Henry’s Lake
Unparalleled Opportunities for Trophy Fish
Only 15 miles from West Yellowstone and 20 miles north of Island Park, ID, Henry’s Lake offers some of the largest cutthroats, brookies and rainbow-cutthroat hybrids in the west. This stillwater lake, with reflections of the Centennial Mountains shimmering in its waves, lies at 6,500 feet. Four miles wide and three and one-half miles long with an average depth of 12 to 14 feet leave it teaming with scuds, leeches and freshwater shrimp.
Henry’s Lake is paradise for stillwater fly-fishing enthusiasts. Named after the explorer Major Andrew Henry, this water opens Thursday before Memorial Day and closes November 30.
Henry’s offers unparalleled opportunities for landing large hybrids weighing up to 16 pounds, cutthroats averaging three to five pounds, and lively brook trout leading to six pounds. This stillwater holds the state record for brook trout, weighing in at seven pounds two ounces!
The lake is shallow, but stretches several miles between shorelines. Fishing from a motorboat provides the most options, though shore fishing brings success, too. Kickboats and float tubes have access at the usual boat launch sites and at the State Hatchery on the north shore and the south side near Hope Creek. With boat landings and launch areas, Henry’s lake is available to anglers of all abilities. You’ll find cleaning stations at Wild Rose and the most modern station at the state boat launch.
Henry’s stillwater will test your knowledge of flies and readiness. While the entire season produces good size and activity, this lake is large. The big fish of each species: Hybrid’s, Cutthroat and Brook trout, may be found in different areas throughout the season. It’s good to consult the fishing reports from BSFlies and Tackle or one of the many top guides at BS Flies to find the hot spots.
Loaded with opportunity of big fish, using a 6-weight rod gives you great casting and landing with little effort and tremendous thrill. Our Temple Fork Outfitter’s TICR and TICRX rods have proven themselves time and again. A full sink line will get you down to the shrouded fish, as they lay low. Scientific Angler’s Wet-Cel and uniform sink lines, with 9′ leaders and 11 pound tippets work well. The top producing flies include the Mity Mouse, Lt. Olive Crystal, BH Electric Black, California, Brown Crystal, H.L. Renegade and Halloween. Some other options are the Naked Ladies and the Black Pearl. These are just a few of the many specialty flies developed for Henry’s Lake.
There are several developed and undeveloped camping sites around the lake: Henry’s State park, County Boat Dock area, Red Rocks Campground. Ponds Lodge, Eagle Ridge, Anglers Inn, The Pines, and Wild Rose provide accommodations, too.
When taking a break from the water, you can enjoy horseback riding, cycling, hiking, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing or snowmobiling, depending on the season. This area offers a pristine play land year-round.
Henry’s Lake provides lively stillwater, fast action, record big fish, breathtaking scenery, solitude and fly-fishing camaraderie. With the right equipment, quality information from a top-notch guide, you’ll realize the unparalleled opportunities for big fish at Henry’s.
