Henrys Lake - Ice?

[Druac]

This week was the first time since monitoring it, that I have seen almost NO snow on the Island Park/Henrys Fork Webcam. While that is normally a good thing, it has me a bit worried. Seeing that most of the snow is now gone, I was wondering if anyone has had a chance to report on the ice cover on Henrys Lake.

I know the conventional wisdom is that the closer to opening day the ice breaks up the better for fishing on Henrys. But aren’t indications pointing to an earlier ice breakup this year? If so, how much impact do you think that will have on opening weekend/week?
[signature]

[windriver]

The lake is still capped as of Sunday. The ice cap theory depends on how you want your fishing. If the cap comes off right before opening day like last year. The cutts are jammed up in a few holes. The fishing is shoulder to shoulder and the fish do not fight really hard because they are spawners.

If the ice comes off earlier the fish disperse more throughout the lake and seem to get back to fighting shape earlier. I guess it depends on if you can stand combat fishing or not. I had a blast last year with my kids. They all were able to fight big cutts near shore.

Windriver
[signature]

[Druac]

ahhh...ok. Well then I am not that worried...as I don't prefer 'combat fishing'

However, if you didn't have a boat, I could see how a late breakup would benefit shore fishing over boat fishing.

To be honest, I prefer to look for the fish over finding a bunch stacked up and easy taking. But if I had a kid along I could see how that would be a blast for them.

Thanks for info.
[signature]

[Druac]

Just adding this update from Belasko posted in the locked Henrys thread. Thanks Belasko!

I called the Wild Rose up there to find out what it looks like since no one has posted on it for a while. Apparently the lake is still frozen over. I'm kinda hoping for a fairly late thaw like last year, but with the temps supposed to come up this next week who knows?

[signature]

[prvrt]

Still looks to be some snow up there. All the snow on the ground around the lake will be gone before Henry's melts other than some in the shade. When you look at this cam and see no snow on the ground, then it is time to start asking or calling around. I would be betting by the looks of the cam that it will be about 1.5-2 more weeks before ice off which would be about 1 week be opening day.

[inline henry_cam1.jpg]
[signature]

[thebugler]

I personaly hope the fish are done spawning by opening day and moved back out ,due to the fact that all the people on the bank were having so much fun snagging fish last year.To me there is not a lot of difference between what went on last year and flat out poaching.

SNAGGING IS POACHING[frown]
[signature]

[Belasko]

My understanding is that in Idaho snagging is poaching unless it is on a water designated for any method take, such as the diversion canal near Ririe. So in that case if people were snagging and keeping, it would be poaching. And I completely agree, if that's what's going on I'd be making a phone call. Last time it landed me a $100 fishing gear shopping spree [].
[signature]

[windriver]

There was a lot of snagging going on last year. However you could get them to bite by slowing dragging flies through the holes. It was fun for the kids to fight the big fish.

I saw several heated discussions between the fish and game and people on the banks. I do not know what the fish and game were getting them for, but it pays to follow the law. The fish and game are always at all the popular spots watching for violators.

Windriver
[signature]

[Druac]

Ahhh...I didn't know about that webcam, thanks prvrt!
[signature]

[prvrt]

[quote Druac]Ahhh...I didn't know about that webcam, thanks prvrt! [/quote]

No Problem. That webcam is at the turn off to Henry's State Park. It is also a good one to check if you are interested in the road conditions or weather up there.

Now if someone would just put up a webcam of the actual lake, we would all be happy.
[signature]