Henry’s Lake

Henry’s Lake 7-18-2011

Creek mouths are the best places to try now.  Intermediate lines may be the best to use in these locations of shallow water.  Olive Crystals, Peacock AH’s, Mity Mites, beadhead peacock leeches, and your favorite damselfly nymphs work well in these locations. If you are successful catching fish, expect to have company!

Henry’s Lake 7-14-2011

Best fishing appears to be in front of creek mouths.  Targhee, Hope, and Duck creeks are among these, but get to them early to beat the crowds, and expect increasing company if you are catching fish consistently.  Your favorite damselfly nymph pattern as well as mity mites and bead head peacock leeches will bring action.  Many Henry’s Lake veterans will use binoculars to see who is catching fish and where, and if they see your rod is bent they head for your area.

Henry’s Lake 7-11-2011

Damselfly nymphs are working at some locations, but not at others.  All these we have heard of are in shallow water.  So it looks like the damselfly activity is not at its peak.

Henry’s Fork 7-8-2011

We’ve past the peak of the gray drakes on the lower river, but they remain quite numerous. Some green drakes are present, and at nearly dark, brown drakes emerge.   PMDs are everywhere, and so are evening caddis.  A few golden stones also remain, and flavs are coming on.    We cannot be specific about what will work at a given time, so taking  life cycle patterns for all these insects (and then others like midges or BWOs) is the best strategy.  So the fun of fishing now is finding what they are taking during your visit.

It’s the same deal on the upper river which is finally coming around to great fishing.  As with the lower river, approach it with patterns for whatever could be emerging during your visit. Also be prepared for fish to switch interest from one insect to another.

Henry’s Lake 7-5-2011

Most reports have fishing improving here.  Much of the reason is active damselfly nymphs.   Look for the channels around weed beds to present your favorite damselfly nymph patterns. This is mainly a shallow water emergence, meaning lesser need to get to depths of the lake, so intermediate or slow sinking lines are the ticket.

Henry’s Lake 6-29-2011

Everyone is looking for the damselflies to kick-start action.  Recently fishing has been spotty.  We’ll bet that midges are the reason.

Henry’s Lake 6-25-2011

Action is starting to slow as fish appear to be  dispersing into the lake and midging with warming waters.  Peak of damselfly nymph activity is a few weeks away, so look for action to pick up then.

Henry’s Lake 6-18-2011

Fishing in shallow water remains good in shallow water throughout, but fish are beginning to move out into the lake as weed growth hosting food has begun and the lake warms.  Mohair leeches , damselfly nymph, beadhead peacock leeches on intermediate lines have been effective.

Henry’s Lake 6-11-2011

Fishing remains spotty.  Success depends on who you talk to.  We have reports of some fish encountered from the north shoreline, around the county boat dock, and the state park.   Try mohair leeches in your favorite colors, damselfly nymph patterns, and tiny fly rod jigs on an intermediate line.

Henry’s Lake 6-8-2011

Still spotty fishing with no particular place in the lake more outstanding than others.  We have reports of a few fish being caught  around cliffs,  county boat dock, and northwest corner all on leech patterns.  Best fishing is about a month ahead when fish get going big time on damselfly nymphs.