FISHING AND BOATING

Instream Flow / Dead Indian Creek

Dead Indian Creek

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Length: 5.16 miles
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Technical Report: Download Technical Report
X-Stream Angler Article: Download XStream Angler Article

*Angling regulations may have changed since X-Stream Angler Articles were written. Please check current Fishing Regulations for current fishing limits.

About the segment - Dead Indian Creek is a tributary of the Clarks Fork river in northwest Wyoming near Yellowstone National Park.  The creek is off the beaten path as you must travel up the Chief Joseph highway to access it.  Anglers will be rewarded with spectacular scenery and abundant wildlife, but be sure to pack along bear spray. 
 

Rationale - A study and associated recommendations for this instream flow water right were completed in 2014 and designed to identify and protect base flow habitat for Yellowstone cutthroat trout. Dead Indian Creek contains a core conservation population of this species.  Yellowstone cutthroat trout was historically widespread in the Clarks Fork drainage, but only a few conservation populations remain and this water right will help ensure the persistence of this species in Wyoming.  Although this is a sensitive species, the threats are largely associated with habitat alteration (such as reduced stream flows) and hybridization with non-native species, not from angling.
 

Fishery - Dead Indian Creek is managed for Yellowstone cutthroat trout and in recent years, efforts were made to remove rainbow trout from this stream to enhance the cutthroat trout fishery.  In other places, rainbow and brook trout provide thriving fisheries, but this is one stream that has been designated to focus on the native species population.  There is moderate angling pressure at the popular campground, but hiking up or downstream provides access to some areas with less pressure and eager fish.  This is a good size creek that can flow very high until mid- to late summer when the fish feed eagerly during the short growing season. 
 

How to get there - Travel on state highway 120 North out of Cody and head west on highway 296 (Chief Joseph Highway) toward sunlight basin.  Continue on 296 until you cross Dead Indian Creek and turn right into the campground.   The instream flow segment extends downstream to a waterfall which provides a natural barrier for fish migrating up from the Clarks Fork River.  The upstream end is at the wilderness boundary.
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