Big Sky & Yellowstone Fly Fishing

Within its borders, Yellowstone offers a myriad of trout filled streams, rivers, and lakes surrounded by mesmerizing scenery, making America’s first park is truly one of the world’s best fishing destinations.

Overview

It was in a meadow near the confluence of the Firehole and Gibbon Rivers, headwaters of the Madison River, where members of the 1870 Washburn Party first conceptualized a national park. Today the 2.2 million acre park boasts fishing opportunities on pristine creeks, rocky rivers, and mountain lakes.

Seasons

Yellowstone generally opens for fishing each year on Saturday of Labor Day weekend and closes on the first Sunday in November. There are some exceptions as well as certain areas closed permanently to fishing. Specific opening and closing information is available in the park’s fishing handbook.

Permits and Fees

Fishing licenses are required for anyone 16 and older. 3-day, 7-day and season licenses are available for $15, $20, and $35 days respectively. Children under 15 may fish for free if they will be under direct supervision. Parents can purchase a license for their children if they will be fishing unsupervised. In addition, all floating vessels, motorized and non-motorized require a park permit. Permits and licenses are available at most park ranger stations.

Prominent Fish Species and Regulations

Within Yellowstone, both native and non-native species are found. Knowing identifying characteristics of each as well as specific regulations is the angler’s responsibility. Fish species in Yellowstone include:

• Native species including the Yellowstone Cutthroat, West slope Cutthroat, Arctic Grayling, and Montana White are all catch and release.
• Non-Native species include Brown, Brook, Rainbow, and Lake Trout. Hybrid Cutthroat/Rainbow Trout can also be found.

Yellowstone has adopted a barbless hook rule in an effort to reduce stress on fish populations. In addition, the park has implemented separate fishing regulations for two different areas known as Native Trout Conservation Area and the Wild Trout Enhancement Area. A map of these areas and list of the regulations for each is found in the park’s fishing handbook.

Fishing Locations

One of the great aspects of fishing in Yellowstone is the proximity of roads to water. Several of the rivers including the Madison, Gallatin, and Lamar Rivers wind along park roads, making access as easy as parking the car. Some of the park’s lakes including Lewis and Yellowstone also have roadside access, as well as smaller streams like the Firehole and Gibbon. For the angler searching for a bit more solitude, there are plenty of opportunities to hike to a fishing destination. With such an incredible array of fishing spots in the park, stopping in at a local fly shop in one of the surrounding towns is the best way to begin any fishing excursion into the park.