Thread: Rathbun It Is

OH NO!!! Wish ya would'nt have posted that, Rippa. Now i've got 8 weeks of sleepless nights, thinking about our trip up there haha. Hope your predictions are right on, hope to come home with with sore arms from reelin em in...izzy

My uncle fishes Rathbun on everyday he can. some days he goes out on a boat with a buddy, but usually shore. he told me the prime colors are a blue/white tube with a bright pink leadhead. also, yellow/white tube with a yellow leadhead. he got 59 keepers, about 200 total the other day, and 52 and around 200 yesterday on the boat. good luck, whoever goes down there, and i hope this information helps ya get some slabs!!! good luck.
CoRy

Thanks Cory, i'll remember that...izzy

What is the size this year so far on the specks at Rathbun?
I know a smaller lake north of there that will produce 10-12"ers consistantly.
Maybe I need to drive a little further south next time???

I used to fish Rathbun two times a week, then it kinda fell on its face so to speak. Have not been there for a couple years other than to bowfish.

Great Lake to fish for sure, but can get rough if the wind is just right.

I am from Northwest Illinois. My neighbor and I will be headed to Rathbun May 22-25. Can anyone tell me what a Non-Resident fishing license cost? What other fish are in Rathbun besides Crappie? I can't wait to go. This will be my first fishing trip without the wife and kids.

It looks like NR fishing license cost $39.50 for an anual, $16 for 3 day, and $9 for a 1 day. I got these prices off of Ia. DNR website. You can also purshase any Ia. license online, but they do charge you a "convinience fee" of a couple of bucks.

J bird
That time of the year the walleye bite will really start picking up.Also youll start seeing some catfich and white bass.For the walleyes that time of the year dont fish too deep.Less tahn 8 foot is a good rule usually shallower than that.

Originally Posted by Tim The Lippa Rippa Mon

Do Rathbun instead. The Crappie Masters tourny will have many boats in it, including mine. But this is really set to be a bonanza year for Rathbun. It goes in cycles there, and when the timing is right, which it is this year, you are in for some fishing of a life time. I'm not recomend any areas for ther this year though. But I am sure you won't have too much of a problem finding all the 12" or better fish you care to if the weather just cooperates. Full baskets, and big bites to yas. But please remember to leave behind some of the bigger nest gaurding males, and concentrate more on taking home the spawned out females.

<,"}/>{ Rippa

We did'nt fare to well, as with most we talked to. I guess the weather messed em up again (as with everywhere this year). How did you do in the tourney Rippa? We watched part of the weigh in and talked to a few of the guys, they said it was pretty tuff. Seen the points leaders only had 4lbs something. We wound up with 6 Fri. and 16 Sat. with a nice walleye to boot. 1-15 1/2" and the rest in the 9 to 10 inch range. Waygate, thanks again for the help. We picked up a few off the spots you told me about. Not alot of fish, but had a good time and will try it again next year...izzy