DNR News Releases

Search for a News Release

Press/Media inquiries: PIO@dnr.iowa.gov

DNR News Releases

Archive by tag: RathbunReturn

Walleye netting season starts for Iowa DNR fish hatcheries

• 4/9/2024 12:39:00 PM
• View Count 2311

MORAVIA – The late night, annual walleye collection has begun at Clear Lake, Rathbun Reservoir, Storm Lake and the Iowa Great Lakes.

Injuries reported in boat explosion at Lake Rathbun on Sunday

• 7/3/2023 2:17:00 PM
• View Count 4818

MORAVIA - A mechanical malfunction likely led to a boat motor explosion injuring five at Lake Rathbun on Sunday, July 2, 2023. 

DNR crews achieve walleye collection goals

• 4/25/2023 11:46:00 AM
• View Count 4540

A dramatic warming trend, along with the correct photoperiod, allowed DNR staff to capture more than 3,100 adult female walleyes in a short amount of time at Clear, Rathbun, and Storm lakes.

Walleye netting season starts for Iowa DNR fish hatcheries

• 4/11/2023 2:23:00 PM
• View Count 3429

MORAVIA – The late night, annual walleye collection has begun at Clear Lake, Rathbun Reservoir, and Storm Lake with collection efforts soon to follow at the Iowa Great Lakes.  

Rathbun Lake walleye length limit changes effective January 1, 2023

• 11/15/2022 11:47:00 AM
• View Count 7816

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is implementing a 15-inch minimum length limit on all walleye captured from Rathbun Lake, starting January 1, 2023.

Iowa DNR accepting comments on proposed walleye length limit changes on Lake Rathbun

• 9/13/2022 12:18:00 PM
• View Count 4704

MORAVIA - The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is accepting comments on proposed changes to walleye length limits on Lake Rathbun, through Sept. 29.

Iowa’s cool water fish hatcheries filled to capacity

• 4/27/2021 11:40:00 AM
• View Count 3125

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources’ spring fish spawning season is over and Iowa’s cool water fish hatcheries at Fairport, Rathbun, and Spirit Lake are filled to capacity.

Fish hatcheries busy netting walleye

• 4/6/2021 12:31:00 PM
• View Count 5232

MORAVIA – The late night, annual walleye collection began last week at Rathbun and Storm lakes and earlier this week at the Iowa Great Lakes. Crews with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources Fisheries Bureau will set gillnets at night looking for walleyes ready to spawn.

New law impacts boat operators on federal waterways beginning April 1

• 3/30/2021 2:38:00 PM
• View Count 4853

A new federal law goes into effect on April 1, that requires the operator of a boat with an installed Engine Cut-Off Switch (ECOS) to use the ECOS link while operating on all federally navigable waterways.

New Rathbun Reservoir map available on the DNR website

• 12/17/2019 1:07:00 PM
• View Count 5107

Fisheries staff from the Iowa Department of Natural Resources recently surveyed Rathbun Reservoir. An updated fishing map is available on the DNR website.

Transformation taking shape at Rathbun Wildlife Area

• 6/11/2019 3:37:00 PM
• View Count 5347

Change is coming to the west end of the Rathbun Wildlife Area, along the south fork of the Chariton River that has long been sought out by deer and turkey hunters for excellent habitat along the river corridor.

Iowa DNR has another successful netting season for walleye

• 5/7/2019 2:36:00 PM
• View Count 4645

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources’ (DNR) spring fish spawning season is over and Iowa’s two walleye hatcheries are filled to capacity. Netting crews collected enough walleye to produce 1,082 quarts of walleye eggs at the Spirit Lake hatchery and 963 quarts at the Rathbun hatchery.

Fish hatcheries busy netting walleye

• 4/9/2019 12:05:00 PM
• View Count 3497

Moravia – The late night, annual walleye collection started April 6 at Rathbun Lake and April 7 at Storm Lake. Crews with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources Fisheries Bureau have been setting gillnets at night looking for walleyes ready to spawn.

Iowa DNR to host hunting incident academy

• 9/11/2018 1:16:00 PM
• View Count 3166

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is partnering with the International Hunter Education Association to host the USA Hunting Incident Investigation Academy at Honey Creek State Park Resort and the DNR Rathbun Fish Hatchery September 16 -20.

DNR, VA to host Veterans Casting Away Disabilities event

• 5/4/2018 3:19:00 PM
• View Count 5343

MORAVIA, Iowa -- The Iowa DNR is partnering with the VA to host the 17th annual Veterans Casting Away Disabilities event next week, May 6-12 at Honey Creek Resort at Rathbun Lake.

Meeting to discuss Lake Rathbun water quality improvement plan

• 6/22/2017 12:03:00 PM
• View Count 4197

CHARITON – Iowans interested in the results of a DNR study to improve water quality in Lake Rathbun in south-central Iowa can attend a meeting July 6. Citizens are encouraged to bring their questions and ideas to improve the lake to the meeting for discussion. 

4 Before-You–Go Tips for Kayak Camping (and 7 Destinations)

• 7/29/2015 8:30:00 AM
• View Count 37125

Kayaking is a great way to explore the state and get some exercise, but if you intend to stay the night at a paddle-in only campsite, you have to pack thoughtfully. Check out the advice below, approved by DNR paddling expert and instructor Todd Robertson, to help you start camping comfortably with your kayak. And remember, always check water levels before you go.

Paddle Up To These Secluded Campsites

• 6/19/2015 11:02:00 AM
• View Count 57932

The self-reliant can take advantage of several remote paddle-in primitive campsites, get surrounded by nature and leave other humans behind. The locations make for a Boundary Waters-like experience in Iowa.

7 Things to Do at Honey Creek Resort State Park This Summer

• 6/11/2015 10:50:00 AM
• View Count 8147

Enjoy the outdoors with your family through these outdoor adventures at Honey Creek Resort State Park.

7 Iowa Fish With Open State Records: How to Catch a Record Fish

• 6/9/2015 10:51:00 AM
• View Count 12762

Put your name as the first entry in the history books by catching one of these seven fish species we added to the eligible State Record Fish species list in 2013. With no records for these fish currently,you can be the first to set the record! Try these tips to help you catch a record fish.

Three Off-The-Beaten-Path Places to Camp in Iowa

• 6/2/2015 10:14:00 AM
• View Count 72409

Iowa’s state parks and forests offer many beautiful and relaxing campgrounds, but if you’re looking to feel like you’re escaping civilization for a while, here are some top places to rough it in Iowa.