Flood could introduce Asian carp to Lake Rathbun

Repeated heavy rains in and around Lake Rathbun have doubled the size of the lake to 22,000 acres and are threatening to flood many of the natural resource facilities that draw an estimated 800,000 visitors to this area each year.

The high water could allow big head carp and silver carp an avenue into Lake Rathbun, according to the Department of Natural Resources.

These invasive fish are in the Chariton River and have been found staging below the spillway. Carp seek out flowing water and swim in to the current.

If the water level rises enough, some of the smaller feeder streams, as well as the emergency spillway, could serve as a conduit for these unwanted fish to enter Lake Rathbun.

“We are looking at the possibility that these carp could enter the lake through the emergency spillway, provided enough water is flowing through it,” said DNR fisheries chief Joe Larscheid. “We really don't want these fish in the lake. We are already faced with having zebra mussels in the lake.”

Lake Rathbun elevation was 925.84 feet as of 7:30 a.m. Wednesday. The highest recorded lake elevation was 927.17 feet on July 28, 1993. The normal pool elevation is 904 feet. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is increasing the outflow from the lake with the goal of reaching 3,000 cubic feet per second, which would be double that of the normal high water release.

The lake is level is expected to rise above the base of the emergency spillway and if that does happen, it will be the first time since the reservoir reached its pool in October 1970.

“We were able to move about 80,000 walleyes into the hatchery building itself and are going to hope for the best for the catfish that are in the ponds. If the flood waters do come, we will likely lose the catfish,” Larscheid said.

“We are planning for the worst and hoping for the best,” Larscheid said.

By Wednesday morning, the rising pool level at Lake Rathbun was expected to have an impact on some of the amenities at Honey Creek Resort State Park, particularly the golf course, beach and boating facilities.

The high water boat ramp at Honey Creek State Park, a few miles west of the resort, is currently open.

Honey Creek Resort State Park's lodge, restaurant and cabin facilities are fully operational and serving visitors.