Just like the old expression “gold is where you find it”, you can find Henry’s Lake trout in shallow waters anywhere around the lake. Some locations like the State and County parks will be more crowded than others, but everyone seems to be catching fish. Large woolly bugger flies presented on intermediate lines seem particularly effective.
Henry’s has not been its usual fall self lately. We have had storm fronts roll in every couple of days along with high winds that have kept the lake off color and the fish tight lipped. If the weather is consistent the fishing has been better. The surface temps on the lake yesterday were in the low to mid forties, so the temperature is certainly right for better fishing.
The shallows around the northwest corner and the State Park have been best. If the water is off color, use a larger darker leech pattern and cover as much water as possible. If your fishing the State Park specifically, guys have been having success with larger chironomid pupa under indicators.
Hopefully the weather will allow us some of the great fall fishing were all used to!
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.
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!
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!
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.
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.
Slow fishing is the name of the game, but the fish are in residence. Improvement will likely come during autumn months.
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.
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.