Leave the fish in the water! Yellowstone National Park limits fishing times due to extreme high temperatures

MAMMOTH HOT SPRINGS, Wyo. – Due to the extremely high temperatures approaching this week, Yellowstone National Park has limited the allowable fishing times.

According to a news release from Yellowstone National Park, effective Thursday, July 9, select rivers and streams will close to fishing daily from 2 p.m. to sunrise the following day.

“Water temperatures in select rivers and streams have exceeded 68 degrees Fahrenheit (20 degrees Celsius) in recent days, and flows are low,” says the release. “Additionally, air temperatures with highs near 90 degrees Fahrenheit (32 degrees Celsius) are forecast in the coming days. These conditions are lethal to trout, and the closure will protect the park’s native and wild trout fisheries and will remain in effect until conditions improve.”

The park says staff will continue to monitor the water temperatures. Based on conditions, the closures may be lifted, or additional restrictions and closures may be put in place.

Which rivers and streams will be closed after 2 p.m?

Water temperatures on the following rivers and creeks cool off at night, allowing for fishing for part of the day:

• The Madison River and all associated tributaries.
• The Firehole River and all associated tributaries.
• The Gibbon River and all associated tributaries downstream of Norris Campground.

What will remain open?

Yellowstone Lake and other lakes will remain open to fishing from sunrise to sunset as specified in the 2026 Fishing Regulations booklet.

All other rivers and streams that are not listed as closed will remain open.

The park asked that Anglers please plan to fish during the coolest times of day and 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,” says the release. “Your cooperation will protect the park’s fisheries.”