Rathbun Lake
Rathbun Lake
- Boat Ramps
- 22
- Access Points
- 28
- Species
- 18
Rathbun Lake is an impressive 11,000-acre reservoir located in south-central Iowa, boasting over 150 miles of shoreline for anglers to explore. Known for producing trophy-sized fish, this large body of water has earned its reputation as a premier fishing destination in the Midwest. The lake features diverse underwater structure, multiple access points, and abundant fish populations. With its extensive size and varied habitat, Rathbun offers excellent opportunities for both shore and boat anglers throughout most of the year, particularly from spring through fall when fishing activity is at its peak.
Species & education
Learn what type of fish are at Rathbun Lake and what's needed to catch them.
Fishing spots, boat ramps & amenities
Learn how to get on Rathbun Lake. Uncover great fishing access points, boat ramps, and all the facilities you need for an unforgettable day on the water. Some locations shown may border or include private property. Always check property boundaries and applicable regulations before visiting. onWater's Public & Private Land layer can help you plan your access with confidence.
Know where you can legally fish on Rathbun Lake
See public and private land boundaries along the water, turn on private parcels with owner details to know where permission is required, and find land-trust parcels that offer permitted fishing access.
Iowa licenses and regulations
Iowa Boating Regulations
When using any type of watercraft to access a body of water, it is important to follow all federal, state, and local rules and regulations. These rules and regulations include boat permitting and licensing, invasive species inspections and stamps, life jacket and PFD rules, motor size and horsepower restrictions, noise limitations, restrictions on personal watercraft, and many more. Visit the web link below for the most current rules and regulations for this body of water.
Iowa Fishing License
All anglers 16 years and older must have a fishing license to fish Iowa waters. Anglers under the age of 16 may fish Iowa waters without a fishing license and may fish for and keep their own limit of fish, except when fishing for trout they must share their limit with a licensed adult or buy their own trout fee to keep their own limit of trout.
Iowa Fishing Regulations
This river has a variety of species and regulations, including potential floating and/or watercraft restrictions. Because this river is specially managed for species, seasons, angling methods, and watercraft, it is strongly encouraged you check all federal, state, and local regulations before fishing. Visit any of the links below, inquire locally, or contact a local fly shop to learn current regulations and restrictions.
Iowa Stream Access Laws
If a waterway can support a vessel capable of carrying one or more people during a total of six months in one out of every ten years, it is considered navigable and is open to fishing, swimming and wading, regardless of streambed ownership.
Take Rathbun Lake with you
The onWater Fish app keeps this water's access points, species and conditions in your pocket, with the tools you use once you're there.
Use the map without signal
Download the map around Rathbun Lake to use it offline when coverage drops.
Log your catches here
Keep a private fishing journal for Rathbun Lake to find where and when fish are biting for you.
HD depth charts from Garmin
Find drop offs, ledges, channels, points and shallow flats with Garmin depth charts in the app.
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Water and weather conditions (10 day forecast)
See the best times to fish Rathbun Lake and check the forecast before you go.
Chariton River near Rathbun, IA
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Fish species
Fishing spots
- Rathbun Wildlife Area Boat Ramp
- Rathbun Wildlife Area Boat Ramp
- Rathbun South Fork Marina
- Boat Ramp
- Island View West Boat Ramp
- Honey Creek Resort State Park Boat Ramp
- Island View Middle Ramp
- Rathbun Wildlife Area Boat Ramp
- Buck Creek Marina Boat Ramp
- Rolling Cove Campground Boat Ramp
- Island View High Water Boat Ramp
- Bridgeview Park Boat Ramp
- All 104 spots
Nearby waters
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