Iowa / Rathbun Lake /

Rathbun Lake Small Boat Access

Rathbun Lake Small Boat Access is a public kayak and canoe launch on Rathbun Lake near Melrose, Iowa, run by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources.

Aerial view of the narrow concrete ramp running into the lake from the access road, September 2023
Aerial view of the narrow concrete ramp running into the lake from the access road, September 2023 Photo: USDA Farm Service Agency, NAIP · Public domain · via USGS The National Map
Zebra mussels

Zebra mussels (latest report 2009) reported in this water (USGS Nonindigenous Aquatic Species database). Clean, drain and dry your boat, trailer and gear before you leave, and do not move water, plants or live bait to another water.

USGS Nonindigenous Aquatic Species database · checked October 20, 2026

Status not reported No closure has been posted for this launch, but its agency does not publish open or closed status. Check with the managing agency before you tow.

At the launch

Type
Carry-in (canoe and kayak)
Managed by
Iowa Department of Natural Resources
Coordinates
40.89802, -93.09797

Directions (Google) Apple Maps

Conditions

Lake level: Rathbun Lake

Today's level loads here; without it, see the agency's page below.

Full pool is 904.0 ft (USACE, Top of Conservation).

Level from U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Corps Water Management System (Rathbun Dam & Reservoir), about hourly; the agency's page. Levels change; check conditions at the ramp before you launch.

On Rathbun Lake

Lake in Iowa. All launches on Rathbun Lake.

Community

Where people who use Rathbun Lake talk about it.

Nearby launches

Sources

Why it is listed as public: listed by U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Kansas City District boat ramps. Something wrong, or is this launch private? Send a correction; it goes to a person.