About Henderson Bay, NY

Henderson Bay is an expanse of water in the south of Point Peninsula in Jefferson County, near Watertown in New York State. The bay is approximately four miles long and contains three smaller embayments: the Snowshoe Bay, Whites Bay, and the Henderson Harbor. It is an arm of Lake Ontario that is located 4.1 miles from Sackets Harbor, a historic village situated at the eastern part of the lake that also obtains its water supply from the bay. 

The bay is also known for hosting annual regattas and fishing derbies, pushing its economy to thrive by seasonal tourism. It is also a popular destination for music shows held on pontoon boats, especially in July. Henderson is also abundant in terms of wildlife, with a variety of waterfowl and fish species residing in the area, making it a unique addition to the surrounding village’s natural resources. The bay can be easily accessed through the Westcott Beach State Park, a 318-acre park that provides beach, camping, and fishing opportunities for locals and visitors alike.

However, there are certain reports of poorly treated sewage discharged into the bay from the Hamlet of Henderson Harbor, compromising its water quality. The lack of effective sewer systems around the bay has also contributed to the excessive aquatic growth in the water body. As a result, the New York State Department of Health has tagged the bay’s water and swimming opportunities as impaired due to the presence of pollutants. Nevertheless, the bay still remains one of the top fishing spots in Jefferson County at present time.

All About Fishing in Henderson Bay, NY

Henderson Bay is home to many of Jefferson County’s fishing industry, with the quality perch and bass fishing that the water body provides. The bay is an angling hotspot for good to excellent populations of walleye, smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, lake trout, chinook salmon, coho salmon, rainbow trout, and brown trout. You may also find an abundance of northern pike, bluegill, brown bullhead, white perch, yellow perch, pumpkinseed, and rock bass in the area. There are also reported sightings of grass carp and freshwater drum. The bay’s fishing industry is supported by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation’s (NYS DEC)  annual fish stocking. In 2001, the bay has been stocked with over 36,000 brown trout, 72,000 lake trout, 20,000 rainbow trout, and 40,000 chinook salmon. The bay is still stocked with more or less 60,000 brown trout annually in spring up to this day.

Popular fishing techniques used in Henderson Bay are spinning, baitcasting, trolling, and ice fishing. Try fishing around the trench between Stony Point and Stony Island. There are plenty of boat rentals around the area, and you may also use your own boat out into the water. You may need a fishing license, so be sure to settle that beforehand. The New York State also has free fishing days that vary every year, when everyone could fish without a license as long as you follow the appropriate rules and regulations established by the NYS DEC. 

Fishing Seasonality

The best times to fish in Henderson Bay would be around 12 AM to 2 AM, 8 AM, and 2 PM to 4 PM. Walleye species are generally excellent during May to June and September. Best fishing times for bass would be from May to early July, and can also stretch to September. Rainbow trout species are available all year round but ideally best to target during late May to September. 

Moreover, the best time to fish for brown trout and lake trout inshore is during April and May. Northern pike species are best targets during May to June and September, but best for ice fishing technique during December to mid-March. Yellow perch, on the other hand, is best fished from April to November, and is also ideal for ice fishing from December through March. 

Fishing Seasonality

The best times to fish in Henderson Bay would be around 12 AM to 2 AM, 8 AM, and 2 PM to 4 PM. Walleye species are generally excellent during May to June and September. Best fishing times for bass would be from May to early July, and can also stretch to September. Rainbow trout species are available all year round but ideally best to target during late May to September. 

Moreover, the best time to fish for brown trout and lake trout inshore is during April and May. Northern pike species are best targets during May to June and September, but best for ice fishing technique during December to mid-March. Yellow perch, on the other hand, is best fished from April to November, and is also ideal for ice fishing from December through March. 

All About Fishing in Henderson Bay, NY

Henderson Bay is home to many of Jefferson County’s fishing industry, with the quality perch and bass fishing that the water body provides. The bay is an angling hotspot for good to excellent populations of walleye, smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, lake trout, chinook salmon, coho salmon, rainbow trout, and brown trout. You may also find an abundance of northern pike, bluegill, brown bullhead, white perch, yellow perch, pumpkinseed, and rock bass in the area. There are also reported sightings of grass carp and freshwater drum. The bay’s fishing industry is supported by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation’s (NYS DEC)  annual fish stocking. In 2001, the bay has been stocked with over 36,000 brown trout, 72,000 lake trout, 20,000 rainbow trout, and 40,000 chinook salmon. The bay is still stocked with more or less 60,000 brown trout annually in spring up to this day.

Popular fishing techniques used in Henderson Bay are spinning, baitcasting, trolling, and ice fishing. Try fishing around the trench between Stony Point and Stony Island. There are plenty of boat rentals around the area, and you may also use your own boat out into the water. You may need a fishing license, so be sure to settle that beforehand. The New York State also has free fishing days that vary every year, when everyone could fish without a license as long as you follow the appropriate rules and regulations established by the NYS DEC.