Fishing In Yellowstone National Park
Yellowstone National Park is renowned for its breathtaking landscapes, diverse wildlife, and pristine ecosystems. While many visitors flock to the park to witness the geothermal wonders and majestic wildlife, fly fishermen find a haven in the numerous lakes, rivers, and streams that lay within the park’s boundaries. Fishing in Yellowstone National Park is one of the most unique experiences in the world for fly fishermen.
Rivers such as the Madison, Yellowstone, and Snake River make for outstanding fishing opportunities throughout the park’s fishing season. These waters hold a variety of trout species including the native Yellowstone cutthroat, arctic grayling, and westslope cutthroat.
While the park is famous for its fly fishing opportunities, there are a few things to know that will enhance your fishing experience. There is a lot to learn when fishing in the park and I have much to discover. I hope to share a little of what I have learned from my many summers fishing in Yellowstone. Here are my eight tips for fishing in Yellowstone National Park that I hope help you on your next trip.
1. Buy a Yellowstone Fishing License
A separate fishing license is required for fishing in Yellowstone National Park. You must purchase a Yellowstone fishing license even if you own a Montana, Idaho, or Wyoming fishing license. The Yellowstone Park fishing season extends from Memorial Day weekend to the last day of October. I’ve always purchased a season pass as I spend many days fishing in Yellowstone every summer. Below are the options and costs for a fishing license which can be purchased on the Recreation.gov website.
3-Day Pass: $40
7-Day Pass: $55
Season Pass (Memorial Day through October): $75
2. Know the Fishing Regulations
It is important to familiarize yourself with the fishing regulations in Yellowstone National Park. Regulations are in place to protect native species, maintain ecological balance, and ensure sustainable fishing practices. These regulations include catch-and-release requirements for native species, restrictions on the use of harmful fishing gear, and seasonal closures in sensitive areas to protect spawning fish. A few general regulations include:
- Barbless hooks only
- No lead
- Flies may have only one hook and up to 2 flies may be used per leader (no treble hooks or articulated flies that contain two hooks).
- No Organic or Inorganic baits are allowed
- Felt-soled wading boots are prohibited
- All native fish are catch and release
- No night fishing
3. Get Out Early, Stay Out Late
Getting in and out of the park’s boundaries can be extremely busy. For an angler looking to fish and avoid the tourist crowds, I recommend arriving at the gate early and planning to leave later than usual.
During the busiest months (July and August), I enter the park boundary at 6:00 AM to beat the crowds and be one of the first anglers on the water. This makes for less traffic, a beautiful sunrise drive, and the first choice at many fishing spots. I also leave the park late as the traffic can be horrible around 5 pm when everyone is trying to make it back to town for dinner. Luckily this schedule works well for the fisherman as the best fishing usually occurs early in the morning and late in the afternoon. I like to plan a big lunch and find a picnic area to take a rest during the middle of the day when fishing is slow and the park is busiest.
If you plan to arrive with the crowds, be prepared to wait in long lines and miss out on the morning hatches.
4. Embrace Being Uncomfortable
While many fly fishermen can be seen throughout the park, the overwhelming majority of people visiting Yellowstone are tourists. This has often made me feel out of place and a little awkward in many circumstances. Walking into the meadows full of bison while everyone watches from the road can feel a little awkward.
However, I’ve found the days I feel most uncomfortable walking to the river are the days I experience the best fishing. Embrace this feeling when fishing in Yellowstone National Park.
As long as you are abiding by the laws and respecting the ecosystem, get out of your comfort zone and explore. Yellowstone is a wild place worth exploring. Get off the beaten path, walk farther, and fish differently. Doing so usually leads to the best days and wildest stories.
5. Respect The Wildlife
Yellowstone is home to a variety of wildlife species including the largest wild bison population on public land and one of the most concentrated populations of grizzly bears in the lower 48. Remember the wildlife in the park are wild. These animals deserve the utmost respect when in their habitat. While fishing I have found myself in many situations where I take alternate paths or fish different rivers due to wildlife in the area. Give these populations space and do your best to not disturb them. If done wrong, you may leave the park in an ambulance. No fish is worth the medical bills or even worse, your life.
6. Understand The Hatches
Yellowstone is home to many unique insect hatches that make the waters of the park so productive. The anglers who have the greatest success understand the fish’s food source and how to imitate it. It is crucial to do your research and understand the insect’s life cycle and the sequence of hatches throughout the season.
A few of the most prominent insect hatches in Yellowstone Parks include the salmonfies, golden stoneflies, pale morning duns, green drakes, terrestrials (ants, beetles, grasshoppers), blue wing olives, and midges. This list briefly scratches the surface of the diverse hatches that you may come across on the park’s waters. Those who spend lots of time on the water and know the area can experience some of the best dry fly fishing of the season.
7. Plan Ahead
Fishing in Yellowstone takes a little more effort than your standard fishing trip. There are many things to consider whether it be buying your license, planning a place to stay, or bringing the proper gear.
If planning to camp within the park’s boundaries, I would suggest reserving a camp spot six months in advance. Both the backcountry and regular campgrounds fill up fast. Dispersed camping outside the park is available, though is surprisingly limited. Head to the National Park Service website for more camping information and shoot me a message if you have further questions.
Also, make sure to bring all the necessary gear for your Yellowstone fishing trip. It is a requirement to pack bear spray or a firearm due to the number of grizzly bears in the park. Each summer I have had a close encounter with a bear. It is not just something fishermen tell you to keep you out of the best fishing spots. Bears and other animals can be dangerous, so be prepared for the worst.
8. Give Back
Lastly, consider giving back to this unique region of the world. Yellowstone National Park is a beautiful place that many would like to have around for future generations. Respect the region by following Leave No Trace principles, abiding by the regulations set forth, and practicing ethical fishing practices.
Also, consider donating to one of the many organizations fighting to protect this region. This can be done online or at many local gift shops and campgrounds. The world wouldn’t be the same without Yellowstone cutthroat slowly rising to dry flies in their home water. We can all do our part in protecting this species and the area they inhabit. Yellowstone Forever is a great place to start.
I hope these tips help you when fishing in Yellowstone National Park. Yellowstone is one of my favorite places to cast a fly rod and I look forward to learning more about it over the next few years. Feel free to send me a message with any questions or comments regarding Yellowstone National Park. I am more than happy to chat and assist in any way I can.
Stay Curious,
Nick
2 thoughts on “Eight Tips For Fishing In Yellowstone National Park”
Great article and something I need to do sooner than later!l
Thanks Ryan! I’d be happy to help you out whenever you make the trip happen! 🙂
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