Contact Rathbun Lake

Rathbun Project Office
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
20112 Hwy J5T
Centerville, IA 52544

Phone: 641-647-2464
Fax: 641-647-2888

Email: Rathbun@usace.army.mil

Rathbun Lake News Releases

Officials planning to conduct one-day test release at Rathbun Lake
2/26/2024
Officials plan to conduct a one-day test release from Rathbun Lake later this spring. As part of the detailed design process for the Rathbun Lake Fisheries Section 1135 project, the information...

Welcome to Rathbun Lake

We are looking for Junior Rangers! No need to apply for this job -- just download the FREE book below to learn about water safety activities, bicycle safety, trees, bald eagles, fish, invasive species & more. Be a Junior Ranger all summer & have fun!
As our recreation areas begin to reopen we want to remind you that we need your help during these trying times.
Follow CDC guidelines, even when outdoors. We are not staffed to maintain/clean lake & park areas. Be cautious about touching anything. Sanitize and wash often. Practice social distancing.
Rathbun Dam construction began in 1964 and was completed in 1969 with multi-purpose operation beginning in October 1970. The Dam, which is located in Appanoose County, Iowa, is 142.3 river miles north of the confluence with the Missouri River. The Dam is a constructed earth-fill embankment and measures approximately 2 miles in length at a height of approximately 101 feet.
Rathbun Lake Staff uses prescribed burns to help manage native grasslands around the lake. Approximately 125 acres are still occupied by some combination of the original prairie species that once clothed much of Rathbun Lake Project’s 33,909 acres. These scattered patches are being augmented by past and present prairie reestablishment plantings on the land surrounding Rathbun Lake.
Rathbun Lake has ten recreation areas that offer camping, boating, swimming, fishing and other activities for our visitors. The Corps of Engineers manages four park areas that contain over 475 campsites. Rathbun Lake's marina is operated by a concessionaire that provides additional services for visitors. The 125 acre Rathbun OHV Park provides trails for all riders and a practice track for more experienced riders.
Join our team! Current job openings can be found on OPM's USAJOBS website. https://usace.usajobs.gov/
Milo food plots like the one shown here provide a great source of food for all types of wildlife. The smaller grain is utilized by many upland bird species like quail, pheasants and turkeys. Along with providing a food source, Milo also provides excellent habitat cover during the winter months.

 

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