Rathbun Lake
Reservoir, Appanoose County (Chariton River). Iowa, United States.
40.8689, -92.9979 — View on the map

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- Area
- 4,452 ha
- Managed by
- Iowa Department of Natural Resources (fisheries)
- Permit required
- Iowa fishing license (Iowa DNR)
- Step-free access
- yes
- Boat launch
- yes
Species present
Iowa DNR Fish Iowa lake search (species list)
Local rules
Location (Iowa DNR): 8 miles northwest of Centerville. Other species listed: Hybrid Striped Bass, Wiper. Facilities: Accessible Facilities, Boat Access, Fishing Jetty, Hard Surface Boat Ramp, Picnic Area, Playground, Restrooms, Trails, Beach, Camping, Fish Cleaning Station, Boat Rental.
Area rules (Iowa) for these species
| Black bass (largemouth, smallmouth, spotted) – public lakes | 38.1 cm |
| Black bass – interior streams and river impoundments | 30.5 cm |
| Walleye – Mississippi River pools | 38.1 cm |
Access
Accessible Facilities, Boat Access, Fishing Jetty, Hard Surface Boat Ramp, Picnic Area, Playground, Restrooms, Trails, Beach, Camping, Fish Cleaning Station, Boat Rental
Official sources
- Fish Iowa — Rathbun Reservoir (Iowa DNR) (accessed on 23 September 2026)
- Fish Iowa lake search — Iowa DNR (accessed on 23 September 2026)
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Channel catfishIctalurus punctatus
Largemouth bassMicropterus salmoides
WalleyeSander vitreus