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

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.