Fly Fishing Yellowstone Country
Park Fishing Regulations
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.