This legendary fishery is a high mountain
lake nestled between, the Centennial Mountains and the Henryês Lake Mountains, is fed by numerous small streams and springs and is the kind of place fishermen dream about. Henryês Lake is 4.5 miles long by 3.5 miles wide and is a relatively shallow lake, only about 25 feet in the deepest spot. The shallow water and heavy weed growth make Henry's Lake a fly fisher's dream. Henrys Lake is probably the finest fly-fishing lake in Idaho. Much of its water comes from springs, and the lakeês rich aquatic growth provides tremendous nourishment for fish. Like Jackson Lake, Henryês Lake is a natural lake that was tripled in size by a dam. Henryês Lake State Park, the Lake, and the world famous Henryês
Fork Rivers that starts from the lake are all named after explorer Major
Andrew Henry, a famous trapper and mountain man.
The lake is located in an open valley
at 6,000 feet surrounded on three sides by the Continental
Divide. Some of the surrounding peaks of the Continental
Divide are 10,000 feet and tower 4,000 feet above the lake.
Located near the Montana border, on the Idaho side of the
Continental Divide, Henryês Lake is just 18 miles west of
Yellowstone National Park, and just north of Island Park
Idaho.
Henrys Lake State Park opens the Thursday before Memorial Day and closes October 31st, weather permitting. Anglers fish for cutthroat, brook, rainbow, and rainbow-cutthroat hybrid trout. The park has a modern fish cleaning station near the boat ramp. There are 44 camp sites in the park, and many more in the surrounding area. There are also camping-cabins available for rent. During winter, information on Henrys Lake can be obtained by calling Harriman State Park. A modern fish-cleaning station is located near the boat ramp. Excellent stream fishing can also be found in the nearby Henrys Fork, Madison, and Gallatin rivers.
The park's 44 campsites and three camping cabins put you right on the shoreline of the 6,000-acre Henrys Lake. In addition to camping, the park offers 2 day-use areas, hiking, interpretive trails, wildlife viewing, boating, and beautiful views of this broad mountain valley. The park offers campfire programs and a Junior Ranger program.
Henry's Lake is managed as a trophy fishery. Although
there are no bait restrictions and the daily limit is two fish. The fishing
season is a short but productive one. Henryês Lake is considered one of the
finest trout fisheries in the west and consistently produces prodigious amounts
of big fish worth bragging about. Cutthroat trout, averaging three to five
pounds; cutthroat-rainbow hybrids of up to 12 pounds; and brook trout up
to three pounds abound in the waters of Henrys Lake. It's hard to find many
places where you still have as good a chance to get a 5-pound brookie as
you do here. Brook trout are real scrappers and range to 6 pounds or more.
The Idaho state record for brook trout (7.1 pounds) was caught here at Henry's
Lake.
Most of the shoreline of the lake is private, and access
is difficult. A boat or float tube is necessary to get to many areas of the
lake. Fishing is best near the mouths of the streams and over and at the
springs. If you've never fished Henryês Lake before, fishing location is very important. Starting at Staley Springs is a good choice if you are unfamiliar with the lake; the best fishing is in the channel created by the spring. This area is popular because a large underground spring enters Henryês
Lake at Staley Springs and cuts a large channel through the weed beds; trout
love it there.
Most of Henryês Lakesê fly-fishing is sub-surface; slow
to medium sinking lines are recommended for shallow weed beds. Later in the
season trout concentrate in the deeper water, then a fast or super fast sinking
line is more effective. The most productive patterns are leeches and woolly
buggers, damselfly nymphs, and scuds.
Although the lake opens in May, the best fishing usually begins in late June.
Fall is productive when the fish feed more aggressively in preparation for the winter; as an added bonus, there are fare fewer people around.
A boat ramp and launching docks are available in the park and at Staley Springs Lodge. Boaters should be cautious of the lake's unpredictable weather, winds can make the surface choppy, if you see a thunderstorm approaching, it is wise to get off the water.
Float tubers must find access near where they intend to fish, the most popular float-tube area is Staley Springs. Staley Springs Lodge offers boat rentals are available for $50 for a half day and $80 for a full day.
The Centennial Mountains and the Henryês Lake Mountains provide many hiking
opportunities; a hike up Targhee
Creek in the Henryês
Lake Mountains provides a wilderness experience where you are likely to have
the mountains to yourself. Oh; yourself and the bears.
Henryês Lake is centrally located to many famous tourist and sportsman attractions and serves as a great home base for visiting them. The main entrance to Yellowstone
National Park is just a 30-minute drive away. Other attractions include the historic Virginia City Montana Ghost town, the famous Madison and Henry's
Fork fly-fishing rivers, Harriman State Park, and Island Park Reservoir. Also, nearby are horseback riding, hayrides, mountain biking, and golfing. The prolific waters of Henryês Lake are truly a fishermanês
dream so If you are interested in a 10-pound fish on a fly, Henry's Lake
offers the best chance around to do so.
Yellowstone Region Flyfishing
A Few Thoughts On Fishing
Fly-fishing the Firehole River in Yellowstone in the Fall. The steam in the background is from the thermal featureso the Middle Geyser Basin.
"But when I am alone in the half light of the canyon
all existence seems to fade to a being with my soul, and memories. And
the sounds of the Big Black Foot River, and a four count rhythm, and the
hope that a fish will rise. Eventually, all things merge into one, and
a river runs through it. The river was cut by the world's great flood and
runs over rocks from the basement of time. On some of the rocks are timeless
raindrops. Under the rocks are the words, and some of the words are theirs.
I am haunted by waters."
Sound-bite from a River Runs Through it.
The Yellowstone Teton Region fly-fishing is blessed with
a plethora of blue ribbon trout waters that host prolific hatches of Mayflies,
Caddis Flies and Stone Flies. Dozens of rivers and hundreds of lakes and
streams, all world-class fisheries that attract anglers from around the world.
The Henry’s Fork, the Snake, the Madison, and the Yellowstone Rivers have
been elevated to legendary status by the movies made about them and the books
and articles that have been written about them.
If you believe what you read, fly-fishing requires the
touch of a surgeon and the spirit of a Zen master. Well, it might help but
it certainly isn’t required around here. Forget about what you’ve heard about
fly-fishing in the past, if you really want to fly-fish all you need are
the right tools, proper technique, and a positive attitude. With these essential
elements, you can begin to enjoy the sport of fly-fishing in no time.
Fly-fisher fishing small stream high in the Wyoming Range outside Alpine Wyoming
Some time spent with a guide can enhance your skills exponentially in a very short time, as they are all trained to be teachers. A day discovering the best techniques for fly-fishing with a guide on one of our regional rivers or legendary spring creeks gives you the foundation for many years of productive fly-fishing enjoyment of the future. Many regional guides have spent a lifetime fly-fishing the rivers and streams of Yellowstone Teton Region. Their instruction of the best flies, how to read the water, presentation, and all aspects of fishing the Yellowstone region can greatly enhance your fly-fishing experience.
For those of you who already know how to fly-fish, or
do not want to hire a fly-fishing guide, all you need is a map, the proper
seasonal fly selection, and some current fly-fishing advice, all which can
be found for the price of a handful of flies at a local fly shop.
Most rental shops of the Yellowstone Teton region have drift boats rafts and float tubes for rent for those of you that wish to escape the confines of the bank of your river, lake, or stream, because as we all know, the big one is in the eddy on the far side of the river.
Cutthroat Trout soon to be returned into the Snake River south of Jackson Hole Wyoming.
Spin-cast fishing is popular around the area also and
is a very productive way to wet a line. Although spin fishing doesn’t require
the finesse and learning curve of fly-fishing, a guided trip with a guide
that knows spin-fishing can really improve our catch rate. Remember to keep
in mind to de-barb your hooks to improve your catches chance of survival
upon release. We also encourage lure fisherman to cut their treble hooks
down to a single hook.
The Snake River Drainage is home to a unique subspecies of cutthroat trout known
as the Fine-spotted Snake River Cutthroat Trout. This outstanding game fish
is indigenous to the Snake River drainage and relies totally on natural reproduction.
Having a wild trout fishery with indigenous trout is not something we take
for granted and we highly encourage catch and release fishing to protect this
valuable resource.
Fly-fishermen enyoy fall fishing on the Gibbon River in Yellowstone National Park.
The Yellowstone Cutthroat, as the name implies, are native to the Yellowstone River drainage of southwest and south-central Montana and northwest Wyoming. In general, The relation of Yellowstone cutthroat trout to Snake River fine-spotted cutthroat trout is problematic. Early genetic analyses could not distinguish these subspecies, but recent attempts have been more successful.
Whether you are fishing for one of the Fine-spotted Snake River Cutthroat our Yellowstone Cutthroat you will find their most endearing qualities is their fondness for feeding on top sipping mayflies flies or attacking stoneflies, drakes, and hoppers. Large dry flies like size eight Turck Tarantulas, Royal Wulffs, Club Sandwiches, and hoppers are all popular and good choices. Size six and even four stone fly patterns sometimes are also effective.
Actress Heather Thomas improves the scenery as she floats down the Snake River beneth the Grand Tetons as she competes in the One Fly Fishing Contest in Jackson Hole Wyoming.
Rainbow and Brown Trout can be found throughout the area as well a few sub-species of cutthroat trout, and some of our lakes are home to Kokanee Salmon.
Many of our lakes are gifted with giant Lake Trout, but you usually need to be an expert or lucky to get one in the 20 to 50 pound category. Most are taken by trolling with spoons or minnow-like plugs attached to wire-line rigs or downriggers. They can also be taken by bottom fishing with whole or cut fish. In summer they often move to depths of 50 to 100 feet, but in spring and fall you can find them at depths of 20 feet or less. When ice fishing you can catch Lake Trout in hardly any water at all.
Many of our lakes are put and take fisheries and are planted by the Idaho, Montana or Wyoming Game and Fish, but most of our rivers and streams are wild trout fisheries and do not receive planted fish.
What appears to be dueling fly-fishiners make an interesting photo as the compete in the One Fly Fishing Contest on the South Fork of the Snake River in Swan Valley Idaho
Our wild trout fisheries, due to the law of survival of
the fittest, produce a hardier, smarter game fish, and is a resource worthy
of protection. Catch and release although not mandatory on many waters is
often the practice. Many of the fish of the region are caught and released
40 times per year and if everyone kept their fish there wouldn’t be any here
except inferior hatchery fish.
I used to keep my big ones because they were such trophies, and I used to keep some to eat until I realized that I can buy a trout for two dollars in the store and that fish in the river provides has a much greater value than two dollars as a recreational resource.
Events
Chuck Yeager & Guide
Mike Lawson - One Fly Fishing Contest
Jackson
Hole One Fly Fishing Contest • Each year
in September, flyfisherman from around the world gather in Jackson
Hole Wyoming to participate in one of fly fishing's most unique events.
It
is a weekend filled with fun, challenges, adventures and of course,
the famous
Snake River Cutthroat trout.
Give
the Cutt-slam a try. • If you want to see some breathtaking
country, do a little camping and accomplish something that only around
300 people have done, you might
want to give Wyoming’s Cutt-Slam program a try. This year
marks the 10th anniversary of the program that recognizes anglers for
catching Wyoming’s four subspecies of cutthroats in their native
range. Back in the mid-90s, Wyoming fisheries coordinator, the late Ron
Remmick, had an idea to try to bring more public awareness to Wyoming’s
cutthroat trout and the management efforts benefitting these fish. The
Cutt-Slam was hatched and a program was developed to recognize anglers
for making the effort to catch the Snake River, Bonneville, Colorado
River and Yellowstone cutthroat subspecies.
Stories
Fly-fishers
go crazy saving flies - by D Dave Strege
One fly-fisher stripped his clothes off and swam naked into the river
to retrieve his fly that got snagged. Another stood on the shoulders
of the
guide and used pruning shears to cut down the branch where his fly was
lodged. A lucky one hooked a big fish that snapped his line, losing fish
and fly, only to wait five minutes before the fly somehow dislodged from
the trout's
mouth and popped to the surface. He netted it — the fly, that is.
What
would lead a fly-fisher to go to such extremes to save a fly caught
in a tree limb or a log in the riverh.................More
Greater Yellowstone Region Fishing Outfitters
Reel
Deal Anglers • (Jackson Hole Wyoming) Reel Deal Anglers is Jackson
Hole’s
Premier fishing guide service, don’t wait in a fly-fishing shop (we
provide all the flies), we pick you up and take you right to the river.
We guide
on the Snake River, Green
River, Henry’s Fork River, South Fork River, Madison River, New Fork
River, Salt River, Gros Ventre River and the Teton River as well as numerous
backcountry streams, popular
Fly-fishermen try their luck on the Firehole River in Yellowstone National Park. The Firehole River is one of the first in the region fishable with dry flies in the Spring.
spring creeks, and exclusive private water
opportunities, so we can put you on the hottest water available at any
given time. Our guides are superb and are experts onthe water they specialize
in. With Reel Deal Anglers, you’ll float and wade fish on beautiful
rivers, encounter surprised wildlife, catch native trout while entertaining
chance encounters with elk, moose, bison osprey and bald eagles fishing
the same waters as you.
Henrys Fork Anglers • (Island
Park Idaho) Henry's Fork Anglers is located on the banks of the Henry's
Fork of the Snake River in Last Chance, Idaho. The Henry's Fork is
one of the most famous and diverse fly fishing rivers in the world,
with plenty to offer the advanced fly fisher as well as the beginner.
Its prolific aquatic insect hatches draw fly fishers from around
the globe to test their skills against highly selective rainbow trout.
South
Fork Lodge & Outfitters • (Swan Valley) Located
in the heart of eastern Idaho's premier fishing waters,
specializes in fly-fishing on the South Fork and Henry's
Fork of the Snake River and Blackfoot River. Our experienced,
knowledgeable and enthusiastic guides will do everything
to make your trip an enjoyable one.
Angler's West Flyfishing Outfitters • (Paradise Valley Montana) Big Sky Flies and Guides Outfitting Co. has merged with Angler's West Flyfishing Outfitters! We continue to offer the same fantastic guide service you've come to know and trust, and the finest selection of flyfishing equipment and quality outdoor apparrel at our Emigrant flyshop location. We are the premier Paradise Valley flyfishing outfitter. Come visit us and do so often!
Wild Trout Outfitters • (Big Sky Montana) Headquartered on the Gallatin River, ¼ mile south of the turn off to Big Sky, Montana, Wild Trout Outfitters Inc. is just 42 miles south of Bozeman on Highway 191, and turn left just past the Exxon station at Canyon Square Unit 1C. If traveling north from West Yellowstone, Montana (just 47 miles), turn right just before reaching the Exxon station. The Gallatin Field (Bozeman) and West Yellowstone airportsprovide air transportation for our area. Call or write if you have any questions related to your visit. We will be happy to help you find lodging, transportation and book your trip to your individual needs.
The River’s Edge • ( Bozeman Montana) Bozeman Montana’s premier fly fishing outfitter and fly shop. With the Gallatin, Madison, Yellowstone and Missouri Rivers a short drive away and a store that carries only the finest in fly fishing products including Simms, Winston, Sage, Ross and Galvan, we’re confident we will provide the very best Montana trout fishing experience. Come see for yourself...
Madison River Outfitters • (West Yellowstone MT) Native cutthroats rising for hoppers along a grassy cut bank on the Yellowstone… Big brown trout slashing at emerging caddis in a broad riffle on Montana’s Madison… Wild rainbows sipping tiny blue winged olives in a setting of incomparable beauty on the Firehole… This is just
Fly-fisherman shows off Cutthroat Trout he just caught in Slough Creek in Yellowstone National Park.
a sample of the action that takes place somewhere in our ‘backyard’ each day of the season! Madison River Outfitters, featuring an impressive selection of quality fly fishing tackle, custom flies, rugged outdoor clothing and hiking and backpacking equipment, is one of the finest fly shops in the Rocky Mountain West. We offer guide service in Montana and Yellowstone National Park and our friendly guides are committed to providing you with a great fly fishing experience on the world class fisheries surrounding West Yellowstone.
Tim Wade's North Fork Anglers • (Cody Wyoming) Tim Wade's North Fork Anglers is the premier Greater Yellowstone Fly Fishing Headquarters! Seen on ESPN, TNN Outdoor and other outdoors fly fishing programs, this fly shop is always a must stop destination for all anglers wanting the latest information on hatches, conditions, and the right equipment before they head out to explore the waters of the region. Tim Wade, owner
My Boys Cody and Scott fishing for brook trout in the Gardiner River in Yellowstone National Park.
and outfitter, has been guiding and instructing anglers in the Cody Wyoming / Yellowstone region for more than 20 years. During those years he has taught or written about fly fishing, fly tying, fly casting and entomology, sharing his knowledge of water and fish behavior with thousands of during that time. He still lovesto see one of his guests on a guided trip get hooked up with a wily brown, or untangle knots when needed, because it is all part of the job as guide or outfitter. "This is a job that is a privilege for me," Tim says. "My office is not bad either.
Two Rivers Emporium • (Pinedale Wyoming) Two Rivers Emporium offers some of the finest rainbow and brown trout fishing in the state of Wyoming. Our guides are extremely efficient and up to date on hatches and which flies and lures are working. We are here to help you in any way to make your fishing vacation more memorable. If there is any thing we can do, please contact us at our E-Mail address, or call our toll free number.
Fisheries Conservation Organizations
Curt Gowdy & Lee Wulff fishing the One Fly Fishing Contest
Jackson
Hole One Fly Capital Foundation • The
Jackson Hole One Fly Capital Foundation (One Fly) and the National Fish
and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) established a new partnership in 2003
to leverage both organizations’ funding and interest in cold
water fisheries conservation, particularly in the tributaries and mainstem
Snake and Yellowstone
Basins. The One Fly and NFWF have a long history in fisheries conservation
throughout the greater Snake River and Yellowstone region.
Trout Unlimited • Trout
Unlimited’s mission is to conserve, protect and restore North America’s
trout and salmon fisheries and their watersheds. Trout
Unlimited accomplishes this mission
on local, state and national levels with an extensive and dedicated volunteer
network. TU’s national office,
based just outside of Washington, D.C., and its regional offices employ
professionals who testify before Congress, publish a quarterly magazine,
intervene in federal legal proceedings, and work with the organization’s
125,000 volunteers in 500 chapters nationwide to keep them active and involved
in conservation issues.
Federation of Fly Fishers •The
Federation of Fly Fishers, an international service organization dedicated
to the betterment of the sport of fly fishing
through Conservation
and Education. The FFF and its Councils are the only organized advocate
for fly fishers on the national and regional level. By joining you will
have the opportunity to contribute, with your membership and your voice,
to fishery conservation and restoration for all fish in all waters
This legendary fishery is a high mountain
lake nestled between, the Centennial Mountains and the Henryês Lake Mountains, is fed by numerous small streams and springs and is the kind of place fishermen dream about. Henryês Lake is 4.5 miles long by 3.5 miles wide and is a relatively shallow lake, only about 25 feet in the deepest spot. The shallow water and heavy weed growth make Henry's Lake a fly fisher's dream. Henrys Lake is probably the finest fly-fishing lake in Idaho. Much of its water comes from springs, and the lakeês rich aquatic growth provides tremendous nourishment for fish. Like Jackson Lake, Henryês Lake is a natural lake that was tripled in size by a dam. Henryês Lake State Park, the Lake, and the world famous Henryês
Fork Rivers that starts from the lake are all named after explorer Major
Andrew Henry, a famous trapper and mountain man. 
Henry's Lake is managed as a trophy fishery. Although
there are no bait restrictions and the daily limit is two fish. The fishing
season is a short but productive one. Henryês Lake is considered one of the
finest trout fisheries in the west and consistently produces prodigious amounts
of big fish worth bragging about. Cutthroat trout, averaging three to five
pounds; cutthroat-rainbow hybrids of up to 12 pounds; and brook trout up
to three pounds abound in the waters of Henrys Lake. It's hard to find many
places where you still have as good a chance to get a 5-pound brookie as
you do here. Brook trout are real scrappers and range to 6 pounds or more.
The Idaho state record for brook trout (7.1 pounds) was caught here at Henry's
Lake. 
The Centennial Mountains and the Henryês Lake Mountains provide many 
