Honey Creek State Park / Rathbunon Rathbun Lake
Conditions right now
No USGS gauge is linked to this water yet, so we can't chart flows.
Cool fall conditions (49°F
- 01Cool fall conditions (49°F, fog, light winds) on Rathbun Lake.
- 02Subsurface bite is key due to cooler water temperatures.
- 03Midges, damselfly nymphs, crayfish, and leeches are primary food sources.
- 04Top flies include Woolly Bugger (Olive), Clouser Minnow (Bass) (Chartreuse/White), Mysis Shrimp (Nymph), Crayfish (Fly) (Olive/Rust), Perch Pattern, Chironomid Pupa, Flashback Hare's Ear Nymph, and Damsel Nymph (Olive).
- 05Focus on lake structure like points, humps, drop-offs, and weed beds.
What to tie on at Honey Creek State Park / Rathbun
Picked from recent reports for this stretch.
Damsel Nymph (Olive)
Damsel nymphs are present in weed beds year-round, making this olive pattern effective when stripped slowly along the bottom near vegetation for Crappie, Bluegill, and Walleye.
Perch Pattern
Yellow Perch are a common forage for Walleye and Largemouth Bass in Rathbun Lake, and spring is prime time for imitating perch fry.
Scud (Pink/Orange)
Freshwater shrimp (scuds) are a consistent food source in Rathbun Lake, especially in areas with aquatic vegetation, and a pink or orange variation is very effective in early spring.
Buy at AmazonCrappie Jig Fly
Crappies are moving closer to shore as the water warms, making this minnow/invertebrate imitation highly effective around structure.
Buy at AmazonBalanced Leech (Black)
Leeches are a consistent, high-protein food source for predatory fish in stillwaters year-round, especially effective in warming spring conditions.
Woolly Bugger (Black/Olive)
This versatile streamer imitates leeches and baitfish, making it effective for active predatory fish like Walleye and Largemouth Bass in the warming spring waters of Rathbun Lake.
Crayfish (Fly) (Olive/Rust)
Crayfish are a primary food source for Largemouth Bass and Walleye in rocky areas of Rathbun Lake, making this a crucial subsurface pattern.
Damsel Nymph (Olive)
Damsel nymphs become active in late spring as they migrate towards shore to hatch, providing an abundant food source for various species.
Clouser Minnow (Chartreuse/White)
An excellent baitfish imitation for predatory species like Walleye, Largemouth Bass, and Crappie, especially effective in clear water.
Iowa season by season
What changes on the water through the year, with the flies for each season.