Henry’s Lake, September 18th, 2021
Let’s hope that the upcoming unsettled weather brings the lake out of the current fishing doldrums!
Let’s hope that the upcoming unsettled weather brings the lake out of the current fishing doldrums!
The lake is 90% of capacity and the blue-green algae bloom is extensive. All this suggests warm water and lack of dissolved oxygen that slows fishing. An extensive, hard cold snap would diminish the algae bloom and improve fishing.
We have heard very little on fishing success at Henry’s Lake. Reading between the lines, we would hear success stories if fishing were good. Unusually warm water is a major reason for slow fishing here. . Nevertheless, if giving it a try comes about, try creek mouths and spring holes early in the AM and use standard patterns recommended for this time of the season.
Same story: fish creek mouths and spring holes. Get there at sunrise, fish till mid-day and expect company especially if you are catching fish. Opportunistic anglers will use binoculars to glass the lake and join your success. Again refer to Bill Schiess’s “Fishing Henry’s Lake” to find the best mid-summer patterns. .
Expect slow fishing except near spring areas and creek mouths such as Duck, Howard, and Targhee, Get to these early in the day, expect company, and refer to Bill Schiess’s “Fishing Henry’s Lake” for best fly patterns.
With the lake warming up, it is time to begin fishing creek mouths and submerged springs. Springs are “where you find them.” Creek mouths such as Howard, Targhee, and Duck tend to become crowded, so the earlier the arrival, the better. Floating or sink tip lines are best depending on depth of presentation. The best patterns for doing so can be found in Bill Schiess’s informative book “Fishing Henry’s Lake.”
A lot of folks are asking where are the bigger fish. The best bet to encounter them is to either fish deep or wait until the lake cools off.
It looks like smaller fish make up most catches so far. The best action seems to be along the west side. Fish are moving to deeper water a signal that the lake is warming up.
Trolling seems to be the best way to encounter good fishing. This suggests that fish are moving into deeper water and that the lake is warming up. Not hard to figure because of or warm weather and the lack of good snowfall last winter.
From what we have heard, opening weekend featured good fishing. Fish must be remaining in shallower water and so are easier to encounter. The lake is more than 100% full which a good condition for staying cooler longer. This suggests that good fishing should remain in the near future.