Henry’s Lake

Henry’s Lake, April 12th, 2024

Nate Tillotson, fisheries biologist for the IDF&G’s Upper Snake River Region gave a superb meeting on Henry’s Lake fishery status last Wednesday evening. The public meeting at the Fairfield Inn and Suites, open to the public, was sponsored by the Snake River Cutthroats club resulted in many attendees. Nate’s presentation featured good and bad news, too much to totally describe here, but we will offer a few highlights from what Nate and his crew determined.

First, the bad news. Recently there are fewer, but larger than average fish ( cutthroat average 16.7 inches in length, hybrids 20.6 inches, and brookies 12.5 inches ) in the lake. Slim fishing success is upcoming in the lake for the next few years because hatchery and wild cutthroat ( only 9% occurs in tributaries) spawning has been lower than normal for the last several years, and summertime water temperatures have not been ideal. Now the good news. Ice fishing appears not to impact trout population in the lake. Nate expects that this will be a great year for fishing the lake because the 2017 cutthroat spawn was very good and the result should be a better number of and larger on the average of mature fish than recent years. Tributaries ( mostly Targhee and some of Howard Creeks) are being studied to determine what needs to be done to offer increased wild cutthroat spawning ( hybrid trout and brookies in the lake are sterile). Recently a few brown trout have been caught in the lake, but the source of these ( adjacent private ponds) have been discovered and hosted browns are being or will be eradicated. Water quality studies are beginning to reveal conditions that impact fish population.

So this is the best chance in recent years for fishing success and perhaps catching the ” cutthroat trout of a lifetime” from Henry’s Lake

Henry’s Lake, April 6th, 2024

Nate Tillotson, Upper Snake River Region, IDF&G, assigned to Henry’s Lake will be the guest speaker at the Snake River Cutthroats public meeting, 6;30 PM, Wednesday, April 10th at the Fairbridge Inn & Suites, 850 Lindsay Blvd, Idaho Falls. Nate will provide information on fishery status for the lake and statistical projections for its fishery. The public is invited to attend and to bring questions regarding fishing on this most popular lake.

BTW: Have you gone to the Henry’s Lake Foundation Web Site to contribute to the public survey ?

Henry’s Lake, March 16th, 2024

Although needing updates in some places, the Henry’s Lake Foundation web site is worth visiting. It offers past and current information mostly on the hosted salmonids and habitat as well as invasive species. The section on history is very interesting and includes past misuses as well as actions to sustain and improve the hosted salmonid population.

On the web site home page the visitor will see a request to take a survey which provides public input towards managing the Lake’s salmonid fishery. Information gained will be shared with Idaho Department of Fish and Game. Consider doing the lake a favor by taking the survey to provide information for its future management.

Henry’s Lake, December 9th, 2023

Ice is five to six inches thick, so plenty safe for walking, skiing, etc. December is historically best month for ice fishing success, so about three or so more weeks for to enjoy at best level.

Henry’s Lake, November 28th, 2023

Don’t fret: it’s coming soon!

The ice is still to thin for human access on the lake, but with cold, wind-free nights it is thickening and it should be safe enough in a matter of days. Most sources suggest that thickness near four inches is required for safe access. Bu icing over is not consistent across the lake as areas around springs and inlets thicken at a slower rate.

Henry’s Lake, November 25th, 2023

The outlet bay is iced over as well a other bays on the lake. Otherwise the ice is too thin on the main lake to support weight. Give it some more days to thicken to become safe for fishing.

Henry’s Lake, November 13th, 2023

When these great daytime air temperatures cease, the lake will ice up. Any ice forming at night now melts during daytime. November weather is predicted beginning this weekend. So it is pretty certain that ice-up will come soon.

Henry’s Lake, November 11th, 2023

No ice on the lake at this date. And on forming on isolated places the warm daytime air temperatures, are enough to melt what has formed. These daytime air temperatures are predicted for much of the upcoming week. So consider a visit because the lake will eventually ice over. Fishing remains somewhat spotty. A good strategy is to present a variety of fly patterns using an intermediate line until an effective one is found.

Henry’s Lake, October 31st, 2023

Has not iced over totally yet, but could any day now. Fishing success, good or bad, depends on who you talk to.

Henry’s Lake, October 28th, 2023

Fishing remains spotty at best. Success depends on who you talk to. State Park Facilities are closed but access and the boat ramp remain open.