Lake Henshaw info

[Widgeonluv2492]

Hello,
I have been hunting ducks in so cal since I was 10 years old, and grew up hunting mainly SJ and wister. But now that I'm older 24 to be exact Im wanting to venture out and find other spots to hunt waterfowl and lake henshaw has sparked my interests the last few years and I plan on heading up there to hunt on the 17th, and was looking for info on whether or not I need to put in for a draw and when I need to do it by, as well as a few pointers on how to hunt the lake! Any help is greatly appreciated, thanks!

 

[ilovesprig]

Henshaw is a tough place to hunt and has gotten very popular as of late. It's very competitive as well.....The cost is $50.00 dollars a day......The draw has changed lately, the last I was told is that you have to have your name in the hat (call office) by 10:00 am Monday for Wednesdays hunt and Thursday by 10:00 am for Saturdays hunt......If you rent a cabin, you're automatically in to hunt (+ the $50.00).....There's also MCC members that get to hunt the hunt days including Sundays.....They open the store & gates at 5:00 am......Boat rental is $50.00 and if there's a east wind even predicted. They will not let you out.....Private boats are allowed and are given some leeway depending on the boat.....You allowed to set-up the day before.

As far as hunting goes......You can see that the lake is large and the southeast end is very flat and shallow.....That means layout blinds.....The northend and river mouth have willows growing pretty close to the edge now. So it is possible to build willow blinds in some areas.....Again, layouts are the norm.....Large decoys spreads are historically needed, but since about half the time you have to walk in, that's not feasible.....Spinners are a plus.....Widgeon are your #1 duck, by far.....I use 90 % widgeon decoys (full bodies & pro-grades).....Hope this helps some.....Oh, and pray for rain and a rise in the lake level.....

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[Fowl Play]

Like Steve said, it's a tough place to hunt. After the first few hunt days, the ducks know the drill and are very educated. If anything looks off or remotely like a layout blind, they will give you a few very high passes and then will raft up in the middle of the lake. I try to give myself at least 30 min in the morning just to brush in the layout blind. (Quick question for Steve, what year was that picture taken from the overlook? Wish we could see water levels like that again)

 

[Widgeonluv2492]

Oh ok cool, thank you for all the info I might still give it a try just to experience something different, I have a layout blind as well as a bunch of Widgeon decoys and some goose decoys. I'm going to give the office a call to get more info. I appreciate the help maybe I will see you guys out there!

 

[ilovesprig]

Like Steve said, it's a tough place to hunt. After the first few hunt days, the ducks know the drill and are very educated. If anything looks off or remotely like a layout blind, they will give you a few very high passes and then will raft up in the middle of the lake. I try to give myself at least 30 min in the morning just to brush in the layout blind. (Quick question for Steve, what year was that picture taken from the overlook? Wish we could see water levels like that again)

2010.......Great year for flooded timber.......Long way to go to get to that level.

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[Matagi]

I think Henshaw is hands down my favorite local spot. My favorite year was 2005 and 2006 when the water went behind monkey island and the oak trees on the east side. Used to be filled with woodies, mallards, and sprigs. I even shot my first honker and snow at Henshaw. I hope the water level will one day get high enough like the good days.

 

[fishingkid]

With the price increases have you noticed it effecting the hunter turn out?

 

[jth]

Henshaw is hands down the most fun place to hunt in socal when the water fills up. Looking mighty low this year.

 

[ilovesprig]

Henshaw is hands down the most fun place to hunt in socal when the water fills up. Looking mighty low this year.

Probably a little off, but that has more to do with the low bird counts......I think there was about 15 guys today......Low lake conditions makes for tough hunting conditions.

 

[The Deer Guy]

I have to say Henshaw can be my favorite place to hunt at times hands down. However, there are a lot of factors and without knowledge of the lake it can be one of the hardest places to hunt. Hiding and finding duck food are the 2 key factors at play. We use layout blinds most of the time and like Steve said mostly wigeon decoys as they make up a majority of the duck population. If your not hidden however you won't get them so spend some time brushing up your blind and take a look at it from a distance to see how the colors contrast with the natural brush. Definitely come the day before and scout if you have the time. Just be prepared for a lot of long days with not many ducks while you're trying to figure it out.
Pm me with any more questions and I'll gladly help you out.