The lake bed in 3-D: deep basin, drop-offs and shoreline. Shape estimated, not for navigation. Spot 1 (point drop-off) is open for everyone; the other 6 come with LakeScope PRO. Full screen
Rathbun Lake
Appanoose County, Iowa · 11,000 acres (17.2 sq mi)
52°F water, level falling, calm this morning.
About Rathbun Lake
Rathbun Lake spreads over 11,000 acres in Appanoose County, Iowa. It was made by Rathbun Dam on the Chariton River. Rathbun Lake on the Chariton River is Iowa's largest reservoir by normal-pool surface area aside from Red Rock.
It stretches about 13.3 miles end to end with roughly 87 miles of shoreline. Its surface is about 900 ft above sea level. The nearest town, Centerville, is about 6.2 miles southeast. Des Moines, the nearest city, is about 53 miles northwest.
- Size
- 11,000 acres (17.2 sq mi)
- Shoreline
- About 87 miles
- End to end
- About 13.3 miles
- Elevation
- About 900 ft
- Type
- Reservoir
- Dam
- Rathbun Dam, Chariton River
- County
- Appanoose County
The lake from above
Best fishing times
Saturday Good
- 6:15 am – 8:30 amsunrise · wind 0 mph
- 3:15 pm – 5:30 pm bestsunset, moon overhead · wind 1 mph
Sunday Good
- 6:15 am – 8:30 amsunrise · wind 0 mph
- 4:15 pm – 5:30 pm bestsunset, moon overhead · wind 2 mph
Based on sun and moon times and the wind forecast. A guide, not a promise. The app shows the whole week.
Fish in Rathbun Lake
The fish here: crappie, walleye and catfish. With the surface at 52°F, the notes below say which of them should be biting.
- FairCrappie
Schooled on deeper brush piles. Fish small jigs slowly.
- GoodWalleye
Prime range. Low light is best, on reefs and weed edges.
- FairCatfish
Waking up. Channels and creek mouths, especially after rain.
From today's water temperature and the season. A guide, not a promise.
Fishing spots
- 1Point drop-off
The bottom falls away fast off this point; fish rest deep and move up the slope to feed.
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
- 6
- 7
6 more spots with LakeScope PRO: fish, depth band, water temperature, best time and bait for each.
Picked from the shape of the lake bed. A guide, not a promise.
Water temperature
At the surface, seen .
Water level
Falling 0.4 ft in 7 days.
Latest reading .
Ice
Open water
Ice thickness is an estimate from air temperature, not a measurement. Check the ice yourself before going on it.
Weather and wind
Sunrise 6:57 am · sunset 4:54 pm · waxing crescent moon (lake time).
Towns and places to stay near Rathbun Lake
- Centervilleabout 6.2 mi southeast
- Albiaabout 11 mi northeast
- Charitonabout 12 mi northwest
- Corydonabout 13 mi southwest
- Des Moinesnearest city, about 53 mi northwest
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Questions about Rathbun Lake
What fish are in Rathbun Lake?
Rathbun Lake holds crappie, walleye and catfish. Check the state fish and wildlife agency for stocking and limits.
How deep is Rathbun Lake?
We have no published depth for this lake. The 3-D view gives an estimated shape of the bed: where the deep basin and the drop-offs are. Not for navigation.
How big is Rathbun Lake?
11,000 acres, with about 87 miles of shoreline.
What town is near Rathbun Lake?
Centerville is about 6.2 miles southeast; Albia is about 11 miles northeast.
What is the water temperature at Rathbun Lake today?
The surface was about 52°F on the latest clear reading. The page updates every day.
Rathbun Lake on your phone
The whole week of bite times, lake alerts and the 3-D view, every morning.
