Fishing

The opportunities for fishing in Rathbun Lake are numerous due to a wide selection of abundant game fish and can offer an exceptional challenge to even the most experienced of fishermen.  The game species of Rathbun Lake include black crappie, yellow perch, channel catfish, walleye, white bass, and largemouth bass.  The crappie of Rathbun Lake can be found in abundance throughout most of the vegetated and otherwise sheltered areas of the lake.  The southwestern portion of the lake where there are dense weed beds is a great place for fishermen to target.  Targeting this area with light tackle from a small boat is an effective strategy.  The largemouth bass is another commonly targeted favorite.  Fishermen should target vegetation and obstacles such as submerged timber and other debris in order to find largemouth bass.  The weed beds near the banks and the northeastern portion of the lake are often excellent locations for bass fishing.  The walleye of Rathbun Lake can also be targeted in several of the lake’s seedbeds and drop-offs.  When spring arrives target the inlets, the rest of the year points, humps, rocks, and deep weedlines will hold the most fish. The best baits for walleyes include crankbaits, jigs tipped with live bait or soft plastics, live bait rigs, and crawler harnesses.  Channel catfish is another popular species that anglers frequently target.  Fishermen will find that this species can be found throughout the entire lake in deep fishing holes.  Anglers can find this species quite easily by searching for fishing holes with depth finders and by using a bottom rig equipped with catfish hooks, weights, and stink baits or live bait.  One of the most prized targets of Rathbun Lake is the white bass.  This species can be targeted by following the schools of baitfish during the morning and evening feeding times.  A reliable method of finding the location of these schools is by taking note of where birds are preying on fish and then checking that area for schools via electronics.  Once the location is established, an angler can target the white bass with a variety of jigs and lures.

Facilities

The facilities and accommodations of Rathbun Lake include fishing piers, restrooms, tackle shops, boat landings, fueling stations, fishing guides, and lodging. 

The Lake

Rathbun Lake has a total surface area of 11,000 acres.  The maximum depth of the lake is 50 feet.  This depth fluctuates throughout the year depending on rainfall and drought conditions.

Rathbun Lake is an ideal fishing location for individuals in search of a fun and quiet day on the water.

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