Located just 15 miles west of Yellowstone National Park, this high mountain lake is the kind of place fishermen dream about. The state park, named after explorer Major Andrew Henry, opens the Thursday before Memorial Day and closes October 31st, weather permitting. The park offers campfire programs and a Junior Ranger program. Anglers fish for cutthroat, brook and rainbow-cutthroat hybrid trout. The park has a modern fish cleaning station near the boat ramp. Camping is at one of 44 sites and there are camping-cabins also available for rent. During winter, information on Henrys Lake can be obtained by calling Harriman State Park.
The Park Today
Henry’s Lake State Park is gearing up for the 2008 summer season. The main road into Henry’s Lake State Park has been opened and the snow is quickly melting. Fishing season opens Memorial weekend and the boat launch is accessible. As of May 16th, a lot of ice remains on the lake but warm temperatures are predicted which will hopefully open the lake in time for fishing season. Park staff is working hard to have utilities including water and electricity available for opening weekend but it will depend on snow melt. Please come prepared with water and charged batteries. Snow on campsite pads is quickly melting. Read further down for current conditions.
Park Conditions
Wednesday August 19th, 2008:
Author Ken Thomasma will be at Henry's Lake Friday Aug. 22nd at 7:00pm to tell the story of Sacajawea, a native girl that was taken by the Lewis and Clark expendition. He will also be talking about Soun Tetoken:Nez Perce Boy Tames a Wild Stallion. There will be free giveaways and an author signing. The event is to take place at the west end of Henry's Lake in the Day Use parking area. Bring a chair, bug spray and layers to be prepared for the elements. Ken will also be at Mesa Falls the same day at 2:00pm. For more information call Harriman State Park at 558-7368.
Meadow Creek fire is burning on the south side of Sawtell Peak and you may encounter haze depending on the wind direction. Call 1-866-634-3246 to check the status of available campsites.
The season is short but productive at Henrys Lake State Park. This high mountain lake is considered one of the finest trout fisheries in the west and produces catches worth bragging about. The park is conveniently located a short 15 miles from West Yellowstone, Montana, the west entrance to Yellowstone National Park.
The park's 44 campsites (Click here for Campground map), and 3 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,(click here for trail map), wildlife viewing, boating, and beautiful views of this broad mountain valley.
Fishing
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. This provides a sport fishery that challenges the float-tuber and is equally exciting for a 10-year old dunking a worm over the side of the family boat. 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.
Boating
A boat ramp and launching docks are available in the park. Boaters should be cautious of the lake's unpredictable weather. Winds can make the surface choppy