Ellis

Additional Information: The 3900 acre Ellis WHMA was established in 2022. Ellis WHMA provides quality hunting and fishing opportunities for everything from large cervids like elk, to trophy animals like mountain lion. One can find high quality fishing in Sullivan Creek with abundant rainbow and brook trout and the Middle Fork of the Powder River where numbers of fish place the stream in the blue ribbon category. This area provides crucial winter range and parturition areas for elk, deer, and antelope that inhabit the region, as well as summer range and transitional range between upper and lower elevations. Located on the backbone of the southern end of the Bighorn Mountains, elevations average around 8,800 feet and the land is characterized by large, open, high mountain grass areas, intermixed with stands of timber on higher rocky ridges. Deep limestone canyons form as you travel east away from the headwaters of the Middle Fork of the Power River, creating vast, dramatic views and amazing fishing opportunities within those waters. Sullivan Creek offers fishing for brook and rainbow trout while Middle Fork of the Powder River offers rainbow, brook, and brown trout species. Hiking and stock use are numerous, but vehicle access is limited due to seasonal closures to protect wildlife and to reduce natural resource damage. All roads within the unit are two-tracks, often requiring four wheel drive, and are not recommended for cars or low clearance vehicles. You can access Ellis WHMA off of the Hazelton Road. Two gravel parking areas have been established for parking and for camping convenience. The north lot is for vehicle parking only, and does not allow trailers. The larger south lot was created with trailer parking in mind and has ample room for your stock trailer or ATV/UTV trailers. From the parking lots, only foot and horse traffic are allowed during hunting seasons to reduce pressure on big game and allow increased hunting opportunities. During spring, summer, and fall, most roads will be open allowing access for hiking and fishing to the two streams that traverse the unit. Camping is permitted with a 14 day camping limit and only in designated camping areas at either the north or south parking lots.