As of August 29, 2025, Yellowstone National Park has partially reopened fishing on select rivers and streams that were previously closed due to high water temperatures and low flows.
This decision follows recent cooler temperatures and rainfall, improving conditions for trout. However, restrictions remain in place to protect the park’s native and wild trout fisheries.
Rivers and Streams Affected
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- Madison River and all associated tributaries
- Firehole River and all associated tributaries
- Gibbon River and all associated tributaries downstream of Norris Campground
These waters are open for fishing from sunrise to 2 p.m. daily, as water temperatures cool at night, reducing stress on trout. Fishing is prohibited from 2 p.m. to sunrise due to continued warm water temperatures (exceeding 68°F/20°C) and low flows, which are lethal to trout.
Fully Open Waters
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- Yellowstone Lake and other lakes remain open for fishing from sunrise to sunset, as specified in the 2025 Fishing Regulations booklet.
- All other rivers and streams not listed above are open without time restrictions.
Angler Guidelines
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- Fish during the coolest times of day (morning hours).
- Land fish quickly to avoid exhaustion.
- Handle fish gently in the water and allow recovery before release.
- These practices help protect the park’s fisheries under current conditions.
Monitoring and Future Updates
Park staff will continue to monitor water temperatures. The partial closure may be lifted if temperatures cool further or reinstated if they rise again. Anglers should stay updated via the National Park Service website (nps.gov/yell) for any changes to restrictions.
