Henry's Lake
HENRY'S LAKE
ReportAUG 4 — 11, 2026
🌊
Flow
—CFS
🌡️
Water Temp
—
☀️
Weather
44–77°F
Areas Of Smoke
🎣
Reported By
Bruce Staples
On the water
Midsummer conditions have trout pushed into the coolest available water — depth, springs, and inlet creeks — with the best action coming early before midday sun and afternoon winds arrive. Expect smoky skies, highs in the mid-70s, and gusty afternoon winds that can make boat fishing hazardous.
From the ShopBruce Staples · August 4, 2026
Midsummer conditions continue. Trout reside in the coolest water. That means at depth, around springs, and inlet creeks. Early in the day offers the best fishing in these locations before bright mid-day sunlight begins. Boat fishing remains dangerous when winds pick up.
What's Working — Hot Flies
Hatch Chart
| Insect | Size | Activity | Prime Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chironomid (Midge) | #16–20 | Moderate — consistent throughout the day, best early | Early morning |
| Damselfly Nymph | #12–14 | Active — midsummer peak, fish migrating toward shallows | Morning |
| Callibaetis | #14–16 | Light — sporadic spinner falls and emergers | Mid-morning |
| Leech | #10–14 | Consistent — productive at depth year-round | All day, especially early |
Best Time Window
- FIRST LIGHT TO MID-MORNING: Prime window — fish deep near springs and inlet creeks before sun angle and warming water push trout down
- EVENING (IF WINDS ALLOW): Secondary opportunity as light fades and surface temperatures cool slightly; monitor wind conditions carefully before heading out
- AVOID MIDDAY: Bright overhead sun and building afternoon winds make fishing difficult and boat handling hazardous
Guide's Tip
From the benchGet on the water at first light and focus your time near inlet creeks and any visible spring seeps — that's where the coolest water and the most active fish will be. Once the sun climbs and afternoon winds kick up, conditions deteriorate fast; plan to be off the water or anchored safely before gusts arrive. Watch the forecast closely: NOAA is calling for westerly gusts up to 20 mph this afternoon and through the week, which can make Henry's Lake dangerous for boat anglers in a hurry.
Main Species
Yellowstone Cutthroat Trout
Brook Trout
Rainbow Trout
