Fly Fishing Yellowstone Country
Park Fishing Regulations
Note: All Yellowstone National Park
guided fishing trips are booked through Arricks Fly Shop in West Yellowstone,
Montana.
The fishing regulations in Yellowstone National
Park are informed by the need to protect and preserve the Native Species while
allowing visitors to enjoy many types of fishing experiences. In many waters,
introduced species threaten to overwhelm the natives. In some waters, such as
the Firehole River (above Firehole Falls,) only populations of introduced fish
exist.
In most of those waters where introduced species
abound, it is possible to take and keep fish. Releasing specified fish caught in
these waters is a practice that may do more harm than good. It is best to study
the regulations and strictly abide by them.
In Yellowstone Park, there are species of fish that must always be released, and
there are species that you are required to kill if you catch them. Regulations
can and do change from year to year. Regulations are available where you
purchase your fishing permit. Read the regulations carefully and understand them
before fishing.
Special Fishing Areas & Definitions
There are some portions of the waters in
Yellowstone Park that are reserved for bait and tackle fishing, others are set
aside for fly fishing only. The regulations allow fly fishing in all areas that
are open to fishing but restrict the use of bait, tackle and gear to specific
areas. These areas are detailed in the park regulations that you receive when
you purchase your fishing permit.
Fly fishing is defined as fishing with a fly, it
is not defined by the type of fishing rod, or the type of fishing line, nor the
type of fishing reel. Many park visitors use a casting bubble (or bobber,) a
long leader, and a fly on a bait casting or spinning outfit to "Fly Fish."
Special regulations and definitions, including "open & closed waters" are
evaluated on an annual basis and subject to change yearly. Even if you have
fished in the park during previous years, it is important to check the
regulations each time that you return.
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