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"Can we talk?"
Joan Rivers ‘catch’ phrase seems appropriate as I sit down to write this months ‘In the Loop’ column for the Henrys Lake Foundation.
Just for those that wonder where the Henrys Lake Foundation stood on the year round opening of Henry’s Lake, it stood squarely and proudly in the corner of Henrys Lake. Notifying the Game and Fish not to move forward with the proposed short sighted regulation change on our cherished fishery, let’s just say we got the Rodney Dangerfield treatment.
As small openings of open water began to emerge this late April and early May, I witnessed the onslaught of the valued, spawning Yellowstone Cutthoat Trout that are highly concentrated in the very limited open waters of the lake. Trout being caught and dragged up the cement boat ramp, fertile eggs scattered helter skelter. Most flyfishers caught and released the trout with care, but, it was difficult to witness those that don’t value the beautiful cutthroat. There is extremely limited public access for the earliest of open waters and if combat fishing to spawning trout is the outcome the fish and game was looking for, they got it! If the Game and Fish think it’s important to protect the spawning fish near the fish hatchery, makes sense that (no fishing) buoys be placed near Frome and State Parks.
I’ll never live long enough to see the day the recent changes are reversed and buoys aren’t strategically placed, but, I might suggest that rather than adults casting over these spawning fish, and counting their heroic numbers, and padding their fly fish ego’s, that if fishing is allowed, let the kids and only the kids cast a fly in May. There should be no fishing at ice off, as the fish are so highly concentrated, but if the fish and game are going to allow it, let the kids be the beneficiaries.
If significant regulation changes occur on the lake, whereas, now it’s open every day of the year, then thoughtful, attentive, intelligent, along with a bit of common sense management practices needs to take place. One of those management alternatives relates to the planting of the fish, seems painless to thoughtfully distribute where they are introduced to the lake. They return to Frome and the State Park ramp, because that is where the majority of the fish are put in the water. Seems simple, but, now that they have changed the regulations, they should be extremely protective of the resource and consider every option available to protect it.
I love Henrys Lake, and value it for so many reasons. Have recently finished writing a book called “Time Flies, Adventures of an Avid Angler”, that shares a few fish tails related to the storied waters. It’s going through final editing and will be available this fall.
I am deeply appreciative of the opportunity to be involved with the Henrys Lake Foundation, associated with true stewards that volunteer their expertise, energy, and time to protect and preserve this magnificent fishery. I encourage you to become acquainted with the Foundation, become a contributing member, attend our summer social event @ Meadow View on June 24th, where you can find out more about the efforts being made to protect and preserve our valued fishery.
Best fishes to all! And may the FISH be with you!
Kevin Skenandore
Henrys Lake Guide Service
Board member, Henrys Lake Foundation
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