Bass Fishing in Lake Henshaw?

[Marc]

Hey guys, just wondering how the bass fishing is in Lake Henshaw? Anyone have the scoop?

[Nicholas H.]

Hey Marc, Henshaw is really a Crappie and Carp fest lake. Not great bass fishing. Of course, there might be those few times where it's ON! But, it's really out there away from most areas. The lakes that produce the best in SD county are El Cap, Hodges & Otay. There are some GREAT smaller lakes (Dixon, Murray, Jennings, Miramar, Sutherland, Wholford and Poway) that produce DONKEY'S and then there's few lakes (Morena and Cuyamaca) which are a good drive that not a lot of guys fish and you can have some really good days on. Diamond Valley really is about the same drive from Vista as Otay would be and the fishing tends to be more "reliable" at DVL. The majority of tournaments in San Diego are run out of Otay, San Vicente (Closing for SEVERAL years really soon), El Cap and Hodges. Hope this helps!

[jack65274]

I have never personally fished Henshaw though have driven past it a few times and it looks tempting to try. My uncle used to fish there many years ago...10-15 years ago....and I know that on one 3 day trip there he caught a couple in the ten pound range on plastic worms. Not sure how many others they caught.

[wccjanel]

Henshaw can be really good, but I have to agree with Nicholas H. If you want something different go to Henshaw, and use the float and fly with any grub or hair jig that looks shad in color. You will have a mixed bag of bass (1-3#), and crappie (1/2-2#). However, if you want to catch a boat load of bass, go to El Cap, Hodges, or Sutherland. Topwater, Flukes, and Blades.

Have Fun,
James
www.thefishicon.com

[DeltaBound]

Mann's augertail worms in smoke red sparkle then henshaw turns into a bass lake.

[Marc]

Hey guys, thanks for the information. Sorry I didn't respond sooner but I was at the Columbia River fishing for the weekend (tournaments).

So if a bass guy were to move to Vista, would you consider the area to have potential? I have fished Hodges before, Vail, Miramar, and San Vincente and El Capitan; but all of those were when I lived in La Habra during the 1980's.

Another question...I understand Dixon isn't far; which is cool. Is it strictly rental boat only...or can you use your own small boat (I also have a 11 foot Boston Whaler).

How about tournament circuits in the area?

Thanks Nicholas and others for the information.

[Nicholas H.]

Dixon is rental boats (13ft w/ trolling motors only). Marc, undersand one thing, NONE of our fisheries can compare with your backyard (Columbia River). You will definitely learn new techniques and you'll have to SLOW down A LOT. As far as organizations go, National Bass West, WON Bass, The Fed, ABA and I'm sure I have left a couple more off, but those are your main choices. Marc, shoot me over an email and we can chat on the phone.

Take care!

[Ray L.]

you also have d.v.l.and sknner not far from Vista.

[wccjanel]

Marc,

Again, Nicholas H. is spot on with his info.

Vail is now private. It is also awesome, so if a membership is in your budget, you might want to look into it. Diamond Valley Lake, Hodges, and Sutherland are all good bass lakes in your location.

There are many bass clubs to choose from, and I would suggest hooking up with some of the club guys (or join one), to help learn the ropes.

You can PM / email me anytime.

Good Luck,
James

james@thefishicon.com
www.thefishicon.com

[Oldschool]

Good advice in this thread.
Henshaw is out of the way and generally not worth the effort.
If you fish it; the lake has good outside channel breaks for jig fishing, some brush for worming and a decent frog bite on the east end flats.
Tom

[Marc]

Thanks guys, appreciate the information. Nicholas, I'll get in touch with you soon!