Fishing

Regulations

Yellowstone National Park 

Know the fish, know the rules 

Precious habitat • Special protection • Exceptional fishing
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 whitefish, 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 introduced 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 save the native 

fish and the natural ecosystems they support.

Stay Safe and Legal

You are responsible for following all park regulations. Consult Yellowstone’s 

park newspaper, 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. 
1 

Contents

General Regulations ....................................................................... 2–5

Season dates, fishing hours, permit requirements, tackle restrictions, 

catch and release, mandatory kill, and possession limits.

Fishing...............................................................................2

Boating ..............................................................................5

Regional Regulations...................................................................... 6–13

Summary and exceptions to general regulations in each region of the park.

Northwest Region Regulations......................................6

Northeast Region Regulations.......................................8

Southwest Region Regulations.......................................10

Southeast Region Regulations........................................12

Fish Identification ........................................................................... 14–18

Know your fish species on sight in order to comply with native trout 

conservation requirements. 

Native ................................................................................14

Nonnative .........................................................................16

Releasing Fish.................................................................................. 19

Frequently Asked Questions .......................................................... 20

Aquatic Invasive Species ................................................................ 21
2

General Regulations

Fishing

Fishing/angling is defined as any 

activity using an attended single rod 

or line for the purpose of attempting 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

The season begins the Saturday 

of Memorial Day weekend (usually the last weekend in May) and 

extends through the first Sunday in 

November. Exceptions are listed on 

pages 6–13. 

Hours are daily from sunrise to 

sunset. Fishing with an artificial 

light is prohibited. Some areas are 

closed to human entry, have trail or 

seasonal closures, off-trail travel and 

daylight hour limitations, or party 

size recommendations. See the Bear 

Management Area restrictions in the 

Backcountry Trip Planner for specific 

rules and information.

Streams may be temporarily closed due 

to low water levels and high water temperatures to protect fish populations.

Fishing permits

Anglers 16 years of age or older 

must be in possession of a valid 

Yellowstone National Park fishing 

permit to fish in the park. 

Park rangers may check permits and 

inspect tackle, fish, creels, or other 

containers where fish or tackle may 

be stored.

Anglers 15 years of age or younger 

have two options:

1. Children 15 or younger may fish 

without a permit if they are fishing 

under the direct supervision of an 

adult who has a valid park fishing 

permit.

2. Children 15 or younger may obtain 

a free permit that must be signed by 

a responsible adult; with this permit, a child can fish without direct 

adult supervision. 

With either option, the accompanying adult is responsible for the child’s 

actions and must ensure the child 

complies with all fishing regulations 

and provisions. 

Felt-soled Footgear 

Prohibited

To reduce the potential for 

introduction or spread of 

aquatic invasive species, 

footgear with absorbent felt 

or other fibrous material on 

the soles are prohibited while 

fishing in Yellowstone.
3 

Tackle, lure, and hook restrictions

Each angler may use only one rod 

which must be attended at all times 

and used for angling only—intentional snagging of fish is not allowed.

Only lead-free artificial lures 

(e.g. spoon or spinner) or flies may 

be used. Leaded fishing tackle such 

as leaded split-shot sinkers, weighted 

jigs (lead molded to a hook), and soft 

lead-weighted ribbon for nymph fishing are not allowed. 

Hooks must have points that are 

barbless, or the barbs must be 

pinched down by pliers. Lures may 

have only one hook with a single, 

double, or treble configuration. 

Each fly may have only one hook. 

Up to two flies may be used on a 

single leader (commonly referred to 

as “dropper,” “dry and dropper,” or 

“hopper and dropper”).

Except for feathers and other typical 

fly-tying materials, the hook must be 

bare. No organic or inorganic baits 

are allowed. Organic baits include 

fish or fish parts, minnows, salmon 

eggs, worms, insects, or foodstuffs 

such as bread or corn. Inorganic baits 

include rubber worms and plastic 

“twister” tails. Scented attractants 

(liquid and solid baits) are illegal. 

Putting any substance in the water for 

the purpose of attracting fish (chumming) is illegal.

Exceptions 

Non-toxic split-shot, sinkers, and jig 

heads molded with bismuth-tin, molybdenum, or tungsten are allowed. 

Lead core line and heavy (> 4 lb.) 

downrigger weights used to fish for 

deep-dwelling lake trout are permissible because they are too large to be 

ingested by wildlife.

Artificial lures are not allowed on the 

Firehole River, Madison River, and 

lower Gibbon River (below Gibbon 

Falls), these streams are flyfishing 

only.

Possession limits

All native fish must be released 

unharmed. Natives include cutthroat 

trout, mountain whitefish, and Arctic 

grayling. 

Native Trout Conservation Area

No possession limit for nonnative fish, 

including brown, brook, rainbow, and 

lake trout (see pages 6–13). 

• 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 

General Regulations

A single pointed hook is the best choice 

for fishing in Yellowstone. Treble hooks 

(3 points) can severely injure fish and are 

often constructed with toxic lead solder.
4

General Regulations

Nonnative Trout Tolerance Area

All native fish must be released 

unharmed. Possession limits exist 

for nonnative fish in this area. An 

angler must cease fishing in the area 

immediately after filling the possession limit. (See pages 7 and 10.)

Yellowstone River

Madison River

Gibbon River

Fireho el River

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Madison

Norris

West 

Entrance

Old 

Faithful

Mammoth

North 

Entrance

Tower

Canyon

Fishing Bridge

Lake

Bridge 

Bay

West Thumb

Grant 

Village

South 

Entrance

East

Entrance

Northeast

Entrance

Bechler

Yellowstone

Lake

Slough Cr.

Soda Butte Cr.

Lamar River

0 5 10 20 miles

1

Streams

Roads

Park Boundary

Region Boundary

Nonnative Trout Tolerance Area

Native Trout Conservation Area

NORTHEAST

REGION

SOUTHEAST

REGION

SOUTHWEST

REGION

NORTHWEST

REGION

below Lower Falls and above 

Knowles Falls must be killed—it is 

illegal to release them alive. (See 

page 8.) 

• All lake trout caught from 

Yellowstone Lake must be killed—

it is illegal to release them alive.
5 

• Firehole River, Madison River, 

lower Gibbon River (downstream 

of Gibbon Falls)—possession of up 

to five brook trout is allowed. Catch 

and release all rainbow and brown 

trout. Whitefish are an important 

native species in the Madison River 

and they must be released. 

• Lewis River system above Lewis 

Falls, including Lewis and 

Shoshone lakes and their tributaries—possession of five combined 

brook, brown or lake trout; only 

one of which may be a brown trout. 

It is the responsibility of the angler 

to be able to identify fish by species. 

Unintentionally killed fish should be 

returned to the water so they can be 

consumed by wildlife. 

Brook trout markings.

Evidence of species in possession

Skin must remain attached so the 

fish species can be visibly identified. 

Gills and entrails may be removed 

in the field, but must be discarded 

only within the waters where the fish 

were caught.

Disposal of fish and entrails

Dispose of fish and/or fish entrails 

within the waters where the fish 

was caught but not within 100 feet 

(30.5 m) of boat ramps, docks, or 

backcountry campsites. Fish can also 

be disposed of in park trash cans. 

Bridge and boat dock restrictions

No fishing from any road bridge or 

boat dock. 

Boating

Vessel inspections & permits

All vessels—including 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 

National Park Service inspectors to 

ensure that they are free of aquatic 

invasive species before entering 

any park waters. See Yellowstone’s 

Boating Regulations for details: 

www.nps.gov

/yell/planyourvisit/boating.htm. 

General Regulations

All vessels require a permit. 
6

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/publications.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).

Flyfishing only: Madison River, 

Firehole River, Gibbon River below 

Gibbon Falls (not including their 

tributaries). Use only artificial flies 

regardless of the type of rod or line.

Possession limits 

Native Trout Conservation Area:

• Catch and release all native fish.

• No possession limit on nonnative 

fish. 

Nonnative Trout Tolerance Area:

• Limit of 5 brook trout.

• Catch and release all rainbow and 

brown trout. 

Where to take young anglers

Norris: Gibbon River at Virginia 

Meadows or other meadows; 

Solfatara Creek near Norris 

campground.

Madison: Gibbon River near Tuff 

Cliffs; Large meadow areas of the 

Firehole, Gibbon, and Madison rivers near Madison Junction.

Old Faithful: Firehole River at picnic 

areas; Nez Perce Creek.

ô Accessible ramp & platform

At the Mount Haynes Overlook, 

approximately 3.5 miles (5.6 km) 

west of Madison Junction. Please see 

the Yellowstone Accessibility Guide

or www.nps.gov/yell for more 

information.
7 

Northwest Region Regulations

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Madison

Norris

West

Entrance

Old

Faithful

Spec imen

Fan

Gallati n

Grayling

Du ck

Gneiss

Cougar

Ma ple

Cougar

Gibbon Madison Fir ehole

Nez Perc e

F airy

Little Fi rehole

Firehole

Gibbon

Seven

Mile

Bridge

Midway Foot

Bridge

HWY 191

To Mammoth

To 

Canyon

To Grant

Village

Roads

Flyshing ONLY

Closed to all shing

Nonnative Trout Tolerance Area

Native Trout Conservation Area

Park Boundary

Bear Management Areas

Accessible Ramp & Platform

CT

CT

MW

BN

RT

GY

MW

BN

RT

GY

RT

MW

BN

RT

BK

BK

BK

BN

CT

GY

CT

BK

BN

RT

BK

BN

RT

BN

RT

BK

RT

BK

RT
8

Kno

Fal

,,,,,,,,

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Madison

Norris

Mammoth

Can

North Entrance

Gardiner, MT

Gle

G

n

a rd

ner

Indi an

Obsidian

Blacktail

Pond

Gar dner

Lava

Bl

Joffee

Lake

To Norris

BK

BK

CT, MW, 

BK, BN, 

RT

BK

BK

BK

BK

Northeast Region Regulations

• Blacktail Pond area is closed to 

public use and travel, including angling, until July 1 to protect nesting 

birds and sensitive vegetation. 

• Only a State of Montana fishing license is required to fish the 

Yellowstone River, downstream of 

Gardiner, Montana.

Permanently closed to fishing:

• Trout Lake inlet stream is permanently closed to fishing to protect 

spawning cutthroat trout.

• Yellowstone River, from 

Chittenden Bridge near Canyon 

downstream through the Grand 

Canyon of the Yellowstone to a 

point directly below Silver Cord 

Cascade, is permanently closed to 

fishing to ensure angler safety.

Northeast Region:

Includes the Yellowstone and Lamar 

rivers and tributaries between the 

north park boundary and Chittenden 

Bridge near Canyon.

Possession limits

Native Trout Conservation Area:

• Catch and release all native fish.

• No possession limit on nonnative fish. 

All nonnative fish, including rainbow trout, brook trout, and identifiable cutthroat/rainbow hybrids 

must be killed in these areas:

• Lamar River drainage including all 

tributaries and lakes.

• Yellowstone River below Lower 

Falls and above Knowles Falls, 

including north side tributaries

In areas downstream of these locations, killing of nonnative fish is 

recommended. 

If you don’t know, let it go.
9 

owles 

ls

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nyon

e

Tower

Northeast

Entrance

Tower Fall

Silver Cord Cascade

Chittenden Bridge

Trout Lake

McBride

Lake

Blackta il

He ll roar ni g

Tower

Cache

La mar

Yellowsto ne

Bu ffalo

Slough

Pe

bble

Soda Butte

Roads

Closed to all fishing

All rainbow trout, brook 

trout, and identifiable 

cutthroat/rainbow trout

hybrids must be killed.

Park Boundary

Native Trout 

Conservation Area

Bear Management Areas

Campground

,,, Yellowstone River downstream of Gardiner, MT: 

Only a State of Montana 

fishing license required.

CT

CT

CT

CT

CT

CT

RT

CT

RT

CT

RT

CT

RT

CT

RT

CT RT

RT 

CT

Northeast Region Regulations
10

Southwest Region Regulations

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Old Faithful

Bound ary Creek

Shoshone 

Lake

Lewis

Lake

Lewis

Falls

Lewis

 Channel

H

L

Bec hler River

F alls River

Lewis River

DeLa cy

Snake River

South Entrance

Bechler

Old Faithful

West 

Thumb

Grant

To 

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CT

CT

RT

BK 

CT

BN

CT

MW

LT

BN

BK

LT

BN

BK

LT

CT

RT

CT

RT

Includes the Snake and Lewis rivers 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 combination, only one of which can be a 

brown trout.

Southwest Region:
11 

Southwest Region Regulations

Western shore of Shoshone Lake.

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Heart

Lake

Snake River

Roads

Nonnative Trout Tolerance Area

Native Trout Conservation Area

Bear Management Areas

Park Boundary

 Lake

CT

CT

CT

MW

• 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: Aster Creek near Lewis Falls; 

Lewis Lake shoreline; pullouts along 

the South Entrance Road. 
12

Southeast 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 opens July 15. 

Permanently closed to fishing on 

the Yellowstone River:

• Fishing Bridge and an area one 

mile (1.6 km) downstream (toward 

Canyon) and 1/4 mile (.4 km) upstream (toward Yellowstone Lake) 

from the bridge.

• The Yellowstone River 100 yards 

(91 m) up- and downstream of 

LeHardys Rapids.

• The Yellowstone River and its 

tributaries in Hayden Valley from 

the confluence of Alum Creek upstream to Sulphur Cauldron. 

Yellowstone Lake opens with the 

general season

Streams flowing into Yellowstone 

Lake, its tributaries, and areas 

within 100 yards (91 m) of each 

stream’s outlet open July 15. Access 

to many areas is restricted by Bear 

Management Area Closures, see 

the Yellowstone Backcountry Trip 

Planner for details. 

Permanently closed to fishing 

along Yellowstone Lake:

• The shoreline of Yellowstone Lake 

from West Thumb Geyser Basin 

to Little Thumb Creek is closed to 

protect fragile thermal resources.

• Bridge Bay Marina/Harbor and 

Grant Village Marina/Harbor and 

their channels to the lake. 

• Pelican Creek from its mouth to a 

point two miles (3.2 km) upstream.

Possession limits 

Native Trout Conservation Area:

• Catch and release all native fish.

• No possession limit on nonnative 

fish. All lake trout must be killed.

Where to take young anglers

Lake Village: Along Gull Point Drive or 

at Sand Point.

Grant: Aster Creek near Lewis Falls; 

Lewis Lake shoreline; Yellowstone 

Lake shoreline near Grant Marina.

ô Accessible ramp & platform

An accessible fishing area is located at 

the Grant Village boat launch. 
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Norris

Grant

Bridge

Bay

West

Thumb

Lake

Fishing

Bridge East 

Entrance

Otter

Yel lo

w stone

A lum

Tr out

Elk

Antler

Columbine

Middle

Yello

ws tone

Arnica

LeHardys

Rapids

Mud

Volcano

Sulphur

Cauldron

To Canyon

To South

Entrance

To

Old 

Faithful

Roads

Closed to all fishing

Native Trout Conservation Area

Park Boundary

Bear Management Areas

CT

CT

CT

CT

CT

CT

CT

CT

CT

CT

CT

CT

CT

LT CT

BN

BK

RT

CT

Southeast Region Regulations

Yellowstone Lake.
14

Fish Identification—Native

Cutthroat trout subspecies

few spots on head

dark spots on light 

background

only species with 

red jaw slash

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

Widely distributed in many drainages.

Yellowstone cutthroat trout (large-spotted 

form; Oncorhynchus clarkii bouvieri).

Westslope cutthroat trout (Oncorhynchus 

clarkii lewisi). 

Two subspecies of cutthroat trout 

are found in Yellowstone: the westslope cutthroat and the Yellowstone 

cutthroat (which has both large- and 

finespotted varieties). All fish with a 

red slash are considered cutthroat (or 

cutthroat/rainbow hybrids). 

If it has a red slash, put it back.

Cutthroat Trout—CT
15 

large scales

Fish Identification—Native

large, sail-like 

dorsal fin

Distributed throughout Gibbon River, 

sometimes in Madison and Firehole rivers.

dark spots on front 

half of body

Arctic Grayling—GY

Distributed throughout Snake and Lewis 

rivers, other areas as noted on map.

Mountain Whitefish—MW

large 

scales

small mouth, 

no teeth body almost round 

on cross-section
16

Hybridized (genetically impure) cutthroat trout

In waters where rainbow trout have 

been introduced, there has been a 

serious degradation of the cutthroat 

trout population through interbreeding of the two species. Cutthroat/rainbow trout hybrids exist throughout 

the Bechler, Falls, Gallatin, Gardner, 

and Lamar rivers, and the Yellowstone 

River below the Upper Falls.

Cutthroat/rainbow trout hybrids have 

color and markings consistent with 

both species, making identification 

difficult. However, rainbows and hybrids will have white tips on the anal 

and paired pelvic fins. 

Trout that have any indication of a 

red/orange jaw slash are fully protected by catch-and-release regulations—except in the Lamar River 

drainage and the Yellowstone River 

and northern tributaries between 

Lower Falls and Knowles Falls. 

If you don’t know, let it go.

numerous 

spots on 

head

often white small scales

on edge of fins

Widely distributed due to historic 

stocking. Not present in Yellowstone Lake, 

Yellowstone River above the Upper Falls, 

or the Snake River.

Fish Identification—Nonnative

Rainbow Trout—RT

white tips on fins red jaw slash
17 

worm-like markings

red spots with 

blue haloes

light spots, dark 

background

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.

Brook Trout—BK

Fish Identification—Nonnative

Distributed in Gallatin, Gibbon, Firehole, 

Madison, Lewis, Snake, Gardner, and 

the Yellowstone rivers. Not present in 

Yellowstone Lake, Bechler or Falls rivers.

pale haloes

around black spots

Brown Trout—BN
18

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.

air bladder

deeply 

forked 

tail

numerous 

spots on 

head

white spots, dark 

background

Fish Identification—Nonnative

Distributed in Heart, Lewis, Shoshone, and Yellowstone 

Lakes.

Lake Trout—LT

often white 

on edge of fins
19 

Releasing Fish

Hold the fish with wet hands, beneath the 

belly, behind the pectoral fins. Use forceps 

or small pliers to remove the hook. 

For all native fish and any nonnative 

fish you intend to release, bring the 

fish in as quickly as possible. Do not 

play the fish to exhaustion.

Unhook the fish in quiet water such 

as an eddy or slow spot. Do not drag 

the fish across land. Use forceps or 

small needle-nosed pliers to quickly 

remove the hook.

Always make sure your hands are 

wet if you must handle the fish. Dry 

hands damage a fish’s protective 

mucous film. Hold the fish with one 

hand around the tail section and the 

other beneath the belly, just behind 

the pectoral fins. Never grab or hold 

a fish through the gills unless it is 

already dead.

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 

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 resuscitation. When the fish has recovered, it 

should swim away on its own.

Tackle, lures, and hooks

Hooks and lures typically have barbs 

when purchased. With small pliers 

you must pinch down the barbs. 

Without barbs more skill is required 

in landing and bringing in fish but 

hook removal is easier and less traumatic to the fish.

Spinning lures typically have three 

hooks called treble hooks. With wire 

cutters you can snip off one of the 

hooks or snap one off with pliers; you 

also must pinch down all the barbs. 

Two hooks are still effective, easier to 

remove, and less traumatic. 

If the fish is deeply hooked, cut the 

line, do not pull out the hook. Most 

fish can survive with hooks left in.
20

Why are the same fish species 

regulated differently in different 

areas of the park?

Park fishing regulations are designed 

to protect native fish and aquatic 

ecosystems, provide recreational 

opportunities, and also preserve the 

tradition of angling in Yellowstone. 

Cutthroat trout, Arctic grayling, 

mountain whitefish, and other native 

fishes are important to the ecology of 

Yellowstone. Because cutthroat trout 

and Arctic grayling inhabit relatively 

shallow waters, many animals depend 

on them as a food source, especially 

during spring when the fish spawn in 

small lake inlets and tributary streams. 

Angling is an important part of the 

park’s cultural history. Nonnative 

trout are important to the angler 

experience in Yellowstone, but they 

contribute to the decline in the park’s 

native cutthroat trout and Arctic 

grayling by competing for food and 

habitat, preying on native fish, and 

degrading the genetic integrity of native fish by hybridizing with them.

Yellowstone is making a substantial, 

on-the-ground effort to conserve 

native fish in several areas. These 

actions, which are currently focused 

in the Lamar and Grayling Creek 

drainages and Yellowstone Lake, 

are described in the park’s native 

fish conservation plan. Goals are to 

reduce the risk of extinction, restore 

and maintain the ecological role, and 

create sustainable angling and viewing opportunities for native fish.

Why can’t we fish from Fishing 

Bridge?

Fishing Bridge, situated over a cutthroat trout spawning area, was once 

a popular place to fish. Declining 

numbers of cutthroat trout caused 

park officials to close the bridge to 

fishing to protect the spawning fish.

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-fished waters of the park.

Why is fishing lead-free in 

Yellowstone?

Lead is a toxic environmental contaminant. Wildlife such as waterfowl, cranes, and shorebirds, are 

vulnerable to lead poisoning. Of 

particular concern in Yellowstone 

are the alarmingly low populations of 

trumpeter swans and loons. 

Frequently Asked Questions
21 

Aquatic Invasive Species

STOP

Aquatic Invasive Species

All vessels must be checked by National Park Service inspectors to ensure that 

they are free of aquatic invasive species before entering any park waters. See 

Yellowstone’s Boating Regulations for details: http://www.nps.gov/yell/

planyourvisit/boating.htm. 

Before you enter Yellowstone National Park and any time you move to another 

body of water within the park: 

CLEAN • INSPECT • DRY

1.REMOVE ALL water, mud, plants, fish, tiny animals, or other foreign material 

from your boats, trailers, and other equipment—including waders, boots, 

clothing, and nets—before you enter Yellowstone National Park.

2. DO NOT BRING BAIT into Yellowstone National Park. No natural or organic 

bait such as minnows, salmon eggs, worms, insects, or foodstuffs—alive or 

dead—are allowed. See General Regulations on pages 2 and 3 for details.

3. DO NOT DUMP WATER from other sources into Yellowstone waters. Drain 

your boat hull and live well in a safe location (a flat, paved, dirt, or gravel 

area) away from all park surface waters.

4. NEVER MOVE water, fish, other animals, or plants from one stream or lake 

to another. It is illegal to transport live fish within the park.

5. THOROUGHLY CLEAN everything that comes in contact with water before 

leaving your fishing site. Ensure gear is clean and dry before fishing another 

stream or lake. 

See Yellowstone’s Aquatic Invasive Species brochure for additional details

www.nps.gov/yell/planyourvisit/fishingexotics.htm
For 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 14,15, and 17 ©Jay Fleming Photography.

Page 3 ©New South Wales Department of Trade and Investment, Regional Infrastructure 

and Services.

Page 15, mountain whitefish ©Zac Sexton