Park biologists are conducting a study to determine native cutthroat trout movement patterns and population size in Yellowstone Lake. Learn more ...
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Yellowstone National Park
Fishing Regulations
2022
Park biologists are conducting a study to determine native cutthroat
trout movement patterns and population size in Yellowstone Lake.
Learn more on page 15.
Purpose of Yellowstone Fishing Regulations Fishing regulations in Yellowstone National Park are structured to strongly support native fish conservation goals. Cutthroat trout are the sole, native trout of the park and were the dominant fish species here prior to Euroamerican settlement. Cutthroat trout, Arctic grayling, mountain white- fish, and other native fishes are important to the ecology of Yellowstone. Introduced nonnative fish cause loss of native fish The abundance of native fish has been reduced because of impacts by intro- duced nonnative fish, including brook, brown, lake, and rainbow trout. These nonnative species continue to contribute to the decline in the park’s native fish population by competing for food and habitat, preying on native fish, and degrading the genetic integrity of native fish through hybridization. Anglers assist with native species conservation Angling is one way that the nonnative fish can be selectively removed from an area without damaging the native fishery. Within the Native Trout Conservation Area, anglers are strongly encouraged, and in some cases required, to harvest nonnative fishes. This harvest will help to conserve the na- tive fish and the natural ecosystems they support. Stay Safe and Legal You are responsible for following all park regulations. Consult Yellowstone’s park visitor guide, Backcountry Trip Planner, or rangers at visitor centers and backcountry offices to learn more. • Stay on established trails in thermal areas for your safety and to protect these fragile areas. • Do not discard fish carcasses or entrails along stream banks or the lake shore as they will attract bears. • Do not feed any animals, including birds, squirrels, and coyotes. Bear Warning • Bears and other wildlife may appear in areas frequented by people—even on trails, boardwalks, and along roads. Do not approach wildlife and remain at least 100 yards (92 meters) away from bears and wolves, and 25 yards (23 meters) away from all other wildlife. • Be alert—watch for bears and bear sign, like fresh tracks or scat. • Make noise in areas where visibility is limited. • Carry bear spray and know how to use it. • Avoid hiking or fishing alone. Try to stay with a group of three or more people. • DO NOT RUN if you encounter a bear.
Contents
General Regulations........................................................................ 2–6
Seasons, dates, fishing hours, permit requirements, tackle restrictions, catch
and release, mandatory kill, and possession limits.
Fishing................................................................. 2
Boating................................................................ 6
Releasing Fish................................................................................... 7
Regional Regulations....................................................................... 8–15
Summary and exceptions to general regulations for each region of the park.
Northwest Region Regulations........................ 8
Northeast Region Regulations......................... 10
Southwest Region Regulations......................... 12
Southeast Region Regulations.......................... 14
Fish Identification............................................................................ 16–20
Know each fish species on sight in order to comply with native trout
conservation requirements.
Native.................................................................. 16
Nonnative........................................................... 18
Angler Etiquette............................................................................... 21
Frequently Asked Questions........................................................... 22
Glossary............................................................................................ 24
1
General Regulations
Fishing
Fishing/angling is defined as any
activity using an attended single rod
or line for the purpose of attempt-
ing to attract, capture, or possess any
fish from waters within Yellowstone
National Park. All other methods to
attract, capture, or possess fish are
prohibited.
Fishing hours and season dates containers where fish or tackle may
be stored.
The season begins the Saturday
of Memorial Day weekend (usu- Anglers 15 years of age or younger
ally the last weekend in May) have two options:
and extends through October 31. 1. Children 15 or younger may fish
Exceptions are listed in regional without a permit if they are fishing
regulations (p. 8–15) and include under the direct supervision of an
Black Tail Pond, Heart Lake, and the adult who has a valid park fishing
Yellowstone River (open July 1). permit.
Hours are daily from sunrise to 2. Children 15 or younger may obtain
sunset. Fishing with an artificial a free permit that must be signed by
light is prohibited. Some areas are a responsible adult; with this per-
closed to human entry, have trail or mit, a child can fish without direct
seasonal closures, off-trail travel and adult supervision.
daylight hour limitations, or party
size recommendations. See the Bear With either option, the accompany-
Management Area restrictions in the ing adult is responsible for the child’s
Backcountry Trip Planner for specific actions and must ensure the child
rules and information. complies with all fishing regulations
and provisions.
Streams may be temporarily closed due
to low water levels and high water tem- Gear restrictions
peratures to protect fish populations. Each angler may use only one rod,
which must be closely attended
Fishing permits
at all times and used for angling
Anglers 16 years of age or older only—intentional snagging of fish is
must be in possession of a valid prohibited.
Yellowstone National Park fishing
permit to fish in the park. Only lead-free artificial lures
(e.g., spoon or spinner) or flies may
Park rangers may check permits and
be used. Leaded fishing tackle such
inspect tackle, fish, creels, or other
as leaded split-shot sinkers, weighted
2
General Regulations
FAQ: Why are barbless
hooks required?
Barbless hooks reduce injuries
and the time needed to handle
fish and improve the overall
condition of trout in heavily-
A single pointed hook is the best choice fished waters of the park.
for fishing in Yellowstone. Three-point
hooks can severely injure fish and are
often constructed with toxic lead solder. are allowed. Organic baits include
fish or fish parts, minnows, salmon
jigs (lead molded to a hook), and soft eggs, worms, insects, or foodstuffs
lead-weighted ribbon for nymph fish- such as bread or corn. Inorganic baits
ing are not allowed. include rubber worms and plastic
Hooks must have points that are “twister” tails. Scented attractants
barbless, or the barbs must be (liquid and solid baits) are illegal.
pinched down by pliers. Lures may Putting any substance in the water for
have only one hook with single, the purpose of attracting fish (chum-
double, or treble (triple) points on a ming) is illegal.
common shank. Felt-soled footgear prohibited
Each fly may have only one hook. Up To reduce the potential for
to two flies may be used on a single introduction or spread of aquatic
leader (also called “dry and dropper” invasive species, footgear with
or “hopper and dropper”). absorbent felt or other fibrous
material on the soles are prohibited.
Except for feathers and other typical
fly-tying materials, the hook must be Tackle exceptions
bare. No organic or inorganic baits Non-toxic split-shot, sinkers, and jig
heads molded with bismuth-tin, mo-
lybdenum, or tungsten are allowed.
FAQ: Why is fishing lead- Lead core line and heavy (> 4 lb.)
free in Yellowstone? downrigger weights used to fish for
Lead is a toxic environmental deep-dwelling lake trout are permis-
contaminant. It accumulates in sible because they are too large to be
fatty tissue, eventually caus- ingested by wildlife.
ing lead poisoning. Wildlife
Artificial lures are not allowed on the
such as waterfowl, cranes,
Firehole River, Madison River, and
and shorebirds are vulnerable
lower Gibbon River (below Gibbon
because of their largely fish-
Falls); these streams are fly fishing
based diets.
only.
3
General Regulations
Possession limits
All native fish must be released Each angler must be able
unharmed. Natives include cutthroat to correctly identify various
trout, mountain whitefish, and Arctic fish species.
grayling. See pages 16–17 for photos ALL NATIVE FISH MUST BE
and further descriptions. RELEASED UNHARMED
North
Entrance
! Northeast
! Entrance
! Mammoth .
Cr
u gh
Tower Slo
C r.
!
te
ut
B
da
So
NORTHEAST
REGION
La
ma
rR
Norris
iv
! Canyon
er
N O RT H W E ST !
REGION
River
el
Y
lo w
n
! Madi s on River Gibbo
sto
! e
Madison
n
West Ri
v
Entrance
¹
er
Fishing Bridge
!
Fi
Lake
r eho l
!
e Bridge !
Bay
Riv
East
! Entrance
er
Old ! Yellowstone
Faithful Lake
West Thumb! SOUTHEAST
!
Grant
Village
REGION
SOUTHWEST
REGION
Bechler South
!
! Entrance
Nonnative Trout Tolerance Area Streams Park Boundary
Native Trout Conservation Area Roads Region Boundary
0 5 10 20 miles
4
General Regulations
Native Trout Conservation Area It is the responsibility of the angler
All native fish must be released un-
to be able to identify fish by species.
harmed. No possession limit for nonna-
Unintentionally killed fish should be
tive fish, including brown, brook, rainbow,
returned to the water so they can be
and lake trout (p. 8–15).
consumed by wildlife.
• All rainbow trout, brook trout, and
identifiable cutthroat × rainbow
hybrids caught in the Lamar River
drainage (including portions of
Slough and Soda Butte creeks) and
the Yellowstone River drainage be-
low Lower Falls and above Knowles
Falls must be killed—it is illegal to
release them alive (p. 10).
• All lake trout caught from Yellowstone Brook trout markings.
Lake must be killed—it is illegal to
Evidence of species in possession
release them alive.
• All smallmouth bass caught in Skin must remain attached so the
Yellowstone Park must be killed and fish species can be visibly identified.
reported—it is illegal to release them Gills and entrails may be removed
alive. in the field, but must be discarded
only within the waters where the fish
Nonnative Trout Tolerance Area were caught.
All native fish must be released un-
Disposal of fish and entrails
harmed. Possession limits exist for
nonnative fish in this area. An angler must Dispose of fish and/or fish entrails
cease fishing in the area immediately after within the waters where the fish
filling the possession limit (p. 9 and 12). was caught but not within 100 feet
• Firehole River, Madison River, lower (30.5 m) of boat ramps, docks, or
Gibbon River (downstream of Gibbon backcountry campsites. Fish can also
Falls)—possession of up to five brook be disposed of in park trash cans.
trout is allowed. Catch and release all
rainbow and brown trout. Whitefish Bridge, marina, and boat dock
are an important native species in restrictions
the Madison River and they must be No fishing from any road bridge,
released. marina, or boat dock.* Accessible fish-
• Lewis River system above Lewis Falls, ing platforms and ramps are located
including Lewis and Shoshone lakes near Madison Junction (p. 8) and at
and their tributaries—possession of Grant Village boat launch (p. 14).
five combined brook, brown or lake *Fishing is permissible from boat docks at
trout; only one of which may be a backcountry sites on Yellowstone Lake.
brown trout.
5
General Regulations
Boating
Vessel inspections & permits
The boating season begins the Saturday
of Memorial Day weekend and extends
through October 31. All vessels—in-
cluding float tubes—require a boat
permit, a life vest for each passenger,
and an emergency sound device such
as a whistle or air horn. All vessels must
be checked by NPS inspectors to ensure
they are free of aquatic invasive species
before entering any park waters. See
Yellowstone’s Boating Regulations or
All vessels, including float tubes, require visit go.nps.gov/YELLais for details.
an inspection and a permit.
Aquatic invasive species jeopar- 3. DRY. Ensure all gear is clean and
dize the ecological, recreational, completely dry for 5 days—in-
and economic values of the entire cluding waders, boots, clothing,
Yellowstone area. Please protect and nets—before fishing another
Yellowstone waters: stream or lake in the park.
1. CLEAN water, mud, plants, fish, 4. DO NOT BRING BAIT into
and all other foreign material from Yellowstone National Park. No
your boats, trailers, and other natural or organic bait such as min-
equipment—including waders, nows, salmon eggs, worms, insects,
boots, clothing, and nets—use or foodstuffs—alive or dead—are
high-pressure, hot (>140°F) water allowed.
to treat all gear before you enter
Yellowstone National Park. 5. NEVER MOVE water, fish, other
animals, or plants from one stream
2. DRAIN your boat hull and live well or lake to another. It is illegal to
in a safe location (a flat, paved, transport live fish within the park.
dirt, or gravel area) away from all
park surface waters. Do not dump See Yellowstone’s aquatic invasive
water from other sources into species brochure or the park website
Yellowstone waters. for additional details.
6
Releasing Fish
your hands to see what it does. If it
struggles to keep itself upright, hold
the fish around its tail and beneath its
belly with its head facing upstream
into the current. Move the fish gently
back and forth toward and away
from the current. You should notice
the gills opening and closing due to
the rush of water. This is like giving
a fish mouth-to-mouth resuscita-
tion. When the fish has recovered, it
Hold the fish with wet hands, beneath the should swim away on its own.
belly, behind the pectoral fins. Use forceps
or small pliers to remove the hook. Tackle, lures, and hooks
Hooks and lures typically have barbs
For all native fish and any nonnative
when purchased. With small pliers
fish you intend to release, bring the
you must pinch down the barbs.
fish in as quickly as possible. Do not
Without barbs, more skill is required
play the fish to exhaustion.
in landing and bringing in fish, but
Unhook the fish in quiet water such hook removal is easier and less trau-
as an eddy or slow spot. Do not drag matic to the fish.
the fish across land. Use forceps or
Spinning lures typically have one
small needle-nosed pliers to quickly
hook with three points on a common
remove the hook.
shank, which is called a treble hook.
Always make sure your hands are With wire cutters you can snip off
wet if you must handle the fish. Dry one of the points or snap one off with
hands damage a fish’s protective pliers; you also must pinch down all
mucous film. Hold the fish with one the barbs. Two pointed hooks are still
hand around the tail section and the effective, easier to remove, and less
other beneath the belly, just behind traumatic.
the pectoral fins. Never grab or hold
If the fish is deeply hooked, cut the
a fish through the gills unless it is
line, do not pull out the hook. Most
already dead.
fish can survive with hooks left in.
If you want a photo of the fish, make
sure the photographer is ready before
you handle the fish. Make it quick.
Never just throw a fish back into
the water. If a fish becomes passive,
it is probably close to exhaustion.
Gently remove the hook within calm
water, then lightly cradle the fish with
7
Regional Regulations
If a stream or lake is not listed by name or as a tributary, general regulations
apply. You must follow bear management and hydrothermal area restrictions
listed in the Backcountry Trip Planner, which is available in backcountry
offices or at www.nps.gov/yell/planyourvisit/backcountryhiking.htm.
Northwest Region:
Includes the Madison and Gallatin
river drainages, including Firehole
and Gibbon rivers and tributaries.
Permanently closed to fishing:
• Firehole River from road bridge
.5 mile (.8 km) upstream of Old
Faithful to road bridge at Biscuit
Basin, 200 yards (182 m) either side
of Midway footbridge.
• Madison River from Seven Mile
Bridge upstream 250 yards (226 m).
Fly fishing only: Madison River,
Firehole River, Gibbon River below Solfatara Creek near Norris
Gibbon Falls (not including their campground.
tributaries). Use only artificial flies
regardless of the type of rod or line. Madison: Gibbon River near Tuff
Cliffs; Large meadow areas of the
Possession limits Firehole, Gibbon, and Madison riv-
ers near Madison Junction.
Native Trout Conservation Area:
• Catch and release all native fish. Old Faithful: Firehole River at picnic
areas; Nez Perce Creek.
• No possession limit on nonnative
fish. ô Accessible ramp & platform
At the Mount Haynes Overlook,
Nonnative Trout Tolerance Area:
approximately 3.5 miles (5.6 km)
• Limit of 5 brook trout. west of Madison Junction. Please see
the Yellowstone Accessibility Guide
• Catch and release all rainbow and or www.nps.gov/yell for more
brown trout. information.
Where to take young anglers
Norris: Gibbon River at Virginia
Meadows or other meadows;
8Northwest Region Regulations
n
CT
ime
c
S pe Roads!
Flyfishing ONLY
Gallat
F an Closed to all fishing
in !
CT Park Boundary
MW
BN Nonnative Trout Tolerance Area
RT
HWY 191
Native Trout Conservation Area
Gra yl i n Bear Management Areas
g
GY Accessible Ramp & Platform
CT
To Mammoth
eiss
n
BK
G
D u ck BN
le GY Grebe
C ou g Ma p Wolf CT Lake
ar Lake
BK BN
BK •
Norris !
RT Ice
ar Gi
Coug GY bb
o n GY
Lake
MW CT MW CT To
BN
BN
RT
Canyon
RT Madison
West • •
Entrance Seven M ad i s o n G i b b on
Mile
Fi r
e BK
Bridge BN
RT z P er c e
ho
le
Ne
BK
y
BN
air
RT F
Midway Foot
Bridge
h
L i t t le F i r e o l e
BN
RT
!
Old To Grant
Faithful Village
!
e
ol
!
eh
BK
Fir
9Northeast Region Regulations
Northeast Region: ,,,,,North Entrance
,,
Includes the Yellowstone and Lamar , • Gardiner, MT
rivers and tributaries between the CT, MW,
SB Kno
north park boundary and Chittenden BK, BN, Fall
Bridge near Canyon. RT
G • Mammoth
Blacktail
BK
len
Pond
G a rd
B la
Joffee
ne Lake BK BK
er
r
BK
dn
Lava
ar
G
BK
an
di
In BK
n
O b s i dia
Norris Can
!
To Norris
• Blacktail Pond area is closed to Possession limits
public use and travel, including an-
gling, until July 1 to protect nesting Native Trout Conservation Area:
birds and sensitive vegetation. • Catch Madison
and release all native fish.
• Only a State of Montana fish- • No possession
! limit on non-
ing license is required to fish the native fish.
Yellowstone River downstream of
All nonnative fish, including rain-
its confluence with the Gardner
bow trout, brook trout, and identi-
River at Gardiner, MT, and
fiable cutthroat x rainbow hybrids,
only State of Montana Fishing
must be killed in these areas:
Regulations apply.
• Lamar River drainage including all
Permanently closed to fishing: tributaries and lakes.
• Trout Lake inlet stream is perma- • Yellowstone River below Lower
nently closed to fishing to protect Falls and above Knowles Falls,
spawning cutthroat trout. including north side tributaries.
• Yellowstone River, from
Chittenden Bridge near Canyon In areas downstream of these loca-
downstream through the Grand tions, killing of nonnative fish is
Canyon of the Yellowstone to a recommended. Smallmouth bass
point directly below Silver Cord caught anywhere in the park must
Cascade, is permanently closed to be killed and reported.
fishing to ensure angler safety.
10Northeast Region Regulations
e
Northeast
r o aring
CT RT CT
owles
h
CT • Entrance
ff a l o
RT
ug
ble
ls o
Sl
Peb
l
CT He l
Bu
McBride
RT Lake
CT
RT
Tower
a ck
• Trout Lake
tai
Tower Fall
te
CT
l
ut
er RT B CT
e
w
To da
ch
CT o
S
Ca
RT
CT
RT
ne
to
ws CT
llo CT
Ye
nyon• Silver Cord Cascade
La
Chittenden Bridge ar
m
CT
!
Smallmouth bass have recently been
!
found near the confluence of the
! and Yellowstone rivers.
Gardner
If caught, they must be killed and
reported. See page 20 for more. All rainbow trout, brook
trout, and identifiable
Roads cutthroat x rainbow trout
Park Boundary hybrids must be killed.
Bear Management Areas ,,, Yellowstone River down-
stream of its confluence
Native Trout
with the Gardner River:
Conservation Area
Only a State of Montana
Closed to all fishing fishing license required.
11Southwest Region Regulations
Southwest Region: Includes the Snake and Lewis riv-
ers and tributaries; Heart Lake;
Lewis and Shoshone lakes; Falls and
Bechler rivers and tributaries.
Heart Lake opens July 1.
Possession limits
Nonnative Trout Tolerance Area:
• Waters above Lewis Falls, including
Lewis and Shoshone lakes and the
Lewis Channel—possession limit
of five nonnative fish in combina-
tion, only one of which can be a
brown trout.
To
Old Faithful Old Faithful
!
!
D eL a cy
West
! Thumb
!
!
Shoshone Grant
BN Lake
BK
Lewis
LT
Channel
BN
Lewis
BK
Lake
LT
Bo
r CT
ve CT
und a
CT
MW H
i
rR
RT Lewis
LT L
h le
Falls
ry Cre e k
B ec
r
L ew is R i v e
RT
BK
CT e R ive r
CT S na k
Bechler Riv e r BN
! F a lls CT
RT South Entrance
!
12Southwest Region Regulations
• Do not discard lake trout carcasses
along the lake shore as they will
likely attract bears.
Native Trout Conservation Area:
• Catch and release all native fish.
• No possession limit on nonnative
fish.
Where to take young anglers
Grant: Lewis Lake shoreline; pullouts
along the South Entrance Road.
!
Lake
Roads
Park Boundary Western shore of Shoshone Lake.
Native Trout Conservation Area
Nonnative Trout Tolerance Area
Bear Management Areas
Heart
Lake
CT
CT
MW Sn
ak
e
Riv
er
CT
13Southeast Region Regulations
Southeast Region:
Includes the Yellowstone River
upstream of Chittenden Bridge near
Canyon, Yellowstone Lake and its
tributaries, Middle Creek of the
North Fork Shoshone River.
Yellowstone River and its
tributaries open July 1 except the
permanently closed areas listed
below.
Permanently closed to fishing on
the Yellowstone River:
• Fishing Bridge and an area one
mile (1.6 km) downstream (toward from West Thumb Geyser Basin
Canyon) and 1/4 mile (.4 km) up- to Little Thumb Creek is closed to
stream (toward Yellowstone Lake) protect fragile thermal resources.
from the bridge.
• Bridge Bay Marina/Harbor and
• The Yellowstone River 100 yards Grant Village Marina/Harbor and
(91 m) up- and downstream of their channels to the lake.
LeHardys Rapids.
• Pelican Creek from its mouth to a
• The Yellowstone River and its point two miles (3.2 km) upstream.
tributaries in Hayden Valley from
Possession limits
the confluence of Alum Creek up-
stream to Sulphur Cauldron. Native Trout Conservation Area:
• Catch and release all native fish.
Yellowstone Lake opens with the
general season • No possession limit on nonnative
Streams flowing into Yellowstone fish. All lake trout must be killed.
Lake, its tributaries, and areas
within 100 yards (91 m) of each Where to take young anglers
stream’s outlet open July 15. Access Lake Village: Along Gull Point Drive or
to many areas is restricted by Bear at Sand Point.
Management Area Closures, see
the Yellowstone Backcountry Trip Grant: Lewis Lake shoreline;
Planner for details. Yellowstone Lake shoreline near
Grant Marina.
Permanently closed to fishing
along Yellowstone Lake: ô Accessible ramp & platform
• The shoreline of Yellowstone Lake An accessible fishing area is located
at the Grant Village boat launch.
14Southeast Region Regulations
Park biologists are conducting a study to deter- If you catch a tagged cutthroat:
mine native cutthroat trout movement patterns 1. Record the tag number (photo or written)
and population size in Yellowstone Lake. Park and release the fish unharmed.
biologists attach a floy tag near the fish’s dorsal 2. Note the location the fish was caught.
fin. The tags are typically orange or yellow in 3. Call or text 406-404-4877 and report the tag
color and have a unique identification number. number and location of catch.
4. If the fish accidentally died, please include
that detail in your report.
Floy
Norris tag.
! To
! Canyon
er CT
Ot t
CT
Ye l l o
um
t w st Sulphur
ou
Al
Tr eCauldron
on
Elk ntler
CT
Mud LeHardys
A
Volcano Rapids
Lake !
!
Bridge ! Fishing
Bay Bridge East
Entrance
Ar
nic a
CT !
To
Old CT
Faithful LT
CT
CT
le
bin e d
CT
West BN id
um
M
ol BK
! Thumb C
RT
CT
Grant
!
CT
CT
To South CT
Entrance
CT Y
Roads
el l o
Closed to all fishing
w s to
Park Boundary CT
ne
Native Trout Conservation Area CT
Bear Management Areas
!
15Fish Identification—Native
Each individual angler must be able to correctly identify various
fish species and comply with appropriate rules and regulations.
ALL NATIVE FISH ARE CATCH-AND-RELEASE ONLY
Cutthroat Trout—CT
Widely distributed in many drainages.
dark spots on light
background
few spots on head
red or orange jaw
slash
Cutthroat trout subspecies
Two subspecies of cutthroat trout are found in Yellowstone: the westslope cut-
throat and the Yellowstone cutthroat (which has both large- and finespotted
varieties).
Westslope cutthroat trout (Oncorhynchus Yellowstone cutthroat trout (large-spotted
clarkii lewisi). form; Oncorhynchus clarkii bouvieri).
16Fish Identification—Native
Mountain Whitefish—MW
Distributed throughout Snake and Lewis
rivers, other areas as noted on map.
large
scales
small mouth,
no teeth body almost round
on cross-section
Arctic Grayling—GY
large, sail-like
dorsal fin
large scales
dark spots on front
half of body
Distributed throughout Gibbon River,
sometimes in Madison and Firehole rivers.
17Fish Identification—Nonnative
Rainbow Trout—RT
Widely distributed due to historic
stocking. Not present in Yellowstone Lake,
Yellowstone River above the Upper Falls,
or the Snake River.
numerous
spots on
head
often white
on edge of fins small scales
Cutthroat trout x rainbow trout hybridization
x rainbow trout hybrids have white
tips on the anal and paired pelvic fins
and must be killed.
Combating hybridization
Once hybridization occurs, a cut-
In waters where rainbow trout have throat population can only be re-
been introduced, there has been a stored to genetic purity if all fish are
serious degradation of the cutthroat removed from a stream and geneti-
trout population through interbreed- cally pure cutthroat are reintroduced.
ing. Presently, hybridized cutthroat To reduce hybridization in cutthroat
trout exist throughout the Bechler, trout habitat, anglers are encouraged
Falls, Gallatin, Gardner, and Lamar to harvest nonnative trout in the
river drainages, and the Yellowstone Native Trout Conservation Area.
River below the Upper Falls.
Hybrids will have characteristics
consistent with both species, often
making identification difficult. In the
Yellowstone and Lamar rivers and
tributaries in the Northeast Region of
the park, rainbow trout and cutthroat white tips on fins
18Fish Identification—Nonnative
Brown Trout—BN
Distributed in Gallatin, Gibbon, Firehole,
Madison, Lewis, Snake, Gardner, and
the Yellowstone rivers. Not present in
Yellowstone Lake, Bechler or Falls rivers.
©BIG SKY ANGLERS
pale haloes
around black spots
Brook Trout—BK
light spots, dark
worm-like markings background
red spots with
blue haloes
dark and light edge on fins
Widely distributed due to historic
stocking. Not present in Yellowstone Lake,
Yellowstone River above the Upper Falls,
or the Gallatin River.
19Fish Identification—Nonnative
Lake Trout—LT
All lake trout MUST BE KILLED in Yellowstone Lake.
If you do not want to keep the fish, puncture the air bladder and drop it into
water as deep as possible. In the backcountry, dispose of fish entrails and
remains in fast moving or deep water. Do not discard trout carcasses along
streams as they will attract bears.
numerous
spots on
head
air bla
dder
deeply
white spots, dark
forked
background
often white tail
on edge of fins
Distributed in Heart, Lewis, Shoshone, and Yellowstone lakes.
Smallmouth Bass—SB
All smallmouth bass MUST BE KILLED parkwide.
hard spines on golden-olive and
front of dorsal fin brown with dark
dark brown
brown vertical bars
horizontal bars
or splotches along
across head
the body
pelvic fins are
forward on body, yellowish-white
below pectoral fins underside
Smallmouth bass are a member of the Sunfish family of
fishes which are not native to the park and are aggressive
predators. Catchable smallmouth bass can be from 4 to 20
or more inches long.
20Angler Etiquette
Yellowstone hosts tens of thousands • Do not encroach on another
of anglers each year, concentrated angler’s space and keep out of sight
in just a few months. For your own of other anglers, if possible.
enjoyment, the enjoyment of those
around you, and the protection of • During late July and August, when
our aquatic resources, please remem- water temperatures can be high, do
ber to be courteous and observe the most of your fishing early and late
following behavior. in the day. Allow fish to rest during
the heat of the day.
• Use established trails and avoid
sensitive wetland vegetation such
as bogs and seeps. Heavy trail use
in these areas causes erosion and
loss of habitat essential to many of These actions are illegal and
Yellowstone’s wildlife. destructive.
• Anglers must stay on established • Possessing a native cutthroat
trails in thermal areas and must trout or any other native fish.
not cross these areas or approach • Releasing a nonnative fish
thermal features. alive within a mandatory kill
• Avoid using the streambed as a area.
pathway. Your footsteps can dam- • Moving any live fish, water,
age aquatic habitats and kill eggs sediment (mud), fish eggs,
and fry in the gravel. fish parts, or other aquatic
• Do not overfish a good fishing animals or plants within the
area. Fish for a while, and then park—whether intentional
move on. or not.
• Bringing any aquatic invasive
species, water, mud, plants,
or bait (live or dead) into the
park.
ä If you witness a viola-
tion please report it im-
mediately to a law enforcement
ranger, or call 307-344-7381
and press “0” to immediately
reach park dispatch.
Walking in stream beds can damage
delicate aquatic habitats.
21Frequently Asked Questions
Fishing is a long-standing tradition in Early park managers transplanted fish to
Yellowstone’s waters. stock the park’s fishless waters.
Why are the same fish species ingest it. Only non-toxic alternatives
regulated differently in different to lead are allowed (see p. 3 for one
areas of the park? exception). Of particular concern in
Park fishing regulations are designed Yellowstone are the alarmingly low
to protect native fish and aquatic populations of trumpeter swans and
ecosystems, provide recreational loons.
opportunities, and also preserve the Yellowstone is making a substantial,
tradition of angling in Yellowstone. on-the-ground effort to conserve
Cutthroat trout, Arctic grayling, native fish in several areas. These
mountain whitefish, and other native actions, which are currently focused
fishes are important to the ecology in the Lamar and Grayling Creek
of Yellowstone. Nonnative trout are drainages and Yellowstone Lake, are
important to the angler experience described in the park’s native fish
in Yellowstone, and angling is an conservation plan. The goals of the
important part of the park’s cultural plan are to reduce the risk of extinc-
history. tion, restore and maintain the eco-
logical role, and create sustainable
In Yellowstone, bald eagles, os- angling and viewing opportunities for
preys, pelicans, otters, grizzly bears, native fish.
and other wildlife take precedence
over humans in using fish for food. Where did the nonnative fish
Park management and regulations come from?
reflect this priority. For example, When Yellowstone became a national
some waters are closed to fishing to park, more than 40 percent of its
protect threatened and endangered waters were barren of fish—including
species, and sensitive nesting birds. Shoshone Lake, Lewis Lake, and the
Regulations ban lead tackle because Firehole River above Firehole Falls.
the lead concentrates in aquatic Early park managers transplanted fish
environments, posing a risk of lead into new locations, produced more
poisoning to waterfowl that might fish in hatcheries, and introduced
22Frequently Asked Questions
Why can’t we fish from
Cutthroat trout are the sole native trout Fishing Bridge?
of Yellowstone National Park.
Fishing Bridge, situated over
nonnative species. By the mid-20th a cutthroat trout spawning
century, more than 310 million fish area, was once a popular place
had been stocked in the park. to fish. Declining numbers of
cutthroat trout caused park
The ranges and densities of the park’s officials to close the bridge to
native fish species have been substan- fishing to protect the spawning
tially altered during the past century, fish.
mostly because of introduced nonna-
tive fish.
depend on them as a food source,
What are the ecological impacts especially during spring when the
of cutthroat trout conservation? cutthroat are spawning in small inlets
Cutthroat trout are the sole native and tributary streams. In many cases,
trout of Yellowstone National Park nonnative fish cannot serve as a
and were the dominant fish spe- substitute for cutthroat trout be-
cies here prior to Euroamerican cause they occupy different habitats.
settlement. For example, lake trout live deep in
Yellowstone Lake and are not gener-
Because cutthroat trout inhabit rela- ally accessible to the park’s native
tively shallow waters, many animals fish-eating animals.
Preserving cutthroat trout will help
preserve all of the animals that
depend upon them as a food source;
ensure visitors can continue to see
them spawning near Fishing Bridge,
LeHardys Rapids, and other places;
and make sure future generations will
be able to experience them by angling
in the many wild, scenic waters the
More than sixteen species depend on park has to offer.
cutthroat trout as a food source.
23Glossary
Bait—all dead or live organisms or ed-
©JAMES MARSH
ible parts thereof; natural or artificial
food or products thereof; chemically
treated or processed fish eggs or ani-
mal products; artificial dough, paste
or edible lures; and rubber worms,
rubber leeches, or twister tails. This
definition does not apply to hair or
feathers used as fly-tying material.
Artificial Fly—a hook, in which a
minimum of half the shank of the Barbless Hook—a hook manufac-
hook is dressed with conventional tured without a barb or a hook on
natural or synthetic material in a which barbs have been filed off,
common method known as fly tying. closed (point of the barb has been
This includes dry flies, wet flies, crimped or pinched so the barb
streamers, egg patterns, and nymphs. touches the hook shank), or has oth-
Hair, feathers, metallic colored tape, erwise been completely removed.
tinsel, mylar, bead eyes, dumbbell
Catch-and-Release—a fish must be
eyes, beads (metal, glass or plastic),
carefully and immediately returned
foam, rubber and lead-free metal
alive to the water from which it was
wire, tape or body wrap may be used
caught.
as an integral part of the design and
fly pattern. Closely Attended—a person fishing
must be able to immediately control
Artificial Lure—a man-made or
their line or rod at all times in order
artificial device, complete with a
to react to a potential strike.
hook, intended to attract and entice
a fish for the purpose of taking them; Drainage—the stream proper and
excludes artificial flies and attractors. area of land which includes all
streams, lakes and tributaries that
Attractor—a hook-less device at-
drain into that stream.
tached to a fishing line between the
end of a rod and an artificial fly or ar- Dropper—an artificial fly being used
tificial lure or that provides addition- as a second artificial fly on a two
al motion or other visual attraction. artificial fly rig. A dropper is com-
Typical attractors include but are not monly attached to a primary fishing
limited to dodgers, lake trolls, such as line or artificial fly by means of tippet
Ford fenders, willow leaf, or cowbell or other fishing line.
flashers, artificial rubber or molded
plastic (soft or hard beads). Fly Fishing—artificial flies may only
A strike indicator is not considered be attached to a line for the purpose
an attractor. of attracting and enticing fish for
take, regardless of the type of rod or
line used.
24Glossary
of attracting fish by scent; excludes
non-scented materials or chemicals
specifically designed and produced
to cause flies to float or sink.
Snagging—taking or attempting to
take a fish by the use of an artificial
fly or artificial lure in any manner or
method that the fish does not vol-
untarily take the hook in its mouth.
Fishing only by means of a bare hook
that is not an artificial fly or artificial
Hook—a bent wire device, for catch- lure, regardless of manner or meth-
ing fish, to which a single, double or od, will be considered snagging.
treble point is attached to a single
Stream—water in a permanent or
shank.
seasonal bed or channel with a cur-
• Single Point: a hook with only one
rent that is usually continuous in one
point.
direction and includes creeks, rivers,
• Double Point: a hook with two
ditches, sloughs and ponds created
points on a common shank.
by beavers. Streams may not flow
• Treble (triple) Point: a hook with
continuously during low-flow pe-
three points on a common shank.
riods. Ponds or puddles in a stream
Invasive (nonnative) Species—a channel during low-flow periods
species that: shall be considered to be a stream.
• Does not naturally occur or is
Strike indicator—a hook-less, un-
alien to the ecosystem under
scented floating device attached to a
consideration.
line or leader to signal a strike at an
• Cause, or are likely to cause, eco-
artificial fly or artificial lure.
nomic or environmental harm or
harm to human health. Tributary—a stream that flows into a
• Invasive species can be plants, larger stream, river or lake.
animals, and other organisms (e.g.
microbes). Upgrading—the practice of sub-
stituting captured fish for fish in
Lake—a body of standing water in a possession.
depression of land and includes res-
ervoirs and ponds (excluding ponds Yellowstone Native Fish Species—a
created by beavers). species that is endemic or indigenous
to Yellowstone National Park.
Scented Attractants—any substance
that has been added, infused or
applied to an artificial fly, artificial
lure, line, or hook for the purpose
25For More Information If you have questions about information in this guide, please contact: Visitor Services Office P.O. Box 168 Yellowstone National Park, WY 82190 307-344-2107 For more information about Yellowstone fisheries, go to: www.nps.gov/yell/planyourvisit/fishing.htm All maps and photos are NPS (public domain) except: Pages 16,17, and 19 ©Jay Fleming Photography. Page 3, ©New South Wales Department of Trade and Investment, Regional Infrastructure and Services. Page 17, mountain whitefish ©Zac Sexton. Page 19, brown trout ©Big Sky Anglers. Page 24, “Perfect Fly” salmon fly ©James Marsh.
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