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Rathbun Lake

Iowa
56.13 km²
40.8673, -93.0091
15 species
NHD 147257245
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Imagery © Esri
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About Rathbun Lake

Rathbun Lake is a natural lake or pond in Iowa, United States. It covers approximately 56.13 km² (13869 acres). The lake centroid is located at 40.8673° N, 93.0091° W. 15 fish species are commonly found in waters like this one, including 2 introduced species. Lake boundary and identifier come from the USGS National Hydrography Dataset.

At a glance

Best season
April – October
Long open-water season
Natural lake
Very large
Big-water tactics apply
Species diversity
Diverse
15 species in this region
Access
Public waterbody
Check Iowa fishing regulations

Weather at Rathbun Lake

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Best fishing times today

Day length: 11h 30m
Dawn11:48
Sunrise12:15
Sunset23:46
Dusk00:13

Bite windows today

  • Dawn11:18 – 13:15Excellent
  • Morning13:15 – 18:01Good
  • Midday18:01 – 20:46Calm
  • Afternoon20:46 – 22:46Good
  • Dusk22:46 – 00:43Excellent
  • Night00:43 – 11:18Good
Moon: 11% · waning↑ 08:58

Fish species

Species data comes from GBIF and is refreshed by donors.Support this →

Showing 15 of 15 species

Gear & tips for rainbow trout

Rod
5- to 7-weight fly rod
Sage X
Vision XO
Loop Q
Reel
5/6-weight fly reel
Mainline
WF-5/6 floating line + intermediate
Leader
Tapered + 0.20 mm tippet
Lures / bait
  • Streamers
  • Egg patterns
  • Nymphs
  • Dry flies
  • Boobies
Find fly fishing gear at Sportfish
Season
April–November (put-and-take year-round)
Time of day
All day
Tip

Put-and-take fishing is common. Vary your depth. Popular Swedish waters: Bunn, Sommen and many small stocked put-and-take ponds.

Full guide

Plan your trip to Rathbun Lake

Everything you need before you launch — license, regulations, and current water conditions.

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Iowa DNR
Water conditions & levels
USGS gauge data near Rathbun Lake
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Frequently asked questions

What fish species live in Rathbun Lake?

Species you can expect in or near Rathbun Lake include Rainbow Trout, Crappie, Yellow Perch, Blue Catfish, Flathead Catfish, Northern Pike, Muskellunge, Smallmouth Bass, and others. The list is based on species present in Iowa waters and GBIF occurrence records.

How big is Rathbun Lake?

Rathbun Lake covers approximately 56.13 square kilometres (13869 acres), based on the USGS National Hydrography Dataset.

Where is Rathbun Lake located?

Rathbun Lake is located in Iowa, United States, with its centroid at 40.8673°, -93.0091°.

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Data sources: USGS National Hydrography Dataset · GBIF