Henry

Lake Henry is a small (152 acres), productive basin located within the Long Prairie River watershed. Mean and maximum depths are 13 and 32 feet, respectively. Lake Henry, along with lakes Agnes and Winona, comprise a chain of lakes within the city limits of Alexandria. Lakes Henry and Agnes are broadly connected with a common "narrows" area between the two basins. A shallow sand and rock bar separates the two basins. This bar is only one to two feet under the water surface during normal water levels. There is no public access on Lake Henry. Boaters access the lake via the public access on connected Lake Agnes, although that can be challenging when water levels are low. Boaters should note that motorized watercraft operation across Lake Agnes is regulated by a slow, no-wake restriction. Alexandria's City Park, which includes a public swimming beach, is located on the southeast shoreline of Lake Henry. The park also has a fishing pier that protrudes into connected Lake Agnes. A standard MN DNR lake survey was completed in summer 2023 to assess the fish community. Gamefish populations continue to expand in this basin as water quality and clarity continue to improve and aquatic vegetation becomes more abundant. The shallow, productive nature of this basin results in fast growth and larger average size for most gamefishes. A quality Largemouth Bass population was evident in 2023. This population is currently protected by a special 12- to 20-inch protected slot limit. All bass 12 to 20 inches in length must be immediately released with one bass over 20 inches allowed in possession. Panfish species commonly targeted by anglers include Black Crappie, Bluegill, and Yellow Perch. Black Crappie abundance has substantially declined in recent years due to a 2021 summerkill event that predominantly affected this species. Crappie fisheries are typically "boom or bust" in nature so hopefully this population recovers soon. Bluegill numbers have increased in recent years. The current population is characterized as moderate, in terms of both abundance and size structure. Yellow Perch are abundant. Harvestable-size perch are available but smaller fish tend to dominate this population. Northern Pike tend to exhibit lower abundance but larger average size on this basin. Record-high Walleye abundance was documented in 2023. Multiple year classes were sampled, with an average size of 17.9 inches and 2.2 pounds. Other fish species sampled in the 2023 survey included Green Sunfish, Pumpkinseed, and White Sucker. White Suckers were particularly abundant. The next lake survey is tentatively scheduled for 2028. Lake Henry is designated as an infested waterbody due to the presence of zebra mussels, which were first confirmed in 2022. For more information regarding aquatic invasive species in Minnesota see the following: https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/invasives/aquatic/index.html.

This nearshore survey was conducted during summer 2017 to assess populations of non-game species and small game fish using backpack electrofishing and seining. Backpack electrofishing and/or seining were conducted at 10 stations, representing a variety of habitat types, along the shoreline of Lake Henry. The survey was conducted during the five-year sampling window for intensive monitoring efforts within the Long Prairie River watershed, and will be contributing to a watershed assessment process in coordination with Minnesota Pollution Control Agency. Nine species were collected during this survey, indicating a relatively simple nearshore fish community. Only one species (Iowa Darter) was considered "intolerant" and three species (Black Bullhead, Commn Carp, and Green Sunfish) were considered "tolerant" based on current tolerance classifications for Minnesota lakes. Nearshore catch data will be used along with gill and trap net catch data to develop an Index of Biotic Integrity (IBI) score, which is indicative of the health of Lake Henry.

Lake Henry, along with Lakes Agnes and Winona, comprise a chain of lakes within the city limits of Alexandria. Lakes Henry and Agnes are broadly connected basins with a common "narrows" on the north side of Lake Agnes and south side of Lake Henry. A 200-foot long sand and rock bar separates the two basins. This bar is only one to two feet under the water surface during normal water levels. Public ownership of portions of the southeast shoreline of Lake Henry allows angler access to shore fishing opportunities. A handicapped accessible fishing pier is located in City Park on the northeast shore of Lake Agnes. A public water access is located on the southwest shore of Lake Agnes. Boaters should note that motorized water craft operation on Lake Agnes is regulated by a slow, no-wake restriction. A standard MN DNR lake survey was completed in June 2017 to assess the fish community. The fish population continues to recover following a fish kill event in the winter of 2010-2011. Black Crappies and Yellow Perch are abundant in Lakes Henry and Agnes. Large 2011 year-classes are present from both species. Black Crappies are growing slow, but most captures were between 8 and 10 inches in length. Yellow Perch growth is moderate and many were between 7 and 10 inches in length. Bluegills are also present, although in lower numbers. Some of the larger Bluegills observed during the survey were over 9 inches. Walleye fingerlings have been stocked in alternate years since 2004. Fingerling survival has been poor thus far and Walleye abundance is low. Most Walleyes caught during the 2017 survey were between 14 and 16 inches in length. Northern Pike abundance remains low, but high average size offers quality fishing opportunities. Half of the Northern Pike caught during the survey were over 30 inches in length. Only two Largemouth Bass were sampled during the 2017 survey. Numerous juvenile Largemouth Bass were observed in other surveys. In 2006 a harvest regulation was implemented that requires immediate release of Largemouth Bass from 12-20 inches and allows only one fish over 20 inches in possession. The regulation is still in effect while this population recovers.

Based on Minnesota DNR survey data, anglers target Largemouth Bass, Walleye, Northern Pike, Yellow Perch, and Pumpkinseed in Henry. See the full species list above for catch rates, size structure, and quality scores.

Minnesota DNR records list public access for Henry. Check the DNR LakeFinder page for the launch type and directions before you go.

Henry has a maximum depth of 32 feet and a mean depth of 13 feet, per Minnesota DNR data.

The most recent Minnesota DNR survey data for the main sport fish in Henry is from 2023.

Yes — Henry has confirmed zebra mussel. Clean, drain, and dry your equipment to avoid spreading invasives to other waters.