Yellowstone National Park is one of the most famous fishing areas in the country. Though it is a National Park, fishing is permitted. Before fishing in the park you must purchase a 3-day, 7-day, or annual fishing license. These will cost you $18 for a 3-day license, $25 for a 7-day license, and $40 for an annual license. Anglers do not need to carry a Wyoming state fishing license to fish in Yellowstone National Park.  Fishing season Starts Memorial Day weekend and ends the first Sunday in November.

Fish Species

To preserve the Parks fish populations and limit handling time, barbless hooks are required. The many lakes and rivers are filled with many types of fish. Cutthroat Trout, Arctic Grayling, and Mountain Whitefish are catch and release only. The possession limit in the park is five non-native species fish in any combination, however only one of those fish may be a brown trout. These non-native species include Rainbow Trout, Brook Trout, Brown Trout, and Lake Trout. Lake Trout are an invasive species in Yellowstone and must be killed if caught. There is no possession limit on Lake Trout.

Recommended Fishing Areas

Northeast Section (near Cooke City), Northwest Section (near West Yellowstone), Southwest Section (near Grant Village and West Thumb), and Southeast Section (Near Grant Village/West Thumb/Fishing Bridge)

See Yellowstone’s Fishing Regulations page for more details on areas to fish and on the regulations, possessions, and limits of the park

Tackle and Gear Information

Some fishing areas in the park only allow fly fishing while others allow normal reel fishing. Yellowstone National Park has 3 stores in the park that are specifically outfitted to sell you the right kinds of flies and tackle to catch the fish in the park at the right time of the year. Guided Trips are also offered by these shops.

Blue Ribbon Flies – West Yellowstone
Call: (406) 646-7642
Address: 305 Canyon Street, West Yellowstone, MT 59758
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Big Sky Anglers – West Yellowstone
Call: (406) 646-7801
Address: 39 Madison Avenue, West Yellowstone, MT 59758
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Parks’ Fly Shop – Gardiner, MT
Call: (406) 848-7314
Address: 202 South 2nd Street, Gardiner, MT 59030
Visit their website