Shirley Basin Reservoir fishing

Fishing at Shirley Basin Reservoir is on a reservoir, stocked with Rainbow Trout. It is stocked about once a year since 2017, most often in April and May. Species guides list dawn and dusk as the active times.

Last stocked

April 1, 2025

Plants on record

9

Since 2017

Species recorded

1

Average size

8.2 in

Elevation

7,019 ft

Access and facts

Water type
reservoir
Nearest town
Medicine Bow, WY
Shore access
Yes
Fee required
No

In the grasslands of Shirley Basin, reached via BLM route off State Highway 77, about 22 miles north of Medicine Bow. A primitive site with no facilities; fishing, photography, and water access are the main draws. No fee.

Sources: water_type , access.fee , access.shore , shore_notes , nearest_town , fishing_notes

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How Shirley Basin Reservoir is stocked

The first plant of the year usually falls in the first week of May. In 2025 it was April 1, 2025, earlier than usual.

Dome Rock Reservoir (21.1 mi), Alcova Reservoir (27.7 mi), Gray Reef Reservoir (27.8 mi), Seminoe Reservoir (28.2 mi), and Foote Creek (28.3 mi) were stocked more recently. Alcova Reservoir is also stocked with Rainbow Trout, Gray Reef Reservoir is also stocked with Rainbow Trout, and Seminoe Reservoir is also stocked with Rainbow Trout.

Fish at Shirley Basin Reservoir

Fishing Shirley Basin Reservoir is most likely to be for Rainbow Trout. All 9 plants on record are Rainbow Trout.

Rainbow Trout 9 plants
Plants
9 of 9
Last stocked
April 1, 2025
Average length
8.2 in

Seasons and rigs are on the Rainbow Trout guide.

Fishing Shirley Basin Reservoir

Shirley Basin Reservoir is situated within the scenic grasslands of Shirley Basin. Fishing is a popular use of this reservoir, attracting visitors to its waters. Anglers considering a trip to this destination should be aware that it is a primitive site, and no facilities are available for use.

Sources: blm.gov

Fish stocked per year

  • 9002017
  • 9002018
  • 9992019
  • 1,0002020
  • 4942021
  • 5502022
  • 5072023
  • 5052024
  • 5002025

Stocking history

Source: Wyoming Game and Fish Department.
Date Species Quantity Avg. length Source
April 1, 2025 Rainbow Trout 500 8.7 in report
May 1, 2024 Rainbow Trout 505 7.8 in report
May 1, 2023 Rainbow Trout 507 7.9 in report
May 1, 2022 Rainbow Trout 550 7.9 in report
May 1, 2021 Rainbow Trout 494 8 in report
April 1, 2020 Rainbow Trout 1,000 8.3 in report
May 1, 2019 Rainbow Trout 999 8.7 in report
April 1, 2018 Rainbow Trout 900 8 in report
May 1, 2017 Rainbow Trout 900 8.8 in report

Species stocked here

Depth-by-season, top lures, and bait notes for each species stocked here are on its own species guide, linked above.

Nearest lakes