Papa’s Creek Ranch

Acreage
Papa's Creek Ranch is a classic river bottom setting with the rich riparian zones of the Salt River and Papa's Creek dominating the landscape. The valley floor here is flat with limited tree cover, aside from the willows that line the banks of the Salt River providing cover for the brown and cutthroat trout. The ranch has been carefully managed over the years with a keen eye towards recreation while preserving and enhancing these magical waterways. No grazing has been done on the ranch in recent memory, so the river and creek banks are pristine. A hay crop is harvested annually to maximize land use while preserving agricultural tax status. The water rights on Papa's Creek are rare and valuable, the rights are deemed Territorial and date back prior to Wyoming statehood. Irrigation water is delivered to the approximately 80 acres of irrigated meadows via a series of ditches. The land is flood irrigated and produces a robust crop of high mountain hay on a single cutting.

Live Water
Seldom do we encounter a property that controls such a disproportionately large amount of live water for its acreage. The Salt River is renowned for its crystal-clear waters and abundant populations of wild brown, rainbow, and cutthroat trout.With so many world famous rivers nearby, the Salt River often "flies under the radar", receiving much less fishing pressure than some of its high profile neighbors such as the Snake River and the South Fork of the Snake. Ripe with juicy undercut banks, classic riffles, and quiet pools, the Salt River ribbons through Papa's Creek Ranch for 1.35 miles. The fish are healthy, abundant, and see little stress at this upper end of the Salt River system, as float traffic is minimized based on the limited public access points. Meandering currents and deep pools provide an ideal habitat for these prized game fish. The quiet banks of the ranch offer a spectacular place to cast a fly against a backdrop of majestic mountains and valley greenery.

The 1.5 miles of private spring creek frontage of Papa's Creek offers an opportunity to create a spectacular, 100% private spring creek fishery. Papa's Creek is inhabited with trout now, but to truly realize its potential, the stream should undergo a stream enhancement project with focus on developing more holding water and narrowing up certain reaches to improve stream velocity. Star Valley is home to some of the finest spring creeks fisheries in the West; we believe a thoughtfully executed enhancement plan would place Papa's Creek amongst that list. Both the Salt River and private waters of Papa's Creek provide ample opportunities for anglers of all levels. Your fishing adventures continue at world-renowned fisheries such as the South Fork, the Snake River, and the Green River which are a short drive away. Whether you are a seasoned pro or a beginner looking to learn the art of fly fishing, these onsite and nearby rivers offer the finest the West has to offer. The tranquility of these pristine waters and the thrill of catching trophy-sized brown and cutthroat trout create memories that will last a lifetime.

Location
Grover, WY is a small town in Lincoln County, known for its rural charm and friendly atmosphere. Its location in the heart of Star Valley is picturesque and mountainous. At 5,600 to 7,000 feet in elevation, the valley is approximately 14 miles wide by 50 miles long. Fertile soils nourished by mountain runoff, rivers, and streams create a lush, green environment prime for the vast local wildlife, wild trout, and waterfowl populations and the recreational users who appreciate them. Star Valley's premium location is partly due to its proximity to Jackson Hole, Grand Teton, and Yellowstone National Parks. However, due to the area's exceptional fishing, hunting, and outdoor recreational attributes, Star Valley is quietly sought after by those seeking the classic Rocky Mountain lifestyle in a tranquil unfettered environment.

Getting to the Ranch
The Afton Municipal Airport in Afton, WY. hosts a 7,200ft. long airstrip accommodating private planes. The Alpine Airpark has a 5,250ft. long airstrip in Alpine, WY. Commercial air services and upscale modern conveniences are located in Jackson Hole (75 miles) and Idaho Falls (100 miles). Salt Lake City is a 3.5-hour drive south. Daily shuttle services to and from Salt Lake City and Jackson, WY, offer more arrival and departure options.

Water Rights
All water rights tied to the land will be conveyed with the purchase. Papa's Creek Ranch benefits from early priority surface water rights, which are presently in active use to irrigate an annual crop of grass hay. These water rights date back prior to Wyoming's statehood, deeming them territorial in nature. Water Rights details are available upon request.

Conservation Easements
Papa's Creek Ranch is currently unencumbered by conservation easements, allowing the future owner to benefit from the financial tax incentives and personal gratification contributing to the ecosystem's overall health that conservation might provide. Papa's Creek Ranch has all the components of a legacy recreational ranch, and the unencumbered ability to safeguard critical habitat and open space, preserve biodiversity, and promote ecological balance, creating a lasting legacy for future generations. By conserving natural resources today, we ensure that the children and grandchildren of tomorrow will have access to clean air, water sources, and diverse ecosystems. Local Land Trusts, as well as national organizations, would welcome the opportunity to steward a Conservation Easement on Papa's Creek Ranch.

Waterfowl Hunting
With nearly three miles of open water on the ranch and grain fields nearby, it should be no surprise that Papa's Creek Ranch produces legitimate waterfowl hunting. Both Papa's Creek and the Salt River hold a variety of duck species, with mallards being the most common. Whether jump shooting the creek or sitting in a blind on the river, shooting a limit of ducks in a day's hunt is the rule, not the exception. Waterfowl hunting could be further enhanced by rotating the hay pastures to a grain crop and utilizing the ranch's senior water rights to flood the fields to attract more birds.