Henry's Lake Opening day

[Bassomatic]

I've never made the trip up to Henry's Lake for the opening day and I'm thinking about it this year. Looking for some tips on a successful trip. I have a small boat and a 9 year old son that is itching to catch some good fish. We've been out a number of times this year and he hasn't been able to catch anything. I was thinking this could be the perfect time and place to get him back on his game. Any experience and ideas would be very appreciated. [fishon]
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[photobill]

Weather can be anything from sunny and warm to snow, ice, and wind. Usually the latter. The State Park can be a good spot to launch a boat or fish from shore. They are in the process of doubling the number of campsites. They usually fill up for the opener. They also just plowed the road into the Park this past week as there is still a lot of snow in the area.
There will probably more people to help you out.
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[flygoddess]

Thant is a good plan actually. Fish do seem to be along the edges at that time and the weed are low. Shore can get crazy, but you have a boat so you should be good to go. Don't be afraid to anchor down and cast , let sink, reel in. Worms under an Indy.
Keep your eye on the sky, that lake can change in a heart beat and a boat can be brutal.
Good luck! And remember to HARVEST!
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[Bassomatic]

Great advice! Thank you so much. I wasn't sure if snow and Ice would be an issue by then. Fortunately, I have a friend with a cabin in Island Park, so I won't have to sleep in the tent this time. Is the best part of the lake to be on over by the cliffs at this time of year, or would I be better served to be somewhere else? Thanks again!

I live near a shallow lake myself, so I understand exactly what you are talking about with the concern for watching the sky. Glassy water to 3' waves in 20 minutes can get a little scary, especially in my little 14' dinghy. []
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[flygoddess]

I am not saying there won't be snow as I have been snowed on in July up there. Check the weather before your trip and pack accordingly.
Cliffs has always been good to me, but also Webster/Duck Creek, and across the Lake Targhee Creek. I would start at the Wild Rose area first myself.
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[Bassomatic]

Thank you for the tip. I'm coming from Utah, so it's a long trip and I can't just run home to get more gear. I expect that the fishing should be fairly hot, depending on the weather for that time. Hopefully we can get into a number of good fish over a couple of days.
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[flygoddess]

I am betting you will. I will be up there shortly after Memorial from Salt Lake, so I look forward to your progress report.
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[Bassomatic]

If there are pics to post, you can bet I'll put 'em up.
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[curt69]

I would rather go to the dentist , than go to Henry's Lake on opening weekend . It is a total zoo . Starting Monday things really slow down , but Saturday and Sunday is a nightmare .
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[flygoddess]

Out in a boat is not too bad, shore can be a disaster .
It didn't use to be AS bad. Then everyone started Hot Spotting every trip. Now it doesn't matter, it is a put and take with beautiful scenery and a chance at a hook straightening Brookie or Trout.
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[curt69]

It has been about 10 years since I went on opening day . We went to State Boat Ramp . 45 minutes to launch , 2.5 hours to load . I can wait a couple of days for the people to thin out .
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[flygoddess]

If they do....popular place and many think as you[]
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[Bassomatic]

Sounds like to me that someone's afraid of a little competition. [cool]

I'm just kiddin' I expect the crowd. In truth, the crowd is the very thing that tells me it could be a worthwhile trip. If that many people think it's that good, then maybe it really is.
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[windriver]

I usually wait until a few days after if I can. Launching a pontoon from shore is not bad and really not too crowded in spots.

Windriver
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[curt69]

Good Luck to all that go . Please keep your limit . There are way to many fish in the lake . That is why the average size just keeps getting smaller and smaller . last fall they were doing a bunch of work on the ramp . It will be interesting to see what they have done . At the State Park .
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[Bassomatic]

Are you saying that you can launch legally somewhere other than the state park? My boat is just a 14' boat so it floats just about anywhere. If it's legal and I can do it, can you tell me where? It would be awesome to not have to fight the crowds.
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[Bassomatic]

Will definitely keep a limit of fish. I have to wonder why they don't introduce a slot limit and encourage more people to take fish out of the lake. In addition, if you look at the stocking reports, they are planting tons of fish in the lake, all small fish, but still stocking. I wonder, based on the size of the fish planted if they are designed to be a food source, rather than grow.
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[curt69]

There are two other places you can launch . Wild Rose Ranch is private and charge about $10.00 , State is $ 5.00 and county boat launch is free .
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[MMDon]

[quote Bassomatic]Will definitely keep a limit of fish. I have to wonder why they don't introduce a slot limit and encourage more people to take fish out of the lake. In addition, if you look at the stocking reports, they are planting tons of fish in the lake, all small fish, but still stocking. I wonder, based on the size of the fish planted if they are designed to be a food source, rather than grow.[/quote]

Looks like a family fishery rather than a trophy fishery.
Could it be a "revenue stream" lake now?
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[Bassomatic]

Thanks so much for all of the tips! Much appreciated!
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