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Wyoming · Fishing
Shell, Wyoming sits in the Big Horn Basin at the foot of Shell Canyon, and the fishing around town centers on two stillwater options: Shell Reservoir and Lake Arden. Both are lake fisheries, which means you're looking at shore casting or small-boat angling rather than wading a river.
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Shell, Wyoming sits in the Big Horn Basin at the foot of Shell Canyon, and the fishing around town centers on two stillwater options: Shell Reservoir and Lake Arden. Both are lake fisheries, which means you're looking at shore casting or small-boat angling rather than wading a river. Shell Reservoir shows up more than once in the local listings, suggesting it carries the bulk of angling pressure and access in the area. Lake Arden rounds out the options for anglers who want to cover a second piece of water on a multi-day trip. Neither water appears in the data as a designated gold-medal or wild-trout fishery, so come with realistic expectations — these are solid regional lakes worth the visit, not destination trophy fisheries. The surrounding landscape is high desert transitioning into canyon country, which means wind is a real factor, especially in the afternoons. If you're driving up from Greybull or coming through on the way to Bighorn National Forest, building a half-day or full-day stop around one of these reservoirs is straightforward. Wyoming Game and Fish manages licensing statewide, and a valid Wyoming fishing license is required before you wet a line.
The listings in the Shell area are all lake fisheries — Shell Reservoir and Lake Arden. You won't find guided river wade trips listed here, so plan your gear and approach around stillwater techniques like casting from shore or fishing from a small boat or kayak.
Yes. Wyoming requires a valid state fishing license for anyone 14 and older. You can purchase one online through the Wyoming Game and Fish Department website or at local sporting goods retailers. Pick it up before you arrive in Shell, as in-town retail options are limited.
Hunter Campground
~42 min drive
A worthwhile stop near WY.
Mosier Gulch
~54 min drive
A worthwhile stop near WY.
Tongue River Reservoir
~52 min drive
Easy
Pole Creek Cabin
~54 min drive
A worthwhile stop near WY.
Muddy Guard Cabin
~59 min drive
A worthwhile stop near WY.
Shell Reservoir
~1 min drive
A worthwhile stop near WY.
Poison Creek Trail
~1h 8m drive
A worthwhile stop near WY.
Shell Reservoir
~1 min drive
A worthwhile stop near WY.
Coney Creek Trailhead
~13 min drive
A worthwhile stop near WY.
Lake Arden
~2 min drive
A worthwhile stop near WY.
Buffalo, WY
~1h drive
A worthwhile stop near WY.
Geddes Lake
~9 min drive
A worthwhile stop near WY.
Also worth it near here
Early morning is generally most productive on stillwater in this region, before afternoon winds pick up across the basin. Shell Canyon country can funnel strong gusts by midday, which makes casting difficult and pushes fish deeper. Plan to be on the water at or shortly after first light.
A medium-action spinning or baitcasting setup covers most situations on these lakes. Bring a selection of jigs, spinners, and bait rigs since you won't know exactly what's actively feeding until you're on the water. A small kayak or float tube expands your access significantly compared to shore-only fishing, particularly if the banks are brushy or shallow near the edges.
Lake fishing is generally more accessible for beginners than technical river fishing, and shore access at reservoirs tends to be forgiving for kids who need room to move around. That said, check current access conditions before you go, as water levels at reservoirs can vary seasonally and affect how much usable bank is available.
