Cryptozoology 101 ·

Discovering Sharlie the Payette Lake Monster: Idaho's Legendary Creature

The Origins of Sharlie

Long before the first European settlers set foot in the Long Valley, the area around Payette Lake was steeped in mystery. Native American tribes who spent their summers in the region spoke of an evil spirit that lurked in the lake's depths. These indigenous tales laid the groundwork for what would become one of Idaho's most enduring legends.

The first documented sighting of what would later be known as Sharlie came in 1920. A group of railroad workers, cutting ties near the upper end of the lake, spotted what they initially thought was a log floating in the water. However, their mundane observation quickly turned extraordinary when the "log" began to move of its own accord. It undulated through the water, creating a wake as it swiftly departed, leaving the workers bewildered and sparking a century of speculation.

This incident marked the beginning of a series of sightings that would capture the public's imagination. The creature, at this point unnamed, became a topic of local conversation, with each retelling adding to the mystique surrounding Payette Lake's mysterious inhabitant.

The Naming of Sharlie

For years, the creature remained nameless, often referred to simply as the "Payette Lake Monster" or "Slimy Slim." It wasn't until 1954 that the beast would receive its now-famous moniker. A. Boone McCallum, the editor of the local newspaper, The Star News, decided it was high time the lake monster had a proper name. He launched a contest, inviting readers from across the country to submit their suggestions.

The winning entry came from an unexpected source. Le Isle Hennefer Tury, a resident of Springfield, Virginia, proposed the name "Sharlie." Her suggestion was inspired by a popular catchphrase from Jack Pearl's radio show: "Vas you der, Sharlie?" The name struck a chord with the locals, perfectly blending humor with mystery, and "Sharlie" was officially christened.

This naming contest did more than just give the creature an identity. It cemented Sharlie's place in the cultural lexicon of McCall and beyond. The name brought a sense of familiarity and even affection to what was once a fearsome legend. Sharlie was no longer just a monster; she (as the locals decided) was becoming a beloved mascot.

Sightings and Descriptions

While the 1920 sighting put Sharlie on the map, it was the 1940s that truly catapulted the legend into the national spotlight. The summer of 1944 saw a flurry of reported sightings, each more fantastic than the last. One of the most notable accounts came from a group of witnesses who described a creature that defied conventional explanation.

According to their reports, Sharlie was an impressive 30 to 35 feet in length, with a head reminiscent of a dinosaur. Witnesses spoke of pronounced jaws, a series of humps along its back (not unlike a camel), and skin that appeared almost shell-like in texture. These descriptions painted a picture of a creature that seemed to be a relic from a prehistoric era, somehow surviving in the depths of Payette Lake.

The national media caught wind of these sightings, and suddenly, little McCall, Idaho, found itself in the spotlight. Time magazine ran an article about "Slimy Slim," bringing the legend of the Payette Lake monster to readers across the country. This national attention not only validated the experiences of local witnesses but also attracted curious visitors and monster hunters to the area.

One particularly compelling account came from Dr. G.A. Taylor of Nampa, Idaho, in September 1946. Dr. Taylor, along with a group of twenty other witnesses, reported seeing Sharlie in action. He described the creature as being between 30 and 40 feet long, repeatedly diving into the water and leaving a wake comparable to that of a small motorboat. The number of witnesses and the detailed nature of their account lent credibility to the sighting, further fueling the Sharlie phenomenon.

Despite the numerous sightings and detailed descriptions, concrete evidence of Sharlie's existence remained elusive. No clear photographs or definitive proof emerged, leaving the creature firmly in the realm of cryptozoology. This lack of hard evidence, however, did little to dampen the enthusiasm of believers or the curiosity of skeptics.

In 1980, the legend of Sharlie caught the attention of cryptozoologist Gary S. Mangiacopra. He published a research paper titled "A Preliminary Report of Possible Large Animals in the Payette Lakes of Idaho" for Bloomsburg State College. Mangiacopra's work approached the Sharlie phenomenon from a more scientific angle, exploring the possibility that the creature could be an undiscovered species surviving in the lake. While his research didn't provide conclusive proof, it added a layer of academic interest to the legend, suggesting that there might be more to Sharlie than mere folklore.

The Cultural Significance of Sharlie

As the years passed, Sharlie transcended her status as a local legend to become a cultural icon for McCall and the surrounding area. The creature's influence can be seen throughout the town, from street names to local businesses, all paying homage to their aquatic neighbor.

Perhaps the most visible celebration of Sharlie occurs during the annual McCall Winter Carnival. This event, which draws visitors from across the state and beyond, features elaborate ice sculptures depicting various themes and characters. Without fail, Sharlie makes an appearance each year, carved in ice and standing as a frozen testament to her enduring popularity. These sculptures, some towering over 10 feet tall, serve as a focal point for the carnival, allowing visitors to come face-to-face with their interpretation of the legendary lake monster.

Local businesses have embraced Sharlie as well, incorporating her into their branding and offerings. Restaurants serve "Sharlie burgers," gift shops sell plush Sharlie toys, and t-shirts bearing her likeness fly off the shelves. This commercialization, far from diminishing the legend, has helped to keep Sharlie alive in the public consciousness. Each souvenir sold and each menu item ordered serves as a conversation starter, introducing new generations to the mystery of Payette Lake.

The impact of Sharlie on the local economy cannot be overstated. The legend has become a significant draw for tourists, many of whom come to McCall hoping to catch a glimpse of the elusive creature. While they may leave without a Sharlie sighting, they often depart with a deeper appreciation for the natural beauty of the area and the charm of the local community.

In 2007, the legend of Sharlie inspired local author Lynda Johnson to publish a children's book titled "Sharlie." The book presents an imaginative tale of Sharlie's life beneath the waters of Payette Lake, blending elements of the well-known legend with messages about conservation and respect for nature. Johnson's work not only entertains young readers but also serves to pass down the story of Sharlie to a new generation, ensuring the legend's longevity.

The Science Behind the Legend

While the legend of Sharlie continues to capture imaginations, scientists and skeptics have proposed various theories to explain the sightings. One of the most plausible explanations suggests that witnesses may have misidentified large fish, particularly sturgeons, which are known to inhabit the waters of Idaho.

Sturgeons, with their prehistoric appearance and potential to grow to impressive sizes, could account for some of the descriptions of Sharlie. These fish can live for decades and reach lengths of over 10 feet, with some species growing even larger. The possibility that a sturgeon might have made its way into Payette Lake before the construction of dams on the Snake River in the 1970s lends some credence to this theory.

Another scientific explanation for some of the Sharlie sightings involves a phenomenon known as a seiche. A seiche is a standing wave that can occur in enclosed bodies of water, caused by wind or atmospheric pressure changes. These waves can create the illusion of movement on the lake's surface, potentially explaining some of the wake patterns attributed to Sharlie.

Despite these rational explanations, many locals and visitors prefer the mystery and excitement of believing in Sharlie. The legend persists, in part, because it taps into our desire for the extraordinary and our connection to the natural world. Sharlie represents the unknown, the possibility that there are still wonders to be discovered in our lakes and forests.

Recent Sightings and Continued Fascination

While the heyday of Sharlie sightings may have been in the mid-20th century, reports of unusual activity in Payette Lake continue to surface. In recent years, social media and smartphones have changed the game, allowing for quicker dissemination of potential Sharlie evidence.

One of the most recent and intriguing incidents occurred in 2022 when a video surfaced showing mysterious bubbles rising to the surface of Payette Lake. The footage, captured by visitors to the area, shows a series of large bubbles breaking the calm surface of the water, with no apparent source. While skeptics were quick to point out that the bubbles could be caused by natural gas releases or underwater springs, believers saw the video as potential proof of Sharlie's continued presence in the lake.

This incident reignited interest in the Sharlie legend, sparking discussions on social media and in local coffee shops. It served as a reminder that, even in an age of advanced technology and scientific understanding, there's still room for mystery and wonder in our natural world.

The enduring fascination with Sharlie speaks to something deeper in the human psyche. Cryptids like Sharlie, Bigfoot, or the Loch Ness Monster represent our desire to believe that there are still undiscovered marvels in the world. In an era where it can feel like every corner of the globe has been mapped and explored, these creatures offer a tantalizing hint that there might be more out there, just beyond our understanding.

Moreover, the legend of Sharlie serves as a connection to the natural world. In a time when many people feel increasingly disconnected from nature, stories like Sharlie's remind us of the majesty and mystery of the great outdoors. They encourage us to look closer, to spend time by the lakeshore, to wonder what might be lurking beneath the surface.

The story of Sharlie is more than just a tale of a mysterious creature. It's a narrative that binds a community together, that draws visitors to a beautiful corner of Idaho, and that keeps alive a sense of wonder about the natural world. Whether seen as a literal creature or a metaphorical representation of the unknown, Sharlie continues to capture imaginations and inspire curiosity.

As long as Payette Lake's waters remain deep and mysterious, the legend of Sharlie will persist. Each ripple on the lake's surface, each unexplained splash, holds the potential to be another chapter in this enduring Idaho legend. And while concrete proof of Sharlie's existence may never surface, perhaps that's not the point. The real value of the Sharlie legend lies in its ability to inspire wonder, to bring people together, and to remind us that there's still magic to be found in the world around us – if only we're willing to look for it.

So, the next time you find yourself on the shores of Payette Lake, take a moment to gaze out over the water. Let your imagination wander to the depths below. Who knows? You might just be the next person to catch a glimpse of Idaho's most famous lake monster. After all, in the world of Sharlie, anything is possible.