Fishing at Hensley Lake, Madera County, California

• Overview

  Hensley Lake lies in Madera County, California. What surrounds it is open plain. At 859 acres this is proper open water rather than a pond. The edge covers about 8.5 miles, enough to hold several distinct areas. It is among the larger waters listed here for Madera County. The town to know is Yosemite Lakes, 7.3 miles out. The nearest city of size is Clovis, 23 miles away. The nearest boundary is well away, so one set of rules covers the water.

• Where to Fish on Hensley Lake

  Our records hold no depth for this water. Standing timber shows when the level drops, and fish sit against it. Built water gives depth close in, which suits a bank angler. Fish documented in Madera County include brown trout, rainbow trout and smallmouth bass. The county figures include rivers and lakes alike. On Hensley Lake the obvious spot is not always the productive one.

• Seasonal Patterns

  The warmest month averages 81°F, the coldest about 46°F. The hard part of the year is the heat, not the cold. October and November give a second good stretch as it cools. The hot months push the fishing to dawn and dusk. On Hensley Lake the same rules apply, with local timing. A rising level usually fishes better than a falling one.

• Tackle & Baits

  Access is not recorded for this water. There is a slipway on the shore, half a mile from the water we list. A small crankbait along the drop and a worm in the thick stuff cover the bass. Rules for this water may differ from the county norm. Rules for boats are stricter than rules for the bank in many places. Should this one be busy, Madera Equalization Reservoir is 5.2 miles off. Check the position at Hensley Lake before loading the car.