What does it take to keep producing nine-pound trout year after year?
In this episode, we dig into the work happening behind the scenes at one of the most iconic stillwater fisheries in the West and learn how the Henry’s Lake Foundation is helping protect the future of this fishery.
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Show Notes with Kevin Skenandore on The Henry’s Lake Foundation and the Making of a World-Class Trout Fishery
Kevin Skenandore joins me to talk about the recent turnaround in fishing at Henry’s Lake, the Foundation’s new Feed the Fish initiative, habitat restoration work on key tributaries, and the challenges that come with managing a shallow trout lake. We also get into Kevin’s favorite stillwater tactics, leech patterns, chironomid setups, and what anglers can expect if they’re planning a trip to Henry’s Lake.
Inside the Henrys Lake Foundation
(02:00) After several challenging years, Henry’s Lake is having a surprisingly strong season. Kevin said the ice came off about four weeks earlier than normal, and fishing this spring has been “off the charts.” Many anglers told him they had their best Memorial Day weekend ever on the lake.
While several factors may be contributing to the improvement, Kevin pointed to the ongoing work of the Henrys Lake Foundation, a volunteer-run organization that has been helping protect and improve the fishery for more than 40 years.
The Henrys Lake Foundation works closely with Idaho Fish and Game on projects ranging from water quality monitoring to habitat restoration. Much of that work focuses on protecting the streams and spawning areas that help keep the fishery healthy for future generations.
Kevin Skenandore has been involved with the Henrys Lake Foundation since retiring and returning to Island Park.
The Feed the Fish Fundraiser
(03:17) One of the Henrys Lake Foundation’s biggest projects right now is the Feed the Fish program. Kevin and the Foundation are trying something new this year with their first-ever Feed the Fish golf tournament.
The event mixes golf with a little fly fishing fun, including games, prizes, and an auction packed with donated items from local supporters. According to Kevin, the community has really gotten behind it.
What started as a simple idea has turned into a successful fundraiser, with all proceeds going directly back into the Feed the Fish program and the future of the lake.
Tournament Highlights:
- Four-person scramble format.
- Fly fishing-themed games on many holes.
- Casting and fly-target challenges.
- Auction items including signed memorabilia from Ken Griffey Jr., Edgar Martinez, and Jay Buhner.
- Local business sponsorships throughout the Island Park community.
A Different Way to Stock Henry’s Lake
(07:49) The Henrys Lake Foundation is also testing a new way to stock fish in Henry’s Lake.
Instead of releasing tiny fry, they’re raising some fish to a larger size before putting them in the lake. Last fall, about 18,000 fish were released, followed by another 20,000 this spring.
Volunteers clipped fins before the release so anglers can report catches and help track how the fish are doing. Kevin said it’s been great to see so many people willing to pitch in and help protect the future of Henry’s Lake.
Fly Fishing at Henry’s Lake
(16:31) Kevin spends part of his time with the Henrys Lake Foundation and part of it guiding with Henrys Lake Guide Service. The outfitter is Eagle Ridge Ranch, and they also guide on nearby Sheridan Lake.
Heading into the season, guide trips were a little slower than normal because Henrys Lake had been tough the last few years. But that has changed quickly. Kevin said that over the last couple of weeks, bookings have doubled and even tripled as more anglers hear how well the lake is fishing.
He also gave a shoutout to guide Darren Huntsman and recalled spending time on the water with Stillwater expert Phil Rowley and Mark Melnyk several years ago.
Lately, the action has been hard to beat. Small chironomids have been producing steady fish, while leeches have been effective on wind drifts along the north shore. Kevin said he recently landed two cutbows over nine pounds within twenty minutes, and another angler nearby landed one over eleven pounds.
According to Kevin, Henry’s Lake has really turned on this year.
Seasonal Hotspots, Caddis Hatches, and Giant Trout
(20:40) From June 20 through roughly July 20, Targhee Creek becomes one of the most productive locations on the lake. Large numbers of caddis emerge in the area, attracting both feeding trout and anglers. Fish often hold anywhere from 80 yards to several hundred yards away from the creek mouth.
Kevin’s favorite caddis-period fly is a sparse size 8 or 10 Renegade tied with peacock herl, red wire, and a single hackle. He refers to it as a “single-lash Renegade,” and it continues to produce year after year.
The lake also supports healthy populations of:
- Leeches up to four inches long.
- Scuds.
- Chironomids.
- Caddis.
- Minnows and juvenile trout.
Water Quality, Future Challenges, and the Next Generation
(41:46) When I asked about the biggest challenge facing Henry’s Lake, Kevin quickly pointed to water quality. Dissolved oxygen levels, heavy snowpack over ice, summer water temperatures, and maintaining healthy tributary flows all play major roles in the fishery’s future.
The Foundation continues improving fish screens, removing old culverts, protecting spawning habitat, and maintaining fish passage throughout the watershed. These projects may not receive much attention from anglers, but they have a direct impact on trout survival and long-term fishery health.
Kevin also emphasized the need for younger volunteers. At age 70, he sees tremendous knowledge within the Foundation’s leadership, but he hopes more anglers in their 30s, 40s, and 50s will step forward to help continue the stewardship work that has protected Henry’s Lake for decades. Click here if you want to be a member.
Connect with Kevin and the Henry’s Lake Foundation
- Kevin Skenandore: https://www.instagram.com/onthephly/
- Henry’s Lake Foundation: https://www.henryslakefoundation.com/
- Henry’s Lake Guide Service:
https://www.facebook.com/henryslakeguiding/
https://www.instagram.com/henryslakeguideservice/
This episode is brought to you by Yellowstone Teton Territory. Make sure to check them out when visiting Idaho.
