Please contact the local fisheries management biologist for current information.
The Rathbun tailrace fishery is highly dependent on flood conditions at Rathbun Lake. Nearly all fish in the tailrace have escaped from the lake during floodwater discharge. Many of these fish do not live long in the tailrace, such as walleye, and eventually move downstream. Best angling can be experienced shortly after flows from Rathbun Lake are reduced after a flood. - Last updated on 01/09/2019.
In nearly all cases, Iowa fish are safe to eat. Cleaning and/or preparing the meal causes most of the problems regarding taste or color of fish. Like all living creatures, fish are susceptible to diseases, parasites, and other naturally occurring conditions in the water. If you suspect your fish is affected by any of these conditions, do not eat it. Consider eating smaller and younger fish which usually have lower levels of contaminants than larger ones. Most contaminants accumulate in larger, older fish. For additional information, check out our resources for eating and cooking Iowa caught fish.
To learn more about fish tissue monitoring, visit our Fish Tissue Monitoring page .
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The summaries listed below are a partial listing provided for your benefit. Familiarize yourself with the complete Fishing Regulations here: Iowa DNR Fishing Regulations and Laws.