If you plan to go fishing in Yellowstone National Park in 2024, it’s important to understand the specific regulations and requirements. Unlike many other fishing destinations, Yellowstone has its own unique set of rules and permits that anglers must follow.
Yellowstone National Park Fishing Permit
To fish in Yellowstone National Park, anglers 16 years of age or older must possess a valid Yellowstone National Park fishing permit. This permit is required regardless of whether you have a fishing license from your home state or another state. The park’s fishing regulations are designed to support native fish conservation goals, with cutthroat trout being the sole native trout species in Yellowstone.
Yellowstone National Park fishing permits can be purchased online through Recreation.gov or at various locations within the park, such as ranger stations, visitor centers, and Yellowstone General Stores. Permits are also available at many businesses in the local gateway towns surrounding the park.
The cost of Yellowstone fishing permits varies depending on the duration of the permit:
Three-day permit: $40.00
Seven-day permit: $55.00
Season permit: $75.00
Children 15 years of age and younger have two options:
They can fish without a permit if they are under the direct supervision of an adult who holds a valid Yellowstone fishing permit.
They can obtain a free permit that must be signed by a responsible adult, allowing them to fish without direct adult supervision.
It’s important to note that the fees generated from fishing permits stay within Yellowstone National Park and are used for fisheries protection and management.
Fishing Season and Regulations
The standard fishing season in Yellowstone National Park typically runs from the Saturday of Memorial Day weekend through the first Sunday in November each year. However, there are some exceptions to this rule, as certain areas may have different opening and closing dates due to bear activity or resource management considerations.
In addition to the permit requirement, anglers must adhere to specific gear restrictions and catch-and-release regulations:
Each angler may use only one rod, which must be closely attended and used for angling only.
Only lead-free artificial lures or flies may be used, and hooks must be barbless or have the barbs pinched down.
In the Native Trout Conservation Area, anglers must catch and release all native species but can keep up to five non-native fish per day.
In the Wild Trout Enhancement Area, anglers must catch and release all native species, as well as brown and rainbow trout. They may keep up to five brook or lake trout per day.
It’s crucial for anglers to familiarize themselves with the current fishing regulations, which can be found in Yellowstone’s park newspaper, Backcountry Trip Planner, or by consulting with park rangers at visitor centers and backcountry offices.
Expanded Fishing Access in 2024
Beginning November 1, 2024, Yellowstone National Park will expand fishing access by allowing for year-round fishing opportunities at two specific locations:
Madison River: From the Wyoming/Montana state line downstream to the park boundary near the West Entrance in West Yellowstone, Montana.
Gardner River: From Osprey Falls downstream to the confluence with the Yellowstone River near the North Entrance in Gardiner, Montana.
All other fishing areas in the park will continue to operate under the standard fishing season, which runs from the Saturday of Memorial Day weekend through October 31 each year.
In 2024, the annual fishing permit will be valid from May 25 through December 31. Starting in 2025, the annual permit will be valid for the calendar year, from January through December.
Fishing in Yellowstone National Park is a popular activity that allows anglers to enjoy the park’s diverse aquatic ecosystems while contributing to the conservation of native fish species. By understanding and adhering to the park’s fishing regulations, anglers can help protect the delicate balance of Yellowstone’s natural resources and ensure that future generations can enjoy the thrill of fishing in this iconic national park.