Henry's Lake
HENRY'S LAKE
ReportSEP 1 — 8, 2026
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Flow
—CFS
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Water Temp
—
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Weather
44–69°F
Partly Sunny
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Reported By
Bruce Staples
On the water
Midsummer conditions persist at Henry's Lake, with trout pushed to depth, springs, and inlet creeks to find the coolest water. Partly sunny skies today with a high near 69°F give way to a 60% chance of evening thunderstorms tonight, and strong winds gusting to 46 mph are forecast for Wednesday — use extra caution on the water.
From the ShopBruce Staples · September 1, 2026
Midsummer conditions continue with trout residing in the coolest water. That means at depth, around springs, and inlet creeks — Duck, Hope, Howard, and Targhee. Early in the day to mid-morning offers the best fishing times in these locations before bright mid-day sunlight reduces overhead cover and warms water closest to the surface.
Fish streamer and leech patterns with slow retrieves or under an indicator. Fish nymph patterns underneath an indicator near submerged weed beds. Boat fishing remains dangerous when winds pick up.
What's Working — Hot Flies
Balanced Leech - Black #14
#14
Balanced Leech - Bruised #10
#10
Svend Diesel's Balanced Bou Leech - Bruised/Hot Orange Bead #14
#14
Egan's Poacher - Olive #12
#12
Egan's Poacher - Black #12
#12
Tungsten Jig Bugger - Olive - Barbless #14
#14
Egan's Frenchie Chironomid #10
#10
Coffey's CH Sparkle Minnow Sculpin #6
#6
Hatch Chart
| Insect | Size | Activity | Prime Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Leeches | #10–14 | All day; most productive early morning | Dawn–mid-morning |
| Chironomids (Midges) | #10–14 | Steady near weed beds and springs | Early morning |
| General Nymphs / Invertebrates | #12–14 | Active near submerged weed beds | Morning |
Best Time Window
- DAWN TO MID-MORNING: Prime window — fish leech and streamer patterns with slow retrieves or under an indicator near inlet creeks (Duck, Hope, Howard, Targhee) and spring areas before sunlight warms the surface and reduces overhead cover.
- MID-MORNING (winding down): Shift to nymph patterns under an indicator near submerged weed beds as surface light increases; expect action to slow as midday approaches.
- AVOID MIDDAY AND WINDY PERIODS: Bright overhead sun reduces fishing quality significantly, and boat fishing becomes dangerous as afternoon winds build — Wednesday gusts forecast to 46 mph.
Guide's Tip
From the benchWind is the biggest safety variable on Henry's Lake right now — Wednesday's forecast calls for gusts up to 46 mph, so get off the water before conditions deteriorate and never push your luck in a boat when the wind builds. Focus your time in the first few hours of daylight near Duck, Hope, Howard, and Targhee inlet creeks, as well as any visible spring seeps, before the sun climbs and pushes fish deeper. A long leader and a patient, nearly motionless indicator presentation will outfish an active retrieve in these midsummer conditions.
Main Species
Yellowstone Cutthroat Trout
Brook Trout
Rainbow Trout
