rathbun projections

Whats everyones thoughts on the upcoming year at Rathbun? I know last year was a hard time for most.

I say it should be a good one, depending on the water and weather. Lots of 11 to 15 in. fish wern't harvested last year due to people not getting on them. Not sure I want the water as high as last year but I like high water.

what jwn said

I would like to go to rathburn somtime this spring. i have some friends go there every year , and said it's some good fishing. would like to see for myself

Rathbun is an awesome lake.I just hope we can have a normal level year.So far its not looking that way.The lake is about 3 1/2 feet above normal right now and they have alot of snow to melt yet.Have a friend that owns ground on the Chariton River west of Chariton said its finally back in its banks.Hop they start letting some water out as they can only drop the lake a foot a week and at 907.45 now and still rising could take awhile to get it back down.Personally for my fishing I like it around 906 tops during the spawn.PJ

Cory, this morning they were only letting out 11cfs.
That's not a typo. Eleven cubic feet per second.

Update,
The flow is now at 400cfs

Herb I saw that yesterday as well.Theyve to let downstream get caught up before they can cut it loose.The other thing I hate about letting alot of water out this time of year is we lose a ton of crappies and walleyes through the tube.Not good.

Do you think they'd get testy if we put a screen over the gate?

I thought they did put a screen on it?

From the looks of the 3 day forecast starting today they're going to be letting out 1500 cfs. and the inflow #'s has been coming down pretty fast. That should help a little.Anyone know how much more snow is in the area that needs to melt yet ?

That screen doesnt stop everything.You shouldve seen the walleyes and crappies they caught this summer when they were letting all the water out.We all know that the Chariton is big enough to sustain 6 lb plus walleyes.