Fishing ban in effect for several Yellowstone National Park rivers
Some Yellowstone National Park rivers are closed to fishing due to low river flows and warm water temperatures, a federal park spokesperson confirmed on Friday July 18.
The move is an effort to "protect the park’s native and wild trout fisheries" and will remain in effect for select rivers until conditions improve, the National Park Service (NPS) wrote in a Saturday, July 11 news release.
Yellowstone Park's waterways run through Montana, Wyoming and Idaho.
Closures went into effect for select waterways on Sunday, July 12 and, as of July 18, remained in effect until further notice, Linda Veress, a spokesperson for the NPS, told Paste BN.
"Water temperatures have exceeded 68 degrees Fahrenheit in recent days and flows on many rivers, streams and creeks are low," the park service wrote in the release. "These conditions are extremely stressful to fish and can be fatal."
On rivers, streams and creeks that remain open or unrestricted, the NPS asked anglers to fish during the coolest times of day and to "land fish quickly."
"Do not play hooked trout to exhaustion. Gently handle fish in the water as much as possible and let them recover before release," NPS wrote in the release. "Your cooperation will protect the park’s fisheries."
What Yellowstone rivers are closing?
The following rivers remained closed as of July 18, the NPS spokesperson said:
- Madison River and associated tributaries;
- Firehole River and associated tributaries;
- Gibbon River and associated waterways downstream of Norris Campground.
What Yellowstone river are open to fishing?
The following lakes, rivers and streams remained open as of July 18, according to NPS.
- Yellowstone Lake and other lakes will remain open for fishing from dawn to dusk, the NPS said.
- All other rivers and streams not listed as closed.
When are Yellowstone rivers closed to fishing reopening?
The closures are in effect for the interim, NPS wrote in the release, and more park water closures are pending if needed.
When water temperatures cool and flows return "to more typical summer conditions," according to the release, closures will be reassessed.
"Staff will continue to monitor park rivers and streams for warm temperatures and low flows, and watch weather forecasts," the release continues. "The extended forecast calls for continued hot and dry conditions with a slight chance of isolated afternoon thunderstorms, which contribute to continued low stream flows and warm-water temperatures."
Natalie Neysa Alund is a senior reporter for Paste BN. Reach her at nalund@usatoday.com and follow her on X @nataliealund.