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Yellowstone National Park Fishing Info

Yellowstone Park Fishing

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Yellowstone National Park draws millions of visitors to explore the natural wonders, outstanding scenery, diverse wildlife, and vast open spaces. In its 2.2 million acres of protected land are over 800 miles of broad rivers, smaller backcountry streams, plus 175 lakes which are acclaimed as the finest public trout waters in the world. For over a century, anglers have increasingly enjoyed the fishing opportunities in the national park and regulations have been set forth to ensure the integrity and preservation of native fishes and their habitats.

Featured Listings: (add your listing)


Westbank Anglers - Fly fFshing Dreams Fulfilled!
Home to the most professional & experienced guide staff in Jackson Hole & the Yellowstone region. Permits to access the best waters w/ a fine reputation.
view site : call us (307) 733-6483

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Angler's West Guide Service
Driftboat and spring creek flyfishing experts on the north side of Yellowstone Park. Creating custom angling adventures for novices to experts, in or out of the Park.
view site : map : call us (406) 333-4401
Bud Lilly's Trout Shop - Montana's Best
West Yellowstone's legendary fly shop and outfitter since 1950, we're experts on all Yellowstone Park waters (Madison & Yellowstone) plus the Henry's Fork & Gallatin Rivers.
view site : map : call us (800) 854-9559
Madison River Outfitters - Yellowstone permitee
No matter where you fish in Yellowstone Park, MRO has the flies, equipment, guides and advice to help make your dream trip a reality. Reserve your guided trip early.
view site : map : call us (800) 646-9644

In Yellowstone, consideration to the bald eagles, ospreys, pelicans, otters, grizzly bears and other wildlife is of greater precedence than humans utilizing fish as food. The fish are not stocked in Yellowstone and populations depend on sufficient number of spawning adults to maintain natural reproduction and genetic diversity. In order to protect the wild trout, park management has set regulations to include season opening and closing dates, restrictive use of bait, catch and release only areas, and number/size limits according to species. A few places are closed to the public.

The lake fishing is superb on Yellowstone Lake, Shoshone Lake and Lewis Lake. For those seeking consistent action for cutthroat trout in the 15-17 inch range, Yellowstone Lake is the place. This 89,000 acre lake has a lake depth average of 140 feet, with most of the trout feeding near the shore. The Shoshone Lake is over 80,000 acres, the second largest lake in the park. The lake boasts large brown and lake trout along with some good sized brook and cutthroat trout. The fall brings the best fishing opportunities and access to this lake is by boat or canoe from Lewis Lake or by trail. Lewis Lake is just south of Shoshone Lake, and the third largest lake in the park. Mainly brown trout are found in Lewis Lake with a few lake and brook trout. You can access the lake right from the road and there is a boat launching ramp. Best results are often found when fishing from a boat. Other lakes can be accessed by short hikes around the northeast corner of the park. Trout Lake, Grebe Lake, Wolf Lake, Blacktail Lake and Heart Lake are all exception trout lakes.

The rivers in the park are among the top trout waters in the country. Classic western trout waters include the Firehole, Madison, Lamar, and of course the fabulous Yellowstone River. It is safe to say there's enough great fishing for anglers at any level. The Yellowstone River is located from the southeast corner of the park throughout its length. Yellowstone is renowned for cutthroats averaging 16-18 inches and 1-2 pounds. The Lamar River joins the Yellowstone near Tower, and flows for 66 miles. It's one of the last streams to clear from spring runoff, and it muddies easily after heavy rains. The Lamar offers best results in the late summer and consider its many neighboring waters of the Little Lamar River, Cache, South Cache, Soda Butte, Amphitheater, Flint, Cold, Calfee and Miller Creeks. The Firehole River is a very demanding river and for the most experienced fly fishers. This river is unlike other park rivers in that it is ready to fish in late May when the park opens, due to the waters being fed by thermal springs the waters rarely rise causing the waters to be unfishable. The Gibbon River flows for 38 miles and most of the stretch is accessible from the road. The river is restricted to fly fishing and is best in early summer and early fall. Other rivers like the Gardner, Madison, Bechler, Falls River and Snake River offer great trout fishing, but most access is limited to long hikes.

In Yellowstone, bald eagles, osprey and other wildlife have first crack at catching fish for dinner. Fishing regulations have been designed to permit visitors to enjoy angling for wild trout and yet not compete with these animals for food. Some waters are closed to fishing, some are restricted fly fishing, and some are catch and release only. Take home limits for species, size, and number vary in restrictions for different areas. Yellowstone has also implemented a non-toxic fishing program, so fishing tackle must be reviewed and all leaded split-shot shinkers, weighted jigs that are lead molded to a hook, and soft lead weighted ribbon for nymph fishing are not allowed. Only non-toxic alternatives are allowed to accompany these types of fishing tackle. It is important when purchasing your permit, costing $5 for a 7 day and $10 for a season permit, that you read all the regulations. Contact a ranger for more information if you are unclear on any of the regulations. The fines are hefty and can certainly spoil a fishing experience.

When fishing from any vessel, a motorized or non-motorized vessel, including float tubes, a permit is required. There are several locations in the park to visit with the ranger on regulations and purchase these permits. The cost for permitting a motorized vessel is $20 annually and $10 for a 7 day. Non-motorized vessels cost $10 annually and $5 for a 7 day. It is required that a personal flotation device be worn and must be Coast Guard approved. Outboards and rowboats can be rented on a first come, first served basis from the park. Guided fishing trips can also be arranged through the park.

Yellowstone National Park offers some spectacular fishing opportunities, like none other in the world. The vastness of this protected land, fishing the same waters that a grizzly, an eagle, and other wildlife have and will continue to fish from is a remarkable sensation. Our national parks are dedicated for the people and for their recreation and enjoyment for the end of time, but Yellowstone differs. This is a park that is very much occuppied by the wildlife and the people have protected this sacred and unique land for its natural processes and the wildlife that thrives throughout. One is truly priveledged to have an experience in Yellowstone. The spring, summer and late fall are all different, but the feeling of casting a fly rod and successfully catching a native trout is one that all anglers can understand.

Reel Deal Anglers - Rhett Bain & his small team of guides offer access to private waters like no other service. Enjoy some seclusion on the Snake River and surrounding fisheries.

Local Web Listings: (upgrade your listing)


Orvis
485 W Broadway Jackson, WY  83001-0000
view site : call us (307) 733-5407
Jack Dennis Outdoor Shop
50 E Broadway Jackson, WY  83001-0000
view site : call us (307) 733-3270

Local Phone Only Listings: (upgrade your listing)


Alpine Rod & Reel
102 Greys River Rd Alpine, WY  83128-0000
call us (307) 654-3474

Mammoth, WY Weather

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Other pages you might find helpful:


West Yellowstone Fly Fishing
Fly Fishing on the famous waters of the Madison River, the Henry's Fork, and more.
Yellowstone Fly Fishing
Fly fishing guides for the Yellowstone region.