Rathbun Lake Fishing Guide, Appanoose County, Iowa

• Overview

  Look for Rathbun Lake in the Appanoose County part of Iowa. The country here is mixed forest. Around 21.7 sq miles of open water: conditions change from one end to the other. The water reaches back into a network of arms, each one worth a session of its own. Of the waters listed here in Appanoose County, this is the largest. The closest town, Centerville, is 10 miles away. Then Albia, 15 miles, and Corydon, 19 miles. The county line is nowhere near, so one local authority covers the water.

• Where to Fish on Rathbun Lake

  The books put it at 48 ft. The old creek line under the surface is the feature worth finding. Standing timber shows when the level drops, and fish sit against it. County-wide records name walleye, bluegill, white crappie and white bass. County data is a starting point rather than a guarantee. On Rathbun Lake a short move beats a long cast.

• Seasonal Patterns

  In an average year July sits at 76°F and January at 22°F. Four clear seasons, with a proper winter at one end. Ice-out usually falls in mid March, and the weeks after it fish hardest. The lid tends to go about mid March and return around mid December. May into June fishes hardest, and September gives a second good stretch before the lid returns. Rathbun Lake runs to its own calendar within the local pattern.

• Tackle & Baits

  The ground here is public, which usually keeps access simple. The closest car park is half a mile away, so pack accordingly. Bass water: a Texas-rigged worm near cover, a spinnerbait when you need to cover ground. Where the road in crosses private land, ask first. Check whether bait restrictions apply before you buy any. Mystic Reservoir sits 5 miles off and takes the overflow. Nothing here settles the position at Rathbun Lake for certain.