Minnesotans Coming down to fish Rathbun lake for the first time...

[Baron Von Crappie]

We will be up june 3-5. Any tips on location, depth , what areas of the lake, structure, etc... Not looking for anyones specific spot, just a general pattern for this time of year. I am used to fishing natural weed filled lake up north here so this will be a new kind of fishing for me.
I am guessing the spawn will be long over, right? What is the water color and clarity? What kind of forage base does it have, what kind of presentations are popular for those slabs?

Thanks!

[prchjerker]

Since you're coming down the weekend of the Crappiemasters tournament you're probably not going to get alot of info. The spawn is just starting and the Lake is 11 foot high and the color of chocolate milk.With temps in the 80's alot of the fish will have spawned but there will still be some fish on the banks.Theyre calling for more rain today but best case the lake will only be 2 foot lower maybe 2 1/2. Good luck maybe we'll see you there.PJ

[jiggshooter]

Since you're coming down the weekend of the Crappiemasters tournament you're probably not going to get alot of info. The spawn is just starting and the Lake is 11 foot high and the color of chocolate milk.With temps in the 80's alot of the fish will have spawned but there will still be some fish on the banks.Theyre calling for more rain today but best case the lake will only be 2 foot lower maybe 2 1/2. Good luck maybe we'll see you there.PJ

get you some slip floats and some boobers stops and some jigs and minnows and tip your jigs youll find them get you a pattern and stick with it till they change up then you change up

[Baron Von Crappie]

thanks guys. prchjerker, that is the kind of info i am looking for. I don't expect people to give up their tourney spots :D I fish a few myself so i know how it goes chocolate milk? ugh i hate that. mabye I will try some glow tubes, they might actually see em in there! boober stops? hehe

[prchjerker]

Got another 1.33 inches today.The river is on a rise again. Ill guess that means another foot or two higher. If and I mean if we dont get anymore rain it will start to clean up alilttle. I myself would love to see that because everyone knows I like to fish deeper water. not much of a bank beater if I can help it. Post up before you come and Ill give you a condition update. Bobber ?whats a bobber.

[Baron Von Crappie]

Thanks! bobber? its a common name for a clip on float up north here in MN, but what is a boober stop? haha
What size to the slabs typically run?

[Finns]

Baron; Sent you some map pages. Hope they come through and help.

Finns

[Baron Von Crappie]

Thanks Finns, they came through and will help!
best fishes :D

BVC

[prchjerker]

the lake has a huge run of 10 to11 inch fish right now. There are some real slabs in the 13 to 15 inch range though. a month ago before the rain I had 10 fish that were 13 1/2 to 14 1/2 inch females. Id take those fish anyday.