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

To read the Yellowstone fisheries and 

aquatic sciences annual reports, go to:

www.nps.gov/yell/planyourvisit/

publications.htm

For More Information

Printed on recycled paper & vegetable ink u Revised February 2006; Reprinted March 2009

Covers: Joe Tomelleri (fluvial Arctic grayling, Yellowstone cutthroat trout, Snake River finespotted 

cutthroat trout, westslope cutthroat trout); page 3: Sandra Nykerk; page 4: Ron Hedrick, U. California/

Davis; Dan Gustafson; Fl. Dept. of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Division of Plant Industry (from 

USGS website); Ted Snider, Ill. Natural History Survey; Mark Anderson, Glen Canyon NRA; David Riecks, 

U. Illinois/Urbana–Champaign (from SGNIS website); p. 5: State of Washington, Depts. of Fish and 

Wildlife, and Ecology; p. 7: Todd Koel; p. 14: Jeff Hetrick; p. 16: Nathan Varley; p. 17: NPS photo. 

All illustrations and photos listed here © by originator except NPS photo, which is public domain.

Two

management 

areas

Barbless hook 

ONLY

Know Your Fish 

—If it has a red 

slash, put it 

back!

Clean Your 

Gear

—Do not bring 

aquatic invasive 

species into 

Yellowstone!

Yellowstone Fishing Regulations National Park
How to Use These Regulations

1. Familiarize yourself with the GENERAL REGULATIONS, listed on pages 

6–7. They include permit requirements for fishing, boats, and float tubes; 

tackle & bait restrictions; and size or possession limits.

2. See the map on pages 8–10 to determine which of the two

management areas within the park—the Native Trout Conservation 

Area or the Wild Trout Enhancement Area—you will be in. 

3. Read the POSSESSION LIMITS BY MANAGEMENT AREA on page 8 to 

determine the allowed harvest. Catch-and-release is mandatory for 

cutthroat trout and all other native species in both management areas.

4. Check if the stream or lake you will be fishing is listed on page 10 in the 

EXCEPTIONS TO GENERAL REGULATIONS.

Help preserve Yellowstone for the future.

Stay Safe & Legal

You are responsible for following all park regulations. Consult Yellowstone Today, Backcountry 

Trip Planner, or rangers at visitor centers and 

backcountry offices.

u Stay on established trails in thermal areas for 

your safety and to protect these fragile areas.

u Stay at least 100 yards from bears and wolves, 

and 25 yards from all other animals.

u Know how to avoid bears and what to do if 

you encounter a bear. 

u Carry bear pepper spray and know how 

to use it.

u Do not feed any animals, including birds.

Contents

Aquatic Invasive Species . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4–5

General Regulations—fishing & boating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6–7

Management Area Limits and Map . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8–10

Exceptions to General Regulations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Fish Identification and Distribution . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11–13

Releasing Fish . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Volunteer Programs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Angler Etiquette . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Illegal Actions/Reporting Violations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Yellowstone’s Fishery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

Frequently Asked Questions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

For More Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Back Cover

 3
Aquatic Invasive Species

4

Already here

New Zealand mud snail

whirling disease parasite

Eurasian water-milfoil

zebra mussel

spiny waterflea (plankton)

On their way

These invasive species are likely to arrive in Yellowstone:

Eurasian water-milfoil grows in lakes, ponds, shallow 

reservoirs, and calm areas of rivers and streams. It is particularly 

troublesome in water bodies that experience abundant motorboat use 

(such as Bridge Bay). Milfoil colonizes new habitats just from stem 

fragments transported by boating equipment.

Exotic plankton, such as spiny waterflea, displace native 

zooplankton and are difficult for young fish to eat because of their 

long spines. Plankton eggs can remain dormant for decades, even 

surviving passage through fish guts to colonize new waters.

Zebra mussel adults are usually the size of your fingernail, but can 

grow to two inches in length. The larvae (immature form) can be so 

tiny that you cannot see them. However, exotic species larvae can live 

in mud, dirt, sand, and on plant fragments.

Exotic fish species, such as bighead carp, silver carp, and others 

can irreversibly damage ecosystems through competition with native 

fish.

bighead carp 

Three invasive species already exist in Yellowstone’s waters:

Whirling disease parasite causes deformities in young native 

trout, which then cannot feed normally and are vulnerable to 

predation. Whirling disease exists in Pelican Creek and its tributaries, 

one of the largest aquatic systems draining into Yellowstone Lake.

New Zealand mud snails occur in many park streams, where 

they consume aquatic vegetation that immature trout and other native 

species depend on. Lake trout, a non-native predatory species, were introduced to 

Yellowstone and Heart lakes, which are native cutthroat waters. They 

grow much larger than native cutthroat trout and consume the native 

trout’s young and adults, and compete with the native trout for food.

lake trout

 5

Prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species

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

within the park: 

Clean your boat

Clean your gear

1. Remove ALL visible mud, plants, fish, or other tiny animals from your boats, trailers, and 

other equipment, including waders, boots, clothing, and nets.

2. DO NOT dump any 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.

3. NEVER empty bait or release fish, other animals, or plants into a body of water unless they 

came out of it. It is illegal to transport live fish within the park.

4. CLEAN AND DRY EVERYTHING that comes in contact with water before entering a new 

body of water, following these directions:

u Dry everything in the sun for 5 days or

u Use high-pressure, hot (>104°F) water (available at car washes outside the park) to clean your 

boat, trailer, waders, and equipment

Dispose of all bait before you enter Yellowstone National Park

No natural or organic bait such as minnows, salmon eggs, worms, insects, or foodstuffs—alive 

or dead—are allowed in Yellowstone National Park. ­See General Regulation 4b on page 6 for 

details and the one exception.
6

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 page 10.

Open 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.

a. When required, anglers must be in 

possession of a valid Yellowstone National 

Park fishing permit to fish in the park. A 

fee permit is required for anglers 16 years 

of age or older. 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 adult is responsible for 

the child’s actions and must ensure the child 

complies with all fishing regulations and 

provisions.

b.Park rangers may check permits, inspect 

tackle, fish, creels, or other containers 

where fish or tackle may be stored.

All types of vessels—including float tubes—

require a boat permit. Fees are charged. Float 

tubes are not allowed on certain lakes or on 

any river or stream in Yellowstone except the 

Lewis River between Lewis and Shoshone 

lakes. Obtain permits in person at the South 

Entrance, Lewis Lake Campground, Grant 

Village Backcountry Office, and Bridge Bay 

Ranger Station. Obtain non-motorized permits 

(only) at Mammoth, Canyon, or Old Faithful 

backcountry offices, Northeast Entrance, the 

West Yellowstone Visitor Information Center, 

and the Bechler Ranger Station.

a. Each angler may use only one rod or line, 

which must be attended at all times.

b.Only artificial lures and flies may be used.

No natural or organic bait such as minnows, 

salmon eggs, worms, insects, or foodstuffs 

are allowed. Scented attractants are illegal.

Exception: Gardner River drainage, where 

children 11 years of age or younger may 

fish with worms as bait. See map and chart 

on pages 8–10, or inquire at the Mammoth 

Visitor Center.

c. Hooks must be barbless, or barbs must be 

pinched down by pliers.

d.Lures may have only one hook with a single, 

double, or treble configuration. No fish 

snagging is allowed.

e. Flies may have only one hook with a single 

point. Up to two flies may be used on a 

single leader.

f. Leaded fishing tackle such as leaded splitshot sinkers, weighted jigs (lead molded to 

a hook), and soft lead-weighted ribbon for 

nymph fishing are not 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.

2 Fishing Permits

3 Boat & Float Tube Permits

4 Tackle & Bait Restrictions

1 Fishing Hours & Season Dates

General Regulations

No fishing from any road bridge or boat dock.

a. Size and possession limits vary by species 

and management area. The maximum 

number of fish an angler can keep is five 

fish per day. An angler must cease fishing 

immediately after filling the possession 

limit. Exceptions: all lake trout caught from 

Yellowstone Lake must be killed; no limit 

for lake trout caught from Heart Lake.

Possession limits include all fish—fresh, 

stored, or preserved.

b.Fish that do not meet the specified size 

restrictions must be returned carefully 

and immediately to the waters from which 

they were taken. Unintentionally killed 

fish should also be returned to the water 

so they can be consumed by wildlife. It is 

the responsibility of the angler to be able to 

measure fish lengths and to identify fish by 

species.

If you keep any fish, you must leave the skin 

attached to the fish so the fish species can be 

visibly identified. In the Lewis River system 

above the Lewis River Falls, including the 

Lewis Channel and Shoshone Lake, you 

may keep only one fish greater than 20 ̋ and 

it—along with all other fish in your possession, 

while in transit or in the field—must be whole 

with head, skin, fins, and tail attached. Gills 

and entrails may be removed from all fish 

in possession but discarded only within the 

waters where the fish were caught.

You must dispose of fish and fish entrails 

within the waters where the fish was caught 

and at least 100 feet from backcountry 

campsites. For more instructions for fish and 

entrail disposal, see page 13. 7

 Where to Take 

 Young Anglers

7 Evidence of Fish Species

5 Bridge & Boat Dock Restrictions

6 Size & Possession Limits

8 Disposal of Fish & Entrails

Families and young anglers can enjoy fishing 

together in many locations throughout the 

park. Park rangers’ kids recommend:

u Mammoth: Blacktail Deer Creek, Indian 

Creek near campground, Gardner River at 

the picnic area between the North Entrance 

and Mammoth, Joffe Lake

u Lake: Yellowstone Lake along Gull Point 

Drive or at Sand Point

u Grant: Aster Creek near Lewis Falls, Lewis 

Lake shoreline

u East Entrance: Middle Creek, Sylvan Lake

u Norris: Gibbon River at Virginia Meadows 

or other meadow reaches, Solfatara Creek 

near campground

u Madison: Gibbon River near Tuff Cliffs

u Old Faithful: Goose Lake, Firehole River at 

picnic areas, Nez Perce Creek

u Northeast area: Pebble Creek near 

campground, Trout Lake
8

Madison & Gallatin 

River Drainages 

(including Firehole and 

Gibbon rivers and 

tributaries)

a. Closed to fishing: Firehole River from road bridge 1⁄2 mile upstream of Old Faithful to road 

bridge at Biscuit Basin; Firehole River 200 yards either side of Midway footbridge; Madison 

River from Seven Mile Bridge upstream 250 yards.

b. 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.

Snake River Drainage 

(Snake and Lewis rivers and 

tributaries)

a. Heart Lake opens to fishing July 1 due to bear activity.

b. No size or possession limit on lake trout caught in Heart Lake.

c. Above Lewis River Falls, one fish >20 ̋; all fish in possession must remain whole. See p. 7, 

Section 7.

Lower Yellowstone 

River Drainage

(Yellowstone and Lamar 

Rivers & tributaries between 

North Park Boundary and 

Chittenden Bridge near 

Canyon)

a. Agate and Cottonwood creeks, and portions of the Yellowstone River within 100 yards of these 

creeks, open to fishing July 15.

b. Gardner River, Obsidian, Indian, and Panther creeks, and Joffe Lake: Children 11 years of age or 

younger may fish with worms as bait.

c. Slough Creek upper meadows have been invaded by rainbow trout. If you are positive of your 

fish identification, please harvest rainbow trout here to help conserve cutthroat trout.

d. Trout, Shrimp, and Buck lakes, and connecting waters, open to fishing June 15. The stream and 

inlet area that drains into Trout Lake opens to fishing July 15.

e. Closed to fishing: Yellowstone River, from Chittenden Bridge downstream through the Grand 

Canyon of the Yellowstone to a point directly below Silver Cord Cascade.

Middle Yellowstone 

River Drainage 

(between Chittenden 

Bridge near Canyon and 

Yellowstone Lake)

a. Fishing season opens July 15.

b. Permanently closed to fishing:

i. Fishing Bridge and an area one mile downstream (toward Canyon) and one-quarter mile 

upstream (toward Yellowstone Lake) from the bridge.

ii. The Yellowstone River for 100 yards up- and downstream of LeHardys Rapids.

iii. The entire west channel of the Yellowstone River near the road at Nez Perce Ford.

iv. The Yellowstone River and its tributaries through Hayden Valley from the confluence of 

Alum Creek upstream (toward Yellowstone Lake) to Sulphur Caldron.

Yellowstone Lake and 

Upper Yellowstone 

River Drainage

(Lake & tributaries)

a. Fishing season on Yellowstone Lake opens June 15.

b. Streams flowing into Yellowstone Lake (its tributaries) and areas within 100 yards of each 

stream’s outlet open July 15.

c. Clear and Cub creeks open August 11 due to bear activity.

d. Sylvan and Eleanor lakes open to fishing July 15. Boats and float tubes are prohibited.

e. Permanently closed to fishing:

i. Pelican Creek and its tributaries.

ii. The shoreline of Yellowstone Lake from West Thumb Geyser basin to Little Thumb Creek (to 

protect fragile thermal resources).

iii. Bridge Bay Marina/Harbor & Grant Village Marina/Harbor and their channels to the lake.

f. All lake trout caught in Yellowstone Lake, its tributaries, and the Yellowstone 

River must be killed. If you do not want to keep the fish, puncture the air bladder (see 

drawing page 13) and drop it into water as deep as possible.

Exceptions to General 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.

Native Trout Conservation Area

This area conserves native trout in their 

remaining drainages, including: 

u Gallatin, Yellowstone, Shoshone, 

Snake, and Falls rivers, tributaries, and 

associated lakes

u Hebgen Lake tributaries and associated 

lakes, including Cougar Creek, Duck 

Creek, and Grayling Creek systems 

This area does not include the Lewis River 

system above Lewis River Falls (Lewis and 

Shoshone lakes and tributaries).

Possession and length limits:

u Catch and release all native species.

u Possession limit: 5 combined nonnative fish any size per day.

u All lake trout from Yellowstone Lake 

must be killed.

u No possession limit on lake trout in 

Heart Lake.

10

Wild Trout Enhancement Area

This area conserves native trout and some 

non-native trout. It includes:

u Madison River, its tributaries and 

associated lakes (but not including 

streams and associated lakes tributary 

to Hebgen Lake)

u Lewis River system above the Lewis 

River Falls, including Lewis and 

Shoshone Lakes and their tributaries

Possession and length limits:

u Catch and release all native species.

u Catch and release all rainbow trout and 

brown trout.

u Possession limit: 5 combined brook 

trout or lake trout. Exception: In the 

Lewis River system above the Lewis 

River Falls, this combination may 

include two brown trout.

u Above Lewis River Falls, one fish >20 ̋; 

all fish in possession must remain 

whole.

North Entrance

Northeast 

Entrance

West Entrance

East Entrance

South Entrance

Seasonal Bear Closure Area

North Entrance

Northeast 

Entrance

West Entrance

East Entrance

South Entrance

Seasonal Bear Closure Area

Blacktail

Ponds

Tower Fall

Buck Lake

McBride 

Lake

Gibbon Falls

Riddle 

Lake

Turbid Lake

Gneiss

Yellowstone

Snake

Lewis

Bechler

LEWIS

LAKE

LeHardys Rapids

DeLacy

Fairy

Nez Perce

M

Gibbon

adison Firehole

Gibbon

Otter

Alum

Pelican

Little Firehole

Soda Butte

Buffalo

Slough

Cache

Pebble

Hellroaring

Falls

Boundary

Miller

Lamar Lamar

Grouse

Chipmunk

Yellowstone 

Lake

Trail

Beaverdam

Middle

Clear

Sedge

Calfee

Trout Lake

Shrimp Lake

Cottonwood

Blacktail

Knowles Falls

Lava

Gardner

Tower

Gardner

Glen

Panther

Indian

Obsidian

Fan

Gallatin

Grayling

Maple

Cougar

Thumb

L. 

Thumb

Sylvan

Lake

Arnica

Trout

Agate

Specimen

Gallatin

Elk Antler

Yellowstone

Yellowstone

Columbine

HEART LAKE

SHOSHONE LAKE

Joffee Lake

Silver Cord

Cascade

Cougar

Duck

Cub

Eleanor

Lake

Firehole

Mammoth 

Hot Springs

Canyon

Old Faithful

Lake

Bridge Bay Fishing 

Bridge

Grant

Madison

Norris

Tower 

Junction

West

Thumb

Sulphur Caldron

Mud 

Volcano

Chittenden Bridge

Biscuit Basin

Midway

CT

CT, MW, RT, BK, BN

CT

CT

MW

RT

CT

CT

CT

CT

CT

CT

CT

CT

CT

BN

BK

RT

CT

CT

MW

LT

CT

CT CT

MW

CT

CT, RT

CT

CT

RT

CT

CT

CT, MW 

RT, BN

CT 

MW 

RT

BN

RT

BK

BN

RT

BK

BN

RT

BK

BN

RT

BN

GY

MW

BK 

BN

BK 

RT

GY

RT GY

CT

BK 

BK 

BK 

BK 

BK 

BK 

CT

RT

CT

RT

CT

RT

CT

RT

BK

BK

BK

BN

BK

LT

BN

BK

LT

RT

BK

BN

RT

BN

BK 

RT

CT, LT

RT

GY

MW

RT

BN

Area within 

closed to fishing 

Closed to all fishing

Road

Flyfishing ONLY

Possession & Length Limits By Management Area
11 

Species Regulations and Descriptions

The map on the reverse side indicates known locations of fish species within the boundaries 

of Yellowstone National Park, using the two-letter abbreviations below. This map is provided 

as an aid to anglers fishing for particular species and does not imply a legal basis for species 

distribution.

It is your responsibility to distinguish one fish species from another.

Natives

Two subspecies: Yellowstone (large spotted form 

& fine spotted form, aka Snake River cutthroat) & 

Westslope. All fish with red slash are considered 

cutthroat. If it has a red slash, put it back.

body almost round on cross-section

CATCH & RELEASE ONLY

Widely distributed in many drainages

Arctic Grayling—GY

Distributed throughout Gibbon River, sometimes in Madison and Firehole rivers

large, sail-like dorsal fin

large scales

large scales

dark spots on front 

half of body

few spots on head

dark spots, yellowish/brownish 

background

only species with red slash never white on 

edge of fins

small mouth, no teeth

Mountain Whitefish—MW

CATCH & RELEASE ONLY

Distributed throughout Snake and Lewis rivers, other areas as noted in map

Non-Natives

A Note about Hybridized (genetically impure) Cutthroat Trout

In cutthroat trout waters where rainbow trout have been introduced, either by intentional, historic 

stocking or by invasion from a downstream source, the result has been a serious degradation of 

the cutthroat trout population through interbreeding of the two species. Presently, hybridized 

cutthroat trout exist throughout the Bechler, Falls, Gallatin, Gardner, and Lamar rivers, and the 

Yellowstone River below the Upper Falls. ­Native Trout Conservation Area: 

5 fish any size in combination

Wild Trout Enhancement Area: CATCH AND RELEASE

numerous spots on head

small scales

often white 

on edge of fins

Widely distributed due to historic stocking, however, rainbow trout do not exist in Yellowstone Lake, 

Yellowstone River above the Upper Falls, or the Snake River.

Brown Trout—BN pale haloes around black spots

Distributed in Gallatin, Gibbon, 

Firehole, Madison, Lewis, 

Snake, and Gardner rivers, and 

the Yellowstone River. Brown 

trout do not exist in Yellowstone 

Lake, Bechler or Falls rivers.

Native Trout Conservation Area: 

5 fish any size in combination

Wild Trout Enhancement Area: CATCH AND RELEASE 

EXCEPT Lewis River System (Lewis Lake, Lewis Channel, and 

Shoshone Lake and tributaries) TWO FISH (only one fish of any 

species over 20 ̋; all fish in possession must remain whole)

Cutthroat/rainbow trout hybrids will have characteristics (coloration and spotting patterns) that 

are consistent with the two species, making identification often difficult. In all cases, hybridized 

cutthroat trout that have any indication of a red/orange jaw slash are fully protected by catchand-release regulation. “If it has a red slash, put it back.”

CATCH & RELEASE ONLY

Rainbow Trout—RT

Cutthroat Trout—CT

13

Non-Natives

Native Trout Conservation Area: 

5 fish any size in combination

Wild Trout Enhancement Area: 5 fish any size in combination

Brook Trout—BK worm-like markings

red spots

light spots, dark background

dark & light edge on fins

Widely distributed due to historic stocking, however, brook trout do not exist in Yellowstone Lake, 

Yellowstone River above the Upper Falls, or the Gallatin River.

If you do not want to keep 

lake trout, 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 

after puncturing the air 

bladder. When fishing from 

shore, consider wrapping 

entrails around a rock and 

throwing into deep water.

air bladder

1.Yellowstone Lake, its tributaries, and the 

Yellowstone River: All lake trout caught must be killed. If you 

do not want to keep the fish, puncture the air bladder and drop it 

into water as deep as possible.

2. Heart Lake: No size or possession limit. Do not discard lake 

trout carcasses along lake shore as they will attract bears.

3. Lewis Lake, Lewis Channel, and Shoshone Lake and 

their tributaries: FIVE FISH in combination (only one fish of 

any species over 20 ̋; all fish in possession must remain whole).

You are allowed to use special gear to fish for lake trout, such as leadcore line and heavy (> 4 lb.) downrigger weights to allow targeting 

lake trout deep within the lake. If you accidentally hook a cutthroat 

trout at great depths and bring it to the surface, handle it quickly 

and release it carefully, so it won’t die.

Distributed in Heart, Lewis, 

Shoshone, and Yellowstone 

Lakes.

deeply forked tail numerous spots on head

often white 

on edge of fins white spots, dark background

Lake Trout—LT
Releasing Fish

To briefly hold 

a fish before 

releasing it, follow 

this angler’s 

example—hold the 

fish carefully with 

wet hands. 

14

u For all native fish and any non-native fish 

you are intending to release, bring the fish 

in as quickly as possible. Do not play the 

fish to exhaustion.

u Unhook the fish in quiet water such as an 

eddy or slow spot. Do not drag the fish 

across land. Use a forceps or small needlenosed pliers to quickly remove the hook.

u If you must handle the fish, always make 

sure your hands are wet. (Fish have a 

protective mucous film sensitive to dry 

human hands.)

u The best way to hold a fish (with wet 

hands) is 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.

u If you want a photo of the fish, make sure 

the photographer is ready before you 

handle the fish. Make it quick.

u 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.

u 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 and perhaps yourself.

u 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 

and easier to remove and less traumatic.

u If the fish is deeply hooked, cut the line—

do not pull out the hook. Most fish survive 

with hooks left in them.

u When filling out the Volunteer Angler 

Report (see at right), you can use your 

rod to quickly estimate the length of your 

fish. Just measure and mark (with tape or 

nail polish) various lengths on your rod.

Remember, the less time the fish is handled 

out of the water the better chance it has of 

recovering.

15

Volunteer Anglers Angler Etiquette

u Use established trails and avoid sensitive 

wetland vegetation such as bogs and seeps.

Heavy trail use in these areas causes erosion 

and loss of habitat essential to many of 

Yellowstone’s wildlife.

u Anglers must stay on established trails in 

thermal areas and must not cross these 

areas or approach thermal features.

u Avoid using the streambed as a pathway.

Your footsteps can damage aquatic habitats 

and kill eggs and/or fry in the gravel.

u Do not overfish a good fishing area. Fish for 

a while, and then move on.

u Do not encroach on another angler’s space 

and keep out of sight of other anglers, if 

possible.

u During late July and August, when water 

temperatures can be high, do most of your 

fishing early and late in the day. Allow fish 

to rest during the heat of the day.

The Volunteer Angler Report—

Your Chance to Contribute

Since 1973, anglers have been providing 

valuable fishery information to Yellowstone 

National Park managers by filling out the 

Volunteer Angler Report (VAR) card, which is 

issued with each fishing permit. Managers use 

this information to estimate angling pressure, 

landing and creel rates, sizes of fish landed, 

and angler satisfaction. For many park waters, 

these reports are the only data available. Help 

us manage your park’s fisheries by completing 

and returning your VAR card, whether or not 

you actually fished or caught fish. To obtain 

a summary of the data, indicate so in the 

comment section and include your email or 

postal address.

Yellowstone Volunteer 

Flyfishing Program

Since 2002, anglers have been directly assisting 

Yellowstone’s fisheries staff. Using catch-andrelease angling to capture fish, they gather 

biological information on fish populations 

located throughout the park. Their projects 

have included:

u determining the range of hybridized 

Yellowstone cutthroat trout in the Lamar 

River and its major tributaries

u documenting the Pebble Creek and Beula 

Lake fisheries

u documenting the status and movement 

patterns of grayling originating in Grebe and 

Wolf lakes of the Gibbon River system

u documenting the status and genetic 

uniqueness of westslope cutthroat trout in 

Grayling Creek

Through this program, volunteer anglers 

experience many fisheries issues first hand, and 

their biological data increases understanding of 

the park’s fisheries.

u To possess a native cutthroat trout, or any 

other native fish.

u To bring into the park any live or dead bait 

(minnows, leeches, salamanders, etc), with 

one exception. (See page 6, section 4b.)

u To transport live fish within the park.

u To move water, sediment, fish, fish eggs, 

aquatic invertebrates, or plants from one 

water body to another.

u To use parts of trout or any other fish for 

bait.

u To put any substance in the water for the 

purpose of attracting fish (chumming).

u To leave a fishing line unattended.

If you witness a violation, please 

report it immediately to a law enforcement 

ranger, or call 307-344-7381 and press “zero” 

to immediately reach park dispatch.

Illegal Actions
Yellowstone’s Fishery

When Yellowstone became a national park, 

more than 40 percent of its waters were 

barren of fish—including Shoshone Lake, 

Lewis Lake, and the Firehole River above 

Firehole Falls. Early park managers transplanted fish into new locations, produced 

more fish in hatcheries, and introduced 

non-native species. By the mid-20th century, 

more than 310 million fish had been stocked 

in the park. Stocking no longer occurs. About 

40 lakes have fish; the remainder were either 

not stocked or have reverted to their original 

fishless condition.

The ranges and densities of the park’s native 

fish species have been substantially altered 

during the past century due to exploitation, 

introduction of exotic species, and natural 

factors. Large-scale habitat degradation—such 

as water diversions or water pollution—has 

not occurred in the park.

Non-native trout are important to the angler 

experience in Yellowstone, but they contribute 

to the decline in the park’s native cutthroat 

trout and fluvial Arctic grayling by competing 

for food and habitat, preying on native fish, 

and degrading the genetic integrity of native 

fish by mating with them and creating hybrids.

Non-native rainbow trout interbreed with 

native cutthroat trout, producing hybrids.

Once this happens, a cutthroat population can 

be restored to genetic purity only if all fish are 

removed from a stream and genetically pure 

cutthroat are reintroduced. To reduce hybridization in the park’s cutthroat trout waters, 

anglers are encouraged to harvest rainbow 

trout.

In Yellowstone, bald eagles, ospreys, 

pelicans, otters, grizzly bears, and other 

wildlife take precedence over humans in 

utilizing fish as food. ­­­Fish management and 

regulations reflect this priority. For example, 

some waters are closed to fishing to protect 

threatened and endangered species, and 

sensitive nesting birds. Regulations ban 

lead tackle because the lead concentrates 

in aquatic environments, 

posing a risk of lead 

poisoning to waterfowl 

that might ingest it. Only 

non-toxic alternatives to 

lead are allowed. (See page 

6, 4b, for one exception.)

Native Fish

History of Fisheries Management

The Impact of Non-Native Trout

Maintaining Native Fish Genetics

Maintaining the Park’s 

Ecological Integrity

u 11 native species including 3 sport fish: 

cutthroat trout (2 subspecies), fluvial Arctic 

grayling, and mountain whitefish.

u 5 non-native species: brook trout, brown 

trout, lake trout, rainbow trout, lake chub.

u More than 220 lakes comprise approximately 107,000 surface acres in Yellowstone; 

94 percent can be attributed to Yellowstone, 

Shoshone, Lewis, and Heart lakes.

u 1,000 streams make up more than 2,650 

miles of running water.

u Cutthroat trout are a primary food for bald 

eagles, ospreys, pelicans, otters, and grizzly 

bears.

16 

Frequently Asked Questions

17

How many 

anglers come 

to Yellowstone 

each year?

About 50,000 of 

the park’s three 

million visitors fish 

while they are in 

Yellowstone.

Why can’t we 

fish from 

Fishing Bridge?

Fishing Bridge, 

situated over a 

cutthroat trout 

spawning area, was 

once a popular place 

to fish (photo).

Declining numbers 

of cutthroat trout 

caused park officials to close the bridge to 

fishing to protect the spawning fish. Now 

the bridge is a popular place to observe and 

photograph fish.

Why are barbless hooks required?

Many fish have been injured or deformed by 

barbed hooks, especially in the park’s popular 

streams, such as the Yellowstone River and 

Soda Butte Creek. Barbless hooks reduce hook 

injuries and the time you need to handle the 

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 severe environmental contaminant 

and a toxic substance that has no known 

beneficial biological function. Wildlife, such 

as loons, waterfowl, cranes, and shorebirds, 

are vulnerable to lead poisoning. Of particular 

concern in Yellowstone are the alarmingly low 

populations of trumpeter swans and loons. To 

minimize the effects of lead on these species, 

Yellowstone National Park bans most lead 

tackle. (Lead core line and heavy [> 4 lb.] 

downrigger weights used to fish for deepdwelling lake trout are permissible because 

they are too large to be ingested by wildlife.)

How do anglers help Yellowstone?

Fly fishing is a major industry in the Greater 

Yellowstone Ecosystem, and park anglers 

spend millions here annually. Angler groups 

have supported management actions, such as 

catch-and-release of native species and closing 

the Fishing Bridge to fishing, and have helped 

fund research on aquatic systems. In addition, 

anglers help by:

u correctly identifying fish and selectively 

removing non-native trout in waters where 

they are causing harm (such as the upper 

meadows of Slough Creek)

u removing lake trout, a non-native fish 

that preys on an important population of 

Yellowstone cutthroat trout in Yellowstone 

Lake 

u taking actions to prevent the spread of 

aquatic invasive species (see pages 4–5)

u filling out and returning the Volunteer 

Angler Report card (see page 15)