HENDERSON SPRINGS
Destination Overview
Henderson Springs is a 500 acre fly-fishing paradise located in the remote northern California wilderness. Four spectacular lakes and a 1/2 mile meandering spring creek offer some of the most exciting trophy trout fishing found anywhere. These catch and release waters are open only to our guests, ensuring a private and un-pressured fishery. Henderson Springs is a fly-fishing only resort (no spin or bait fishing) catering to serious adult anglers (children 12 years of age or older are welcome).
Back country fly-fishing here is a unique experience. Henderson Springs offers privacy and unparalleled exposure to nature ~ you are bound to spot soaring eagles, nesting honkers, turkey, quail, otter, beaver, deer, fox, or an occasional bear or mountain lion.
At a Glance
Location:
Target Fish: Trout- rainbow
Time of Year:
Lodge Capacity: The Main lodge has 8 rooms
Nearest Large Airport:
Documents Required: California Fishing License (purchase in advance)
Fishing Program
Wading:
Hip waders with rubber soles are perfect for the stream or lake shore fishing. Felt soles are not allowed due to the risk of New Zealand mud snails. Chest waders are needed if you plan on float tubing the lower lake or upper lake.
The lodge asks that you please do not wade in the edges of the lakes. You may have to get your feet wet when landing one of the larger fish, but otherwise try to avoid wading. Also keep your wading to a minimum when fishing the stream. You may wade in and out of the stream, but please avoid using the riverbed to wade up and down stream.
Lake Fishing:
Expect a lot of action using emerging insects just underneath the surface. Many regulars fish some type of dry or emerger with a dropper, short or long, and a nymph or midge pupa attached.
Expect midge activity to start in early spring and continue all year. Mayflies start in late spring and early summer. Terrestrials are effective most of the season, especially after early spring.
Leeches, damsels & dragonflies patterns seem to work best from late spring on. A crystal bugger or leech with a nymph trailer can be deadly. You must experiment with various retrieves at different depths until you strike gold!
Many lake fishermen have great success fishing nymphs at various depths underneath an indicator. Just let them sit there for a bit, patience is a virtue at this point, and then pull it slowly back for another cast. In late season the water boatman activity is amazing!
A few years ago a hexagenia hatch started in early June. These are giant mayflies to size 4. It is a spectacular site with trout jumping and black birds dive bombing these amazing bugs. If your trip is planned around this time bring those flies too.
Stream Fishing:
For the stream, shorter leaders tapered to 4x or 5x are more appropriate. Deer hair flies with short droppers or no droppers will produce. Nymphs of various sizes and colors should be in your box. Yellow Humpy’s, Stimulators & Elk Hair Caddis are high on the list for dries, but there are a number of other popular patterns, such as Parachute Adams, that will work well.
Hanging a nymph underneath these high floaters can sometimes turn the trick. Black AP’s, PT’s, Prince Nymphs, & Golden Stones are some of the wet flies to try first. Small nymph patterns begin to be the best choice in late summer & fall. Hoppers and beetles are a must most months!
Accommodations
The Main Lodge is a spacious and comfortable lodge featuring 8 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, 2 large living rooms, 4 fireplaces and a big screen TV.
A magnificent 30-foot-high rock fireplace in the living room provides the perfect setting for evening relaxation. Just outside, a huge deck overlooks a gorgeous meadow and spring creek surrounded by mountain peaks and lush forests.
Adjacent to the deck is an extra large 75 foot long salt water swimming pool with spa, perfect for laps, playing or just relaxing. The combination solar and gas heating system keeps the pool and spa at an optimal temperature throughout the season. A minimum of a three-day stay is required. A single day of fishing and lodging may be arranged on a fill-in basis by contacting Henderson Springs.
1. The Ranch has a chef/caterer that provides dinners and food for guests to make their own breakfasts and lunches.
In either case, we are here to ensure that you have a good time and all of your needs are met.
ALCOHOLIC AND SOFT DRINK BEVERAGES ARE NOT PROVIDED BY THE CATERERS OR BY THE RANCH. PLEASE BRING YOUR OWN.
Dinners are very good, by any standard. The well-trained cook prepares hearty, family style meals, served in an informal atmosphere that marries well with the whole experience. Guests are encouraged to enjoy the ranch amenities whenever they wish.
Coffee and Breakfast is self serve whenever you want, there is no hurry to be the first on the stream or either of the lakes.
Getting There
Just a 4-1/2 hour drive from either Sacramento or the Bay area will land you in this pristine and comfortable mountain hideaway.
We can provide detailed navigation if you are not using a mapping or gps program.
