Henson Lake in Guilford County: How and When to Fish It

• Overview

  You will find Henson Lake in Guilford County, North Carolina. Beyond the shoreline you have open plain. At 9 acres it is the sort of place you fish for an evening rather than a day. Summerfield is the closest town at 1 mile. Further out sit Oak Ridge (4.4 miles) and Stokesdale (4.5 miles). It sits near the edge of the county, so check which rules apply.

• Where to Fish on Henson Lake

  No depth figure has reached our records, which makes a plummet useful. Inflow corners move water, and moving water gathers fish. Built water gives depth close in, which suits a bank angler. Records held for Guilford County cover bluegill, green sunfish, redbreast sunfish, black crappie and redear sunfish. Records at county level tell you what is around, not what is stocked here. Read Henson Lake before you fish it and the day goes better.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Long-run averages give July about 77°F and January about 37°F. Temperatures stay workable through the cold season. The first and last hours carry the summer; the middle is slow. April and May are the settled weeks, with October close behind. It sets the rhythm of the year at Henson Lake.

• Tackle & Baits

  No access rule appears in what we hold. You can leave the car about half a mile from the water. There is a jetty half a mile off, worth knowing on a busy day. For the panfish, a small hook, a float and a piece of worm outfish everything fancy. Season dates differ by species, so read the table. Rules for boats are stricter than rules for the bank in many places. Failing this one, try Hobbs Lake, 1.7 miles away. Signs at Henson Lake carry more weight than any list.