Fishing has been a popular recreation activity in Yellowstone National Park for more than 100 years, and many people visit the park just to fish. With over 2500 miles of rivers and streams, as well as numerous lakes, Yellowstone waters present an excellent opportunity for the recreational angler.
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 whitefish, and other native fishes are important to the ecology of Yellowstone
Stay Safe and Legal: You are responsible for following all park regulations. Consult Yellowstone's park newspaper or rangers at visitor centers and backcountry offices to learn more. For more information visit the park's Fishing web page.
General Regulations:
The season begins January 1, 2025 and extends through December 31, 2025.
Anglers 16 years of age or older must be in possession of a valid Yellowstone National Park fishing pass to fish in the park. State fishing licenses are not valid and are not required.
For more region-specific regulations, download the park's Fishing Regulations brochure (PDF, 5.7 mb) or inquire locally at the park for a printed copy of these regulations.
Anglers 15 years of age or younger may fish free of charge if accompanying adult has a valid fishing permit or a separate fee-free fishing permit is available in person. Accompanying adult is responsible for the child's actions and must ensure the child complies with all fishing regulations and provisions.
Each angler may use only one rod at a time and only lead-free artificial lures (eg. spoons or spinners) or flies may be used.
Leaded fishing tackle such as leaded split-shot sinkers and soft-weighted ribbon for nymph fishing are not allowed.
Hooks must have points that are barbless and only one hook per lure with single, double or triple points.
Flies may have only one hook and up to 2 flies may be used per leader.
Except for feathers and other typical fly-tying materials, the hook must be bare. No organic or inorganic baits are allowed.
Felt-soled footgear is prohibited, which includes footgear with absorbent felt or other fibrous material on the soles.
All native fish are catch and release (Yellowstone Cutthroat Trout, Mountain Whitefish, and Arctic Grayling)
Please review park conditions prior to your trip to ensure there are no closures.
Individual with a valid permit is authorized to fish the waters of Yellowstone National Park for the dates specified accordance with the current fishing regulations. The general fishing season begins January 1, 2025, and extends through December 31, 2025.
Permittee accepts the responsibility of knowing and abiding by the fishing regulations of Yellowstone Nat ional Park.
Permittee is required to present for purposes of inspection their permit, all tackle and/or fish in possession, and creels and/or other containers where fish or tackle may be stored while on or immediately adjacent to waters of the park.
Do not approach wildlife. Remain 100 yards (92 meters) away from bears and wolves, and 25 yards (23 meters) away from all other wildlife. Do not feed any animals, including birds, squirrels, and coyotes.