Thread: Rathbun Lake

Does anyone know how much ice is on the lake? Any information would be great. Thanks

95% ice covered yet. The level is 3.7ft above normal and the outflow is 1500cfs.

Way to go Herb....I haven't been able to go yet...and may not based on the high water report. We need to figure out if there is a reason to head that way! Did you get my Macbride pics?
David

Yes I did David, thanks for the report. I think a person may have a bit of trouble getting onto any fishable ice over there now. I'd wait till it opens up and take the boat.

I will give it one more check...maybe next week and then if still no hope I will give it up till open water.

Anyone know current lake conditions on Rathbun now? thanks!

<,"}/>{ Rippa

Tim, how ya doing?
Stage-908.37
Outflow-800cfs
Temp-42

Does anyone have the skinny on Rathbun? We got a cabin reserved and are planning on fishing there this Thurs, Fri & Sat. The DNR website says,
" Lake Rathbun (Appanoose): Crappies have started biting on small jigs fished around the flooded timber around the South Fork area of the lake. Channel catfish have been biting on night crawlers. Water temperature is 56 degrees."
For the last 4 years I have been fishing Rathbun, there isn't hardly any shore structure/timber in the South Fork, if not the whole lake! Does anybody know where they are talking about, or would they be referring to submerged brush piles that people place? We typically put in at the South Fork Marina and I know the lake fairly well so any advice would be helpful.

Maybe they were talking about the Corps Fish Attractors;

GPS Locations of Fish Attractors

Cedar trees, South Fork N 40° 50.700 W 93° 01.184
Cedar trees, South Fork N 40° 50.990 W 93° 01.459
Berkley fish habitat, Honey Creek N 40° 51.723 W 92° 55.120
Berkley fish habitat, Prairie Ridge N 40° 51.557 W 92° 53.640
Pallet structures, Buck Creek N 40° 50.217 W 92° 52.405
Berkley fish habitat, Buck Creek N 40° 50.294 W 92° 52.217

On a side note could you report on the cabins after you stay in them? We rented a camper last month and it was very nice. Would like to try a cabin but there are many to choose from.

crappie cove has flooded timber in it.
might try west of Bridgeport in the timber there. there is several spots to go to with timber at rathbun. water is up 7' over normal pool.