Thread: Rathbun size and creel limits

Rathbun, like Red Rock and Saylorville weren't built with crappie fishing in mind. They were built for flood control and the crappies are just a byproduct. They have their up and down cycles like always, BUT, with limits in place now, those cycles should smooth out a bit instead of being a large curve on the chart. Size limits would smooth that curve even more but that will have to be a personal decision by the fisherman. I don't think the state will persue this any further.
There are too many things going against our Rathbun fish. No shoreline protection from boat and wind erosion, very little vegitation for fish to hide in, too much additional silt coming in from the Chariton River. And because of the flooding, the lake has lost a lot of needed predator fish like walleyes thru the spillway. I know there are other things I can't think of right now.
Limits and leaving the lake higher during the spawn is a good start tho.
I'm just a barstool biologist, but it seems the DNR is trying to mange our bigger lakes with a 'farm pond' manual.

Originally Posted by herb

Rathbun, like Red Rock and Saylorville weren't built with crappie fishing in mind. They were built for flood control and the crappies are just a byproduct. They have their up and down cycles like always, BUT, with limits in place now, those cycles should smooth out a bit instead of being a large curve on the chart. Size limits would smooth that curve even more but that will have to be a personal decision by the fisherman. I don't think the state will persue this any further.
There are too many things going against our Rathbun fish. No shoreline protection from boat and wind erosion, very little vegitation for fish to hide in, too much additional silt coming in from the Chariton River. And because of the flooding, the lake has lost a lot of needed predator fish like walleyes thru the spillway. I know there are other things I can't think of right now.
Limits and leaving the lake higher during the spawn is a good start tho.
I'm just a barstool biologist, but it seems the DNR is trying to mange our bigger lakes with a 'farm pond' manual.

Very informative post. You make some excellent points. I bolded a section I beilieve we all can have a impact on. We all can sink structure, It is not much more difficult than fishing. It just takes a little preperation. ALso you will be making your own honey hole too.

We as crappie anglers should get together and organize a structure dropping day. It would be a good way to meet some new people, develop friendships, better the lakes we enjoy. With a little preperation we could do alot to benefit the overall crappie production in Rathbun and other Lakes as well...

Herb,
Great post will likely cause some conflict. I've been preaching limits and size limits on crappies since the early 90's. Response from the DNR was it isnt needed.Funny part is every state around north, south, east, and west of Iowa has a possesion limits as well as a length limit on crappie. Many of those waters are Corps water as well.Another funny part is many of those Corps lakes have a winter draw down stage lower than normal pool. Wonder when we're going to get a clue and follow suit.After three years of NOT being able to control the flood pool on rathbun I think they are really starting to rethink that issue as well. Especially after spending all the money and time riprapping the north shore this winter. I know the SDNR is getting frustrated with producing quality fish only to have them go through the spillway.That could start a thread all in its own. The frustrating part is when a group of people actually want restrictions to better a body of water are rediculed for trying to improved the fishery.Great topic Herb.