Fishing Wiki - Henrys-Lake

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Description (Edit This)

It is estimated that Henrys Lake, a fairly small lake, has well over a million nice-sized, catchable trout. It has an above-average number of trophy-sized fish, holding the record for largest brook trout caught in the state of Idaho. It is not rare to see an angler pulling a 5 or sometimes even 10-pound trout from the water. Henry’s Lake can provide a new or experienced angler with a world-class fishing trip.

The lake is surrounded by the State Park, full of beautiful hiking trails and wildlife.

Henry’s Lake has a very nice fish-cleaning station, a boat ramp and about 44 campsites to choose from. The campsites are located very close to the lake.

Guides (Edit This)
Do you know of any legal, permitted guides who operate on Henry’s Lake? If so, list them here.

Nearby Lodges (Edit This)

Jared’s Wild Rose Ranch offers lodging, paddle boats, canoes and boats. It has a weight room, laundry room, restaurant and outdoor spa.

Camping cabins are available in the State Park campground.

Location (Edit This)

15 minutes south of West Yellowstone, near Yellowstone National Park.

Just off Hwy 20 and 87, near the town of Island Park. The State Park entrance is on the west side of 20.  Look at the Idaho Govt. website again for the map.

Primary Species (Edit This)
Cutthroat trout, rainbow trout, brook trout and cutthroat/rainbow hybrids.

Special Regulations (Edit This)

The fishing season opens the Saturday of Memorial Day weekend and runs through Nov 30.

The limit is 2  fish - trout and brook trout, in any combination.

Hatchery Creek is closed, and portions of the lake within 100 yards of Hatchery Creek are closed.

Portions of the lake within the posted boundaries of Staley Springs are closed.

Henrys Lake outlet is closed to fishing for about 400 yards, down to the USGS Gauge Station.

Tributaries (except Hatchery Creek) are open for fishing from July 1 through Nov 30.

Fishing is allowed from 5 am – 9 pm.

Bait fishing is allowed at Henry’s Lake.

See the proclamation for detailed information.

Seasonal Factors (Edit This)

In the summer, Henrys Lake becomes overrun with moss and reeds – making the fishing easiest and most successful near the springs and creek inlets. The water is cooler there also, and the fish like to stay where the water is cooler.  The lake is shallow (approximately 20 feet or so at best).

It is an extremely popular lake, which means you will be competing with many other fishermen. Make camping reservations in advance.

During the early spring, many large trout move up the tributaries to spawn. If you are after big fish, the summer and fall periods are more productive.

During September and October the wind and weather can be very nasty. Be aware and cautious of the choppy water – be prepared.

Lures and Techniques (Edit This)

Flies are very productive here, but baits and lures also catch big trout. The limit is restrictive and catch and release is encouraged, so choose hooks that allow you to easily release fish unharmed.

This is one of the world's great float tube waters. Try slowly kicking, trolling a fly on sinking line. Leach patterns and woolly buggers are popular here. Hatches are prolific and anglers do well to learn to match natural insects. Check at area fly shops for the latest tips.

Spoons, spinners and black marabou jigs work for spin fisherman.

Also, look into fishing the Henry’s Lake Outlet and the Henry’s Fork River for a successful fishing trip! Know beforehand however, that these waters have lure/fly only regulations.

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