Henrys Lake
Henrys Lake is a world renowned fishery. Very very nice trout are caught on
these shallow waters.
Cutthroats, Cuttbows, and Brook Trout all
can get very large here due to the incredible nutrition available for fish.
The aquatic growth and insect growth is tremendous.
Henrys Lake is 5 miles long and about 3 1/2 miles wide. It is relatively
shallow, averaging about 12 to 18 feet deep.
The deepest spot is 25 feet near Staley Springs. The elevation is 6500 feet.
Get to the lake on Hwy 20, 15 miles west of Yellowstone Nat. Park West Gate.
The Lake was a natural lake at one time and a dam was added to create a
larger body of water. The Lake ices over from November to May.
There are weed beds on the lake bottom, and when they get thick the best
way to fish is to try the channels and gaps between beds.
Trolling is good until about late July when the weeds get too thick.
The water temperature
reaches 70 degrees by August. The weed growth starts about 70 degrees.
Float tubers enjoy Henrys Lake for fly fishing.
This may be the best fly fishing lake in Idaho, or the West.
Around September the weed beds diminish and trolling is good again.
Much of the shore is privately owned so most access is by boat or float tube.
There is an underground spring, called Staley Springs, that introduces cold
water into the lake bottom, and the fish like to congregate here when the water warms up in summer.
The Fish
Cutthroat Trout
Cutthroats reach 3 to 5 pounds on average in these waters.
Cuttbow Trout
These are hybrid Rainbow and Cutthroat trout.
Cuttbows at Henry's reach 12 pounds. Many larger have been caught.
Brook Trout
Brookies reach up to 5 pounds here.
Utah Chubs
A small fish considered a trash fish. There is a debate going on
about whether the Chubs are affecting the trout fishery.
Trolling rigs include Panther Martin spinners or Pop Gear-Lake Trolls
with a worm. Other effective lures are the rooster tails, Hot Shots, and Flatfish.
Trolling flies is also highly effective. Use lead core line and troll slowly
between the weed beds. Leech flies work well.
The season opens Memorial day and closes Oct. 31st. There is a two fish
limit of any species. Bait is allowed.
Fishing Reports for Henrys Lake
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October 25, 2005
Name: Mr. Ratfish
Date: October 7, 2005
Trent Burroughs, age 15 1/2, caught his first Henry's
trout on a Mighty Mouse he tied the night before. Fishing deep with a sink-tip
line and a medium speed strip retrieve, he hooked the lunker on the north shore
near the Hatchery. Landed after 15 minutes. 6 pounds; 23 1/2 inches.
Happy Boy; proud Dad.
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October 10, 2005
Name: AlumacrafterF60+F8
Lake: Henry's Lake
Air Temp: 28 - 58
Water Temp cold
Water Clarity and Color ... Somewhat clear - green(algae)
Casting spinners from shore while camping.
Best fishing was in the early or late hours. Did not fish consistently.
Probably fished a total of 6-8 hours. Caught 6-7 cutthroats or hybrids, 3 - 5 lbs.; 19" to 22".
Lures: Silver Blue Fox. Rainbow (holographic) Panther Martin. (both 1/4 ounce)
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September 14
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2006 |
Name: Chris
Caught 12 Brook Trout on a black leech
pattern in front of the hatchery. Most of the fish were caught in the early morning.
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October 15-23
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2007 |
Name: Aluma165
Water Temp: 48
Lake had a severe algae bloom this fall.
Wind blew weeds everywhere. Stayed a week and was able to fish just
two evenings while the wind calmed down and the weeds cleared some.
Casting #3 blue fox and panther rainbow holographic spinners. I managed
to catch just one cutthroat that measured 24" and weighed 4 1/2 lbs. which
is about average for Henrys. If you've never fished Henrys you owe it to yourself!
Big trout if you can hit it right. Spring and fall days with
little or no wind are uncommon but if the lake is right, hang on...
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Send in a Fishing Report Here!
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