Additional fishing bans in Yellowstone National Park due to high water temperatures and low river flows
Which rivers and streams are closed daily from 2 p.m. until sunrise the following day?
In the following rivers and streams, the water temperatures drop at night, so that fishing is sometimes possible during the day.
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Lamar River downstream from Cache Creek to its confluence with the Yellowstone River.
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Soda Butte Creek (the entire creek).
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Slough Creek (the entire creek).
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Yellowstone River from Tower Junction north to the park boundary.
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Gardner River downstream from Osprey Falls north to the park boundary.
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Snake River from Forest Creek south to the park boundary.
The following rivers are strongly influenced by geothermal energy and do not cool down at night.
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Madison River and all its tributaries.
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Firehole River and all its tributaries.
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Gibbon River and all its tributaries below Norris Campground.
Water temperatures are currently at or expected to be above 20 degrees Celsius and flows in many rivers and streams are at historic lows. These conditions are extremely stressful for fish and can be deadly. Closures will be re-evaluated when water temperatures drop and flows return to typical summer conditions.
Staff will continue to monitor the park’s rivers and streams and follow weather forecasts. The extended forecast continues to predict hot and dry weather, which will result in continued low flow levels and warm water temperatures.
If necessary, further closures or restrictions may be imposed.
What is open?
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Yellowstone Lake and other lakes will remain open for fishing from sunrise to sunset as specified in the 2024 Fishing Regulations brochure.
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All other rivers and streams not listed as closed.
Angler: Please fish during the coolest times of the day and land fish quickly. Do not let hooked trout play until they are exhausted. Be as gentle as possible with fish in the water and allow them to recover before releasing them. Your cooperation will protect the park’s fishing grounds.
