Henley Lake in Cole County: How and When to Fish It

• Overview

  Henley Lake is one of the Cole County listings for Missouri. Height above sea level is 653 feet. This is a pocket water of some 7 acres, and every part of it is reachable from the bank. For supplies, Wardsville is 12 miles out. After that come Eldon at 14 miles and Saint Martins at 17 miles. A county line runs close by, so local bylaws can differ within a short drive.

• Where to Fish on Henley Lake

  Depth remains unrecorded, so treat the first session as a survey. Built water gives depth close in, which suits a bank angler. Held water runs deepest at the wall and shallows back to the inflow. Records held for Cole County cover orangethroat darter, green sunfish and bluegill. The county list is broader than any single water. At Henley Lake light and wind decide more than tackle does.

• Seasonal Patterns

  July runs about 78°F on average, January about 30°F. Some winters cap it and some do not. It is not guaranteed even in a cold spell, so check yourself. November and March are the quiet, comfortable months to be out. Expect Henley Lake to follow that timing. Cool nights slow the mornings but sharpen the evenings.

• Tackle & Baits

  The paperwork position is blank for this one. No made access appears within a short radius, so plan to park on a verge and walk. A small crankbait along the drop and a worm in the thick stuff cover the bass. Gates get locked out of season on water like this. Signs go up and come down, so check on the day. Should this one be busy, Patterson Lake is 3.1 miles off. For Henley Lake, the notice at the access point is the final word.