Fishing John Henry Lake in Wallowa County, Oregon

• Overview

  Within Wallowa County, Oregon, you have John Henry Lake. The setting is mixed forest on every side. Small at around 10 acres: two anglers spread out cover most of it. By elevation it is in the upper part of our Oregon listings. Joseph sits 12 miles from here and is the nearest stop. Enterprise is 13 miles away, with Union at 21 miles. It sits well inside the county, so one set of rules covers it.

• Where to Fish on John Henry Lake

  There is no recorded depth, so work from what you can see. On a natural lake the weed line and the shelf beyond it do the work. A soft bed grows weed late into autumn, which keeps fish shallow. Fish documented in Wallowa County include sockeye salmon, brook trout and rainbow trout. At least one recorded species is protected in parts of its range; read the local rules before targeting anything. Fish John Henry Lake where the bottom changes rather than where it looks deep.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Long-term averages put August at about 52°F and December near 20°F. Hard water is a season in its own right here. After mid May the shallows warm and the fish move up. The season between ice runs from about mid May to mid November. Just after the ice goes and just before it returns, the fishing lifts. Plan any trip to John Henry Lake around it.

• Tackle & Baits

  No public source sets out the position on this bank. Eagle Cap Wilderness covers this ground, which means extra rules to check. Trout here take small spinners, spoons and, where fly water allows, a nymph or dry. Look for a notice board at the entrance. Signs go up and come down, so check on the day. If the gate is shut, Laverty Lakes at 1.4 miles is the nearest alternative. Nothing here settles the position at John Henry Lake for certain.