Starting July 29, fishing is prohibited on every river and stream in Yellowstone NP from 2 pm daily until sunrise the next morning.. Rivers and waterfalls will be open from sunrise to 2 p.m., while Yellowstone Lake and the park’s other lakes will be open from sunrise to sunset.
park officer Said Water temperatures have exceeded 68 degrees Fahrenheit in recent days, while flows on many rivers have fallen below long-term averages. Hot water carries less oxygen and adds extra stress On cold water fish, especially trout when caught, handled and released.
The current complete closure will remain in place
The new restrictions expand a series of closures that Yellowstone began implementing earlier this month.
On July 9, the park banned afternoon fishing in portions of the Madison, Firehole, and Gibbon rivers. Those restrictions were lifted completely on July 15 after daytime water temperatures reached 80 to 86 degrees. Park officials also received reports of dead fish in the Firehole River.
The Madison and Firehole rivers and their tributaries are completely impounded. The Gibbon River and its tributaries downstream from Norris Campground are also closed at all times.
Yellowstone officials said afternoon restrictions and full river closures would remain in place until conditions improved. Crews will continue to monitor water temperatures, stream flows and weather forecasts.
Summer fishing ban continues
Yellowstone bans fishing during warm, low water conditions many times In recent years. The park closed the Madison, Firehole and Gibbon rivers during the 2024 and 2025 seasons. It also banned afternoon fishing throughout the park during exceptionally low flows in 2021.
This spring, Yellowstone opened portions of the Madison, Firehole and Gibbon rivers on May 1, several weeks before the park’s standard fishing season. Officials said the earlier opening will provide more opportunities for fishermen before additional restrictions become necessary due to rising summer temperatures.
Anglers can continue to fish most Yellowstone rivers and streams before 2 p.m., but the Madison, Firehole and lower Gibbon will remain off limits to fishing until conditions improve.
