FISHING AND BOATING

Instream Flow / Shell Creek (Upper)

Shell Creek (Upper)

Click for larger image
Length: 10.5 miles
Priority Date: 10/08/1993
Printable Access Map: Download Map
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 - State law requires the State Engineer to hold a public hearing for every instream flow water right. These meetings can be interesting as they typically draw two fairly distinct groups of people supporters and opponents. Few apathetic people bother to attend. In spite of the singular purpose of hearings, each one has its own unique issues.

At 10 a.m. on March 12, 1997, a small group of landowners and sportsmen gathered in the Bighorn County Courthouse in Basin in the presence of a slightly larger number of state agency employees to share their views on the proposed instream flow water rights on Shell Creek. This was one of the few hearings where strong opposition was not voiced.

However, some in attendance weren't fully supportive of the proposal. Their concerns were largely rooted in a lack of trust as well as a lack of understanding of the kind of change the proposed new water right might cause.

They asked for an additional year to contemplate the issue versus the usual 30 days allowed by the State Engineer to submit comments after the hearing.

They were given an unprecedented 9 months to submit comments, though no additional comments were ever provided. 

Other participants were supportive but worried that issuance might actually impede expansion of recreational fisheries opportunities if, for example, the right might somehow stop development of dams (none of which was or is planned) that could provide more recreation. 

Others voiced their opinion that the filing was for too little water especially for brown trout spawning habitat in the fall.

It's been 14 years since this gathering. Though most of their concerns have yet to materialize, and may never, their motivation to get involved and be part of the decision making process was important.

Wyoming is unique because of the many fervent views and voices that abound here, and the expression of those views benefits us all. To be sure, those who fish or frequent Shell Creek may never know of the impassioned discourse that went into protecting those waters for their personal use, but they will know the enjoyment and solace on Shell Creek that those discussions provided.

Rationale - This is one of two segments on Shell Creek with instream flow water rights the other being immediately downstream from the end of this one. Habitat conditions, and thus flow needs, are different in each segment, which is why two separate filings were made. Both segments are accessible to the public since the river flows in close proximity to Highway 14 and Forest Service roads.

The recommended flow regime is based on detailed field studies by department personnel in the summer of 1990. These flows are recommended to ensure survival in the winter (October through March), protect habitat for rainbow trout spawning and egg incubation (April 1 through June 30), and maintain adequate growth of trout in the summer (July 1 through Sept. 30).

Status of the filing: The majority of meeting attendees expressed support for the filing. No comments were made that issuance of the right would negatively affect any other water rights or interests. The State Engineer issued this instream flow permit on Feb. 16, 2006. The final step in securing this, or any other water right, is called adjudication. The Board of Control has not yet adjudicated this water right.

Fishery - Upper Shell Creek is a highly productive mountain stream that flows off the west side of the Bighorn Mountain range. The stream flows swiftly through the narrow confines of Shell Canyon.  

Large boulders provide abundant pocket and plunge pools that offer countless opportunities for casting a fly, spinner or worm. 

The deep, dark waters yield rainbow trout with almost iridescent purple and red skin coloration, arguably some of the most colorful to be found. Pines grow right to the edge of the stream along with various willow species, creating a challenge to find the best place to cast a line into that perfect pool. 

Flow can be swift and angling can be challenging until the winter snows are almost fully drained off the mountain toward the end of July in most years.  

The last detailed fish survey in this segment was in July 2004. That study showed 85 percent of the trout were rainbows; the remainder being brookies. Most of the fish were between 7 and 10 inches, though larger fish are always a possibility. There are more than 1,000 trout per mile, which means you're unlikely to ever run out of eager takers of your lures.

Area 2 flowing water fishery regulations apply. That means there is a limit of six trout per day or in possession, only two of which may be cutthroat and only one trout may exceed 16 inches. There are no special restrictions on terminal tackle.

How to get there - From the town of Greybull in the Bighorn Basin, take Highway 14 east.  After crossing the national forest boundary east of the little town of Shell, go about 5 miles to the Shell Falls tourist information center right along the highway.  This is the downstream end of the instream flow segment.  Fishing access is technically challenging here and ill-advised, but the view is spectacular.  The best fishing access is found about 4 more miles east of here.  Turn off on Forest Service Road 17 that goes 1.5 miles to the Shell Creek ranger station and Shell Creek campground.  To get here from the east side of the Bighorns, go north from Sheridan on Interstate 25 and turn off onto Highway 14 at the Dayton exit.  Upon reaching Burgess Junction in about 27 miles, stay left on Highway 14 and go another 15 miles to this same Forest Service road turnoff.  There are several semi-primitive camp grounds here in addition to the Shell Creek campground.

Reservations for camping at the Shell Creek campground can be made by calling 1-877-444-6777 or on-line at: www.recreation.gov.  There are several two-track roads leading down to the stream between the campground and the highway.  You can navigate some of them in a passenger car but others are more suitable for a high clearance truck or invite a short hike.
Email Newsletter

Email Newsletter Sign Up

Stay up to date on all Wyoming Game and Fish news either by email or text message. Click the link below to get started.

Sign Up Today

SHOP WYOMING GAME & FISH STORE   SHOP NOW!

Conserving Wildlife - Serving People