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▶️ Lake Henshaw Fly Fishing 🎣 🐟
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fishing at lake henshaw

Summary

Lake Details

Fish Types

Gear & Tackle

Directions

Henshaw Lake Fishing Guide 🎣

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Lake Henshaw Crappie Fishing

Henshaw Lake Fishing Guide 🎣, in Santa Ysabel, California, is a great spot for fishing and relaxing in nature. This beautiful lake is known for its variety of fish, including catfish, crappie, bass, and bluegill. It’s a favorite for anglers of all levels, whether you’re fishing from the shore, a dock, or a boat. The lake has a calm and peaceful vibe, surrounded by rolling hills and open skies. If you don’t have a boat, no worries—rentals are available, making it easy to explore the water. The area also offers picnic spots and hiking trails, so there’s plenty to enjoy even if you’re not fishing. It’s a perfect destination for a family outing, a fun day with friends, or some solo time in nature. Whether you’re after a great catch or just unwinding, Henshaw Lake is a friendly and fun getaway! 🎣 🐟

Lake Details

Henshaw Lake Fishing Guide 🎣 Highlights :

  • Fish Species: Anglers can target largemouth bass, crappie, channel catfish, bluegill, and bullhead. The lake has produced notable catches, including a 39.5-pound channel catfish, a 3-pound crappie, and a 14-pound, 4-ounce largemouth bass.
  • Fishing Conditions: As of August 2024, bass fishing has been consistently good, with topwater action in the mornings and success using drop shots, Senkos, and Texas-rigged plastics during the day. Catfish are actively biting, especially during night fishing sessions, with prawns and large nightcrawlers being effective baits. Crappie are schooling near offshore structures and around the west shore dock, with small grubs or jigs yielding good results.
  • Boating and Access: Lake Henshaw enforces a 10 mph speed limit for all boats. Boat rentals are available, and the lake provides camping facilities and other amenities. Swimming or direct water contact is prohibited.
  • Additional Amenities: Beyond fishing, Lake Henshaw Resort offers camping, cabin rentals, and a general store, making it a versatile destination for outdoor enthusiasts.

Top Fish at Henshaw Lake

Largemouth Bass Fishing Guide

Largemouth Bass

White Crappie Fishing Guide

Crappie

Bluegill Fishing Guide

Bluegill

Channel Catfish Fishing Guide

Channel Catfish

Lake Information

  • Name/Location:
    Lake Henshaw
  • Address:
    26439 Highway 76
    Santa Ysabel, CA 92070
  • County: San Diego County
  • Hours:
    – Day use
  • Website:
  • LakeHenshawResort.com
  • Dbw.parks.ca.gov
  • Fishing License: Required for persons 16 years and older.

Lake Amenities

  • Boat Rentals
  • Marina
  • Launch
  • DryStorage
  • Campsites
  • Convenience Store
  • Fish Cleaning Station
  • Fishing Tackle Sales
  • Laundry
  • Lodging
  • Restaurant
  • Restrooms
  • Showers

Nearby Lakes

Fish Types

Bass Fishing

Largemouth Bass Fishing

Fish Spots & Tips

  • Where to Fish for Bass:
    Fishing along the shoreline and inlets is great for catching Bass. Look for spots with vegetation, fallen branches, and rocks where these fish like to hide.
  • Bass Fishing Tips:
    Bass thrive in warmer waters and are most active during the spring and summer
  • Baits: Live shad, crayfish, and plastic worms
  • Lures: Crankbaits, spinnerbaits, and topwater lures
  • Tackle: Medium to heavy spinning or baitcasting gear with 8-12 lb test line

Baits & Lures

TRUSCEND Pre-Rigged Soft Fishing Lures

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Gary Yamamoto Senko Soft Plastic Worms

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SteelShad Lipless Crankbait

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TRUSCEND Swimming Jigging Fishing Spinners

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Bass Drop Shot Rigs

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Rainbow Trout Fishing

Fish Spots & Tips

  • Where to Fish for Rainbow Trout:
    Center of the lake offers deeper, cooler waters in the center of the lake are ideal for catching Rainbow Trout. You can reach these areas by casting from the fishing docks or using a small boat if allowed.
  • Rainbow Trout Fishing Tips:
    Suspend these baits on the right at different depths with a bobber.
  • Baits: PowerBait, worms, and small minnows
  • Lures: Spinners, spoons, and small jigs
  • Tackle: Light to medium spinning gear with 4-6 lb test line

Baits & Lures

Berkley Gulp! Corn

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Berkley PowerBait Power Honey Worm

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Pautzke Balls O’ Fire Salmon Eggs

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Berkley PowerBait Natural Cheese Scent

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Berkley Gulp! Trout Nuggets Dough Bait

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Bluegill Fishing

Bluegill Fishing

Fish Spots & Tips

  • Where to Fish for Bluegill:
    Bluegill are commonly found in the shallow areas of the lake, especially around docks and vegetation.
  • Bluegil Fishing Tips:
    They are active throughout the day, particularly in the summer.
  • Baits: Worms, crickets, and small pieces of bread
  • Lures: Tiny jigs and small spinners
  • Tackle: Ultra-light spinning gear with 2-4 lb test line

Baits & Lures

Berkley Powerbait Panfish Nibbles Fishing Bait

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Berkley Gulp! Maggot 

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Berkley Gulp! Killer Crawler Fishing Soft Bait

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Berkley Berkley PowerBait Power Honey Worm

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YUM Ribbontail Grub Curly Tail Swim Fishing Lure

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CatFish Fishing

Fish Spots & Tips

  • Where to Fish for Catfish:
    Channel Catfish are bottom dwellers and can be found in the deeper, murkier parts of the lake.
  • Catfish Fishing Tips:
    Catfish are popular among night anglers. They are most active after sunset.
  • Baits: Stink bait, chicken liver, and cut bait
  • Lures: Not commonly used, as they prefer natural baits
  • Tackle: Medium to heavy spinning or baitcasting gear with 12-20 lb test line

Baits & Lures

Wild Cat Pre-Molded Catfish Bait

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Catfish Charlie Dip Bait Cheese

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Wild Cat Blood Dip Bait

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Berkley PowerBait Catfish Bait Chunks Fishing Dough

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Pro-Cure Catfish Magic Chicken Liver Cure

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Gear & Tackle

HOOK-EZE Fishing Hook Knot Tying Tool

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ACX Fish Lip Gripper Pliers

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PLUSINNO Floating Fishing Net

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Fishing Rod Combos with Telescopic Fishing Pole

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KastKing Tactical Fishing Sling Tackle Storage Bag

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KastKing Fishing Lure Wraps

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Piscifun Fishing Line Winder Spooler Machine

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KastKing Mountain Mist Fishing Gloves

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Eagle Claw E.C. Fresh Water Tackle Kit

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TOPFORT 187/343pcs Fishing Accessories Kit

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Columbia Unisex Pfg Fish Flag Mesh Snap Back

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TOREGE Sports Polarized Sunglasses

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Booms Fishing R2 Hook Remover Squeeze

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iBobber portable fish depth finder

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Smith & Wesson Extreme Ops Folding Knife

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HOOK-EZE Fishing Hook Knot Tying Tool

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Shakespeare Catch More Fish Panfish Tackle Box Kit

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Shakespeare Catch More Fish Catfish Tackle Box Kit

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PLUSINNO Bass Fishing Lures Baits Tackle

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PLUSINNO Fishing Lures Baits Tackle

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Crappie Magnet Tackle Pack Kit

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TOPFORT 187/343pcs Fishing Accessories Kit

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Harmony Fishing Bass Razor Weedless Hooks

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Panfish Magnet Kit

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Fishing Hooks Bobbers Freshwater Tackle Kit

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PLUSINNO 264/397pcs Fishing Accessories Kit

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Eagle Claw E.C. Fresh Water Tackle Kit

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Eagle Claw Trout Fishing Kit

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Shakespeare Kids Hide-A-Hook Bobber

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Smaky Fishing Tackle Kit

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HOOK-EZE Fishing Hook Knot Tying Tool

Purchase on Amazon →

ACX Fish Lip Gripper Pliers

Purchase on Amazon →

PLUSINNO Floating Fishing Net

Purchase on Amazon →

Fishing Rod Combos with Telescopic Fishing Pole

Purchase on Amazon →

KastKing Tactical Fishing Sling Tackle Storage Bag

Purchase on Amazon →

KastKing Fishing Lure Wraps

Purchase on Amazon →

Piscifun Fishing Line Winder Spooler Machine

Purchase on Amazon →

KastKing Mountain Mist Fishing Gloves

Purchase on Amazon →

Eagle Claw E.C. Fresh Water Tackle Kit

Purchase on Amazon →

TOPFORT 187/343pcs Fishing Accessories Kit

Purchase on Amazon →

Columbia Unisex Pfg Fish Flag Mesh Snap Back

Purchase on Amazon →

TOREGE Sports Polarized Sunglasses

Purchase on Amazon →

iBobber portable fish depth finder

Purchase on Amazon →

Smith & Wesson Extreme Ops Folding Knife

Purchase on Amazon →

Smith & Wesson Extreme Ops Folding Knife

Purchase on Amazon →

HOOK-EZE Fishing Hook Knot Tying Tool

Purchase on Amazon →

ACX Fish Lip Gripper Pliers

Purchase on Amazon →

PLUSINNO Floating Fishing Net

Purchase on Amazon →

Fishing Rod Combos with Telescopic Fishing Pole

Purchase on Amazon →

KastKing Tactical Fishing Sling Tackle Storage Bag

Purchase on Amazon →

KastKing Fishing Lure Wraps

Purchase on Amazon →

Piscifun Fishing Line Winder Spooler Machine

Purchase on Amazon →

KastKing Mountain Mist Fishing Gloves

Purchase on Amazon →

Eagle Claw E.C. Fresh Water Tackle Kit

Purchase on Amazon →

TOPFORT 187/343pcs Fishing Accessories Kit

Purchase on Amazon →

Columbia Unisex Pfg Fish Flag Mesh Snap Back

Purchase on Amazon →

TOREGE Sports Polarized Sunglasses

Purchase on Amazon →

TOREGE Sports Polarized Sunglasses

Purchase on Amazon →

TOREGE Sports Polarized Sunglasses

Purchase on Amazon →

TOREGE Sports Polarized Sunglasses

Purchase on Amazon →

HOOK-EZE Fishing Hook Knot Tying Tool

Purchase on Amazon →

ACX Fish Lip Gripper Pliers

Purchase on Amazon →

PLUSINNO Floating Fishing Net

Purchase on Amazon →

Fishing Rod Combos with Telescopic Fishing Pole

Purchase on Amazon →

KastKing Tactical Fishing Sling Tackle Storage Bag

Purchase on Amazon →

KastKing Fishing Lure Wraps

Purchase on Amazon →

Piscifun Fishing Line Winder Spooler Machine

Purchase on Amazon →

KastKing Mountain Mist Fishing Gloves

Purchase on Amazon →

Eagle Claw E.C. Fresh Water Tackle Kit

Purchase on Amazon →

TOPFORT 187/343pcs Fishing Accessories Kit

Purchase on Amazon →

Columbia Unisex Pfg Fish Flag Mesh Snap Back

Purchase on Amazon →

TOREGE Sports Polarized Sunglasses

Purchase on Amazon →

TOREGE Sports Polarized Sunglasses

Purchase on Amazon →

iBobber portable fish depth finder

Purchase on Amazon →

Smith & Wesson Extreme Ops Folding Knife

Purchase on Amazon →

Directions

FAQs

Henshaw Lake is known for its diverse fish population, including largemouth bass, channel catfish, crappie, bluegill, and carp. Seasonal opportunities for trout fishing may also be available depending on stocking schedules.

Yes, anglers aged 16 or older must have a valid California fishing license to fish at Henshaw Lake. Additionally, there is a lake use fee that must be paid at the lake office.

Yes, boats are allowed, and rentals are available, including rowboats and motorboats. Personal watercraft are also permitted, but they must pass an inspection for invasive species before launching.

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