Henderson Lake in Essex County: How and When to Fish It

• Overview

  You will find Henderson Lake in Essex County, New York. It sits at 1,814 feet above sea level. The water covers around 281 acres, which puts most of it out of reach from the bank. The shoreline runs about 4.2 miles, so it pays to pick a stretch and stay with it. It ranks high for size among our Essex County listings. The town to know is North Elba, 12 miles out. For a city, Ville-Marie is 100 miles off. It lies deep inside the county rather than near an edge.

• Where to Fish on Henderson Lake

  Nothing in our records gives a depth for this one. Bays and points beat straight shoreline every time on water like this. Weed, then depth: that is the order to fish a water of this kind. Species logged across Essex County include brown trout, brook trout and white sucker. Read it as a county summary, not a water-by-water list. Anyone new to Henderson Lake should walk it once before setting up.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Expect July near 62°F and January near 12°F on the long-run figures. Hard water is a season in its own right here. The freeze runs deep into the year, with break-up near late April. From about late April to around late November, expect open water on the long-run figures. Spring is short and heavy here; autumn is longer and steadier. Time your trip to Henderson Lake by conditions rather than dates.

• Tackle & Baits

  Whether you may fish here is not something records settle. No dam controls it, and the level follows the season. A carry of half a mile from the nearest parking is the price of fishing here. Facilities run to toilets half a mile from the water. Some banks are open only from a marked point. Fishing rules and camping rules are set separately here. If the gate is shut, Lake Jimmy at 1.5 miles is the nearest alternative. Confirm access to Henderson Lake locally before you travel.