Summary

Lake Details

Fish Types

Gear & Tackle

Directions

Henshaw Lake Fishing Tips: Best Bait & Tackle Guide 🎣

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Lake Henshaw Crappie Fishing

Henshaw Lake Fishing Tips: Best Bait & Tackle 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 Tips: Best Bait & Tackle 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

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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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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California Freshwater Fishing Regulations

2025 Freshwater Sport Fishing – California v12Download

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.