Yellowstone National Park Fishing Regulations
Yellowstone National Park Fishing News / Update
New measures in effect May 25, 2024, to stop the spread of aquatic invasive species into Yellowstone National Park
National Park Service
U.S. Department of the Interior
Yellowstone National Park
P.O. Box 168
Yellowstone National Park, WY 82190
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 30, 2024 24-016
Morgan Warthin
(307) 344-2015
YELL_Public_Affairs@nps.gov
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YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK NEWS RELEASE
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New measures in effect May 25, 2024, to stop the spread of aquatic invasive species into Yellowstone National Park Boaters and anglers reminded to clean, drain, and dry.
MAMMOTH HOT SPRINGS, WY - Yellowstone National Park will implement new measures to help stop the spread of aquatic invasive species (AIS) into park waters. The restrictions include a 30-day mandatory dry time for sailboats and some types of motorized boats before entering park waters and the prohibition of watercraft previously fouled by mussels regardless of dry time.
These restrictions will go into effect on Saturday, May 25, 2024, which is the first day of Yellowstone's boating and fishing season. The season wraps up on Oct. 31 annually.
Yellowstone faces an increased risk of invasion by highly invasive zebra and quagga mussels following recent detections (2022 Pactola Reservoir in South Dakota; and 2023 Snake River in Twin Falls, Idaho) in waterways within a day's drive of the park. Mussels have caused irreversible ecological damage and extensive impacts to infrastructure and recreation in waterways throughout the Midwestern and Eastern United States, as well as in the lower Colorado River Basin. In both 2022 and 2023, Yellowstone's AIS inspectors intercepted and denied launch to mussel-fouled watercraft, highlighting the urgency and severity of the threat.
30-Day Dry Time
To protect park waters and respond to this threat, there will be a 30-day dry time requirement for sailboats and certain complex motorized boats (inboard, inboard/outboard and inboard jet) prior to launching. Large, complex, trailered watercraft pose the highest risk of transporting and introducing invasive mussels and other AIS because they are difficult to inspect and less likely to completely drain/dry or be fully decontaminated. Manual decontamination with the use of hot water is not always 100% effective in removing all mussels. A 30-day dry time will mitigate the risk.
Previously Fouled Watercraft
Watercraft (motorized or non-motorized) previously fouled by mussels, regardless of dry time, will be denied launch. The launch of fouled watercraft increases the chances of false mussel detection by routine environmental DNA monitoring of park waters. This could result in significant impacts to operations and public recreational opportunities. Prevention
These restrictions will build on existing protections, including the 2019 prohibition on watercraft equipped with sealed internal ballast tanks, as well as the 2022 prohibition of watercraft with evidence of live or dead mussels. Yellowstone National Park straddles the Continental Divide and is located at the headwaters of the Yellowstone, Snake, and Missouri River drainages which flow into the Gulf of Mexico and Pacific Ocean drainages. These proactive measures are required to ensure the long-term ecological integrity of park waters and downstream mussel-free waters in Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho. Failure to prevent invasion by zebra and quagga mussels could result in widespread negative impacts to natural resources, recreational values and local businesses, and could undo over two decades of work to restore native Yellowstone cutthroat trout to the park. Prevention of an AIS introduction is critical because there are no effective eradication methods, and control/containment is both costly and environmentally consequential.
30-Day Public Comment Period
The park recently concluded a 30-day public comment period, and the majority of comments received were in favor of the restrictions and understand the increased threat and need to protect the park and downstream watersheds.
Clean, Drain, Dry
Boaters and anglers are reminded to clean, drain and dry all boats, trailers and equipment prior to arriving in the park to minimize the risk of introducing AIS into Yellowstone's waters. Felt-soled footwear is banned because they can carry microscopic disease organisms even after cleaning.
Clean all plants, animals, mud, sand and other debris from your boat, anchor, boots and equipment. Use high-pressure, hot (120-140 F) water if possible.
Drain all water from your boat, including the motor, bilge, livewell and other compartments before you arrive. Leave drain plugs out during transport. Do not move water or organisms from one water body into another.
Dry all compartments and equipment in the sun for five days.
Clean, drain, and dry requirements are critical steps to protect the park's and nation's waterways.
More Information
Frequently Asked Questions about Yellowstone's new restrictions
Permits and inspections
Boating
Fishing
AIS Management
AIS Ecology
Yellowstone National Park expands access to allow for year-round fishing in two locations Public invited to join a virtual Native Fish Conservation Program update April 30th, 2024.
MAMMOTH HOT SPRINGS, WY - Beginning Nov. 1, 2024, Yellowstone National Park will expand fishing access by allowing for year-round fishing opportunities at two locations in the park. These two locations are:
Madison River: The Madison River from the Wyoming/Montana state line downstream to the park boundary near the West Entrance in West Yellowstone, Montana.
Gardner River: The Gardner River from Osprey Falls downstream to the confluence with the Yellowstone River near the North Entrance in Gardiner, Montana.
Other fishing areas in the park will continue to be available during the standard fishing season, which is from the Saturday of Memorial Day weekend through Oct. 31 each year.
The 2024 Yellowstone annual fishing permit will be valid May 25 through Dec. 31, 2024. Beginning in 2025, the annual fishing permit will be valid for the calendar year, January through December.
Yellowstone National Park is a fantastic place to spend time on the rivers, lakes and creeks fishing. Within the boundaries of Yellowstone are some of the best blue ribbon trout fisheries in America. They include but are not limited to: Yellowstone Lake and River, Madison, Firehole, Gibbon, and Lamar Rivers, Slough and Soda Butte Creeks. There are many many more lakes and creeks to drop a line into.
It must be remembered that the main import and purpose of the fish in Yellowstone is to support the wildlife of this fantastic ecosystem: otters, eagles, bears, osprey, and on. That is the reason for the regulations, to keep this system working for those that need it and provide some fun, food and relaxation for the rest of us. Take care and enjoy, and may your time in Yellowstone build fond memories with family and friends that will last a lifetime!
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.
Also see: Yellowstone Fish and Fishing Fees
Yellowstone 2023 Fishing Regulations Pamplet: Fishing Regulations pdf format
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Also see: Yellowstone Fish and Fishing Fees
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