Thread: Rathbun Lake

I haven't fished it either, but my cousin just retired from the Corps of Eng at Rathbun. I was planning on getting hold of him to ask the same questions you asked. I was hoping to fish there this spring. If I get any good info, I'll let you know.
jim

I fish the lake about every weekend in the spring. It is often muddy. I would say late May would be the time if you are looking to hit the spawn, I have cought them as early as 4/25 and as late as 6/18 spawning there so it is kinda up to mother nature. There are sevral bait shops around the lake I always go to Bridgeview but there are others. As far as a guide the only one I know is Ron Boylan and he is well worth the price for a trip, I hired him for a day in July sevral years ago and had a great time and cought plenty of fish. The day before I fished on my own and ended up with just a couple next day with him and ended up with a 6 gal. bucket full.

Do the bait shop have Ron's number? That would be great to do a day with him and then take off on my own.
Thanks!
Matt

Originally Posted by jwn

I fish the lake about every weekend in the spring. It is often muddy. I would say late May would be the time if you are looking to hit the spawn, I have cought them as early as 4/25 and as late as 6/18 spawning there so it is kinda up to mother nature. There are sevral bait shops around the lake I always go to Bridgeview but there are others. As far as a guide the only one I know is Ron Boylan and he is well worth the price for a trip, I hired him for a day in July sevral years ago and had a great time and cought plenty of fish. The day before I fished on my own and ended up with just a couple next day with him and ended up with a 6 gal. bucket full.

Go mid-late may, get to the back of any cove in the brush. You'll catch some.

Ron's Guide service number is 641-724-3501 I think. I have not talked to him in a while but try that and let me know. The Bridgeview shop will definetly know. Thats my bait shop of choice.

If that number does not work try 641-203-1411

I agree w/ slablicious......typically mid-late May and as far as you can get your boat up in the brush. We have always gone the week after Mothers Day. I like fishing Buck Creek and the South Fork area. Crappie Cove still holds fish, but there isn't much structure in there anymore and you'll need a shoe horn to get in! Personally I like fishing the higher water better during the spawn as there is more bank structure availbe for the fish to hold in. Don't overlook those flooded willows!!!!

Slab_seeker

Thanks for the info Slab Seeker!
Matt