The last few weeks here at Henrys Lake has been the worst smoke of any year I can ever remember. For a short while it was relatively tolerable but up until the last few days it was as thick as you can imagine. Sawtelle and the Centennial range were completely hidden from view. Fortunately, the recent cold front along with the rain and wind have helped clear things up but as soon as it warms up again, it may happen all over again.
With air quality being stated as unhealthy, there have been very few if any boats on the lake. Like myself, I think everyone was hoping for these rains and colder weather to bring the water temperatures down. The last time I was on the lake a few weeks ago, the surface water temperature was over 73 degrees which is the highest that I have ever measured. To say the least, the fishing wasn’t very good.
The 75 cfs outflows from the lake have not helped the situation but it is important that the entire upper Snake River basin do their collective part to help ensure that the entire watershed shares in the downstream water needs. As I look at our shoreline in the marina here at Pintail Point, it appears that the lake is down about 12-15 inches. I understand that the outflows are expected to continue so without more strong rains, the outflows will exceed the inflows and the lake will continue to recede.
There was a short period recently where it looked like we were going to have an algae bloom. Thankfully that never really occurred. I think a few cold overnight temperatures along with some afternoon storms have been enough to maybe avoid that through the end of the summer but as many of you know September can be quite warm.
A few friends have told me that the fish have already moved into the Howard Spring area at the State Park. This is interesting in that it is about 3-4 weeks early and could suggest that maybe we will have an early winter. I for one love the fall fishing, especially after we get some strong overnight freezes. It just seems to turn the fish on. Once they feel the water temperature drop, I think they know it is time to bulk up and are way more aggressive to the fly.
I am sure that the resurgence of the Covid virus has everyone concerned. I have been very cautious in what my wife and I do and where we go. I can only hope that this quick message finds everyone in good health and that we can collectively defeat this virus by getting vaccinated.
Have fun but stay safe,
Phil Barker, HLF Director
