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Henry’s Lake

Jimmy's All Seasons Angler / Henry’s Lake (Page 13)

Henry’s Lake 10-8-16

There are no “where are the fish?” questions going around now about Henry’s Lake! Fishing has really picked up, and with cooling weather can get better.Typical good areas to fish include the west side, creek mouths, and around the State Park. Expect crowding in many locations, and you will have company when you get into fish. As we mentioned in our October 1st report, big flies flies  (various leech and streamer patterns) presented in shallow water (less than 10 feet) seem to work as well as anything.

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Henry’s Lake 10-1-16

The event that so many folks have been wanting is beginning. Fishing is picking up on the lake and should improve as we move through October.  Big flies presented in relatively shallow water seems to be working now. Some folks tout big streamers, some folks tout big leech patterns, some folks tout big soft hackled patterns, and some folks tout fly rod jigs.  Take your pick!

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Henry’s Lake 9-15-16

Henry’s is showing signs of improvement, but overall fishing remains pretty tough. The key has been finding fish, if you can do that, the fish have been pretty willing. Wind storms have pounded the lake this late summer/early fall and combined with the blue/green algae bloom, half the battle has been finding clean water. The good news is with the cooling temperatures, the algae is disappearing and the weeds are dying off.

Now for the fishing……Concentrate your efforts in fairly shallow water (10ft and less) with type II and intermediate lines. There is still a fair amount of weeds present but don’t let that discourage you. The best fishing has been in amongst the weeds. Prospect with fly patterns until you find something thats working. All the traditional leech patterns (california leech, hot chocolate, Brown CB, Olive CB, mohair leeches, etc…..)  have been working in sizes 6 & 8. Later in the day switch over to scuds, mighty mouse, HL renegade, and other smaller flies. If your into drifting with flies, there have been some large fish caught recently drifting between Targhee Creek and the State Park. Use a fairly fast sinking line if your planning to drift that area.

We have also had quite a few people calling and asking if the cutthroats have moved into the state park area, and the answer is not yet… That could happen any day now though so I would check it if your on the lake. The water temps are right and it feels like the lake is just about to go off, lets hope its soon!

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Henry’s Lake 8-23-16

Fishing remains quite slow, but the good news is that the blue-green algae bloom seems to be receding. Cooler night and daytime air temperatures is part of the reason. We are all looking forward to autumn months for the usual pick-up of fishing success here.

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South Fork 8-23-16

Stable and good quality water means good fishing continues on the river. The Great Feeder has been shut down meaning more water in the river below Byington.  Mutant golden stoneflies are emerging. Wes Newman’s Super X has been around a long time, but it works as well as other patterns for these stoneflies. Chernobyl types also fished on top early and again late in the day are also a good choice. Using two nymph rigs  of small bead head patterns is the most productive approach for fishing drop-offs around riffles now that hatches have diminished a bit. Try caddislfy life cycle patterns in the evening, and consider pitching a streamer pattern after the sun leaves the water.

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Henry’s Lake 7-16-16

Fishing here sure has been slow, and the reason is likely a combination of factors. Leeches presented deep seem to bring the best results up to now.  But the way things are warming up, it is likely time to concentrate presenting traditional Henry’s Lake patterns at creek mouths. Begin doing so at first light, and expect oncoming company, especially if you are having good fishing.

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Henry’s Lake 6-7-16

Everything we have heard so far indicates slow fishing. Could it be that the ice going off somewhat early warmed the lake enough to move fish away from the shoreline and out into the lake and around springs?  Hard to say, but it might be best to seek out the springs and try early season leech and midge pupa patterns. One thing for sure is that with only 60 cfs going out of the lake and fish having move away from shallows, not many have been flushed into the outlet below.  So there are still plenty of fish around, and it is just a matter of finding them.

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Henry’s Lake 5-16-16

The opener is just 12 days away and we have received quite a few calls from folks wondering how the fishing will be this year. From what we have heard from the fish and game as well as current water levels, there is no reason not to be optimistic. Last fall, people were finally starting to catch some of the nicer fish the lake is known for with some consistency. The ice came off the lake early this year, so focus on water deeper than you typically would on the opener. Fish should be hanging in that 6-15ft range and should be hungry. Leeches dominate early season fishing so be sure to have a large assortment of leeches in different sizes and colors to make sure your prepared. I would make sure you have some california leeches sz 6, purple showgirls size 4, black mohair leeches in sz 8, and brown and black crystal buggers in sz 8. Call us at the shop with any questions you may have!

here is a little blurb from the fish and game about the spring gillnetting up at the lake “Henrys Lake spring netting is complete. Although the fish per net was below objective, there are sufficient numbers to provide good catch rates. Relative weight or how fat the fish are is improved. Lake conditions look favorable and it should be a good year to catch that fish of a lifetime. Many thanks to University of Idaho graduate students and BYU/Idaho biology students for participating this year.”

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Henry’s Lake 11-24-15

Some hardy souls are ice fishing the lake now. Let’s hope they are being cautious enough to be safe as thin ice areas remain without a doubt.  Consider that presence if you give it a try. Dress warmly and drive a winterized vehicle.

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