Southeast Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the southeast section of the lake, off Isthmus Place, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

Island View Park West Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the southeast section of the lake, off Islandview Place, this is a four-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

Prarie Ridge Park Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the northeast section of the lake, off Pumpkin Circle, this is a three-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

The Preserve Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, on the north side of the north arm of the lake, off Resort Drive, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

Rolling Cove Park Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, on the south side of the lake, off Redhawk Place, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with paved parking.

Southfork Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, on the south side of the lake, east side of the south fork, off Southfork Place, this is a three-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.