Update: Yellowstone lifts fishing restrictions on most rivers and streams parkwide

MAMMOTH HOT SPRINGS, Wyo. – Beginning Aug. 12, Yellowstone National Park will lift the fishing restrictions on rivers and streams that went into effect on July 29. The restrictions were implemented because low water flows and high water temperatures can be lethal to fish. Cooling weather and water temperatures in the forecast allow for these restrictions to be lifted. Anglers will be able to fish on most park rivers, streams and lakes daily from sunrise to sunset as specified in the 2026 Fishing Regulations booklet.

The existing full fishing closures on the Madison, Firehole and Gibbon (downstream of Norris Campground) rivers that were implemented on July 15 will remain in effect until conditions improve to protect the park’s native and wild trout fisheries. These rivers run warmer due to the influence of nearby geothermal areas that increase water temperatures.

Staff will continue to monitor the water temperatures. The closures may be lifted, or additional restrictions and closures may be put in place, depending on condition assessments.

Anglers: Please 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. Your cooperation will protect the park’s fisheries and may prevent the need to prohibit fishing at all times of the day on some rivers and streams if conditions worsen. 

HERE'S THIS WEEK'S STANDOUTS. 

YELLOWSTONE RIVER

The "Big River" in the Park remains an excellent choice from the Caldera stretch all the way down through the Canyons to Gardiner. 

In the Caldera Stretch, Pale Morning Duns, Caddis, and Drake Spinners continue to bring fish to the surface in the mornings. Hoppers and ants remain good options as well. 

In the Canyon waters, Nocturnal Stones, Spruce Moths, Hoppers, and large (size #14-12) Flying Ants will bring fish up. Keep an eye on the weather and flows before venturing into the canyon waters below the Lamar River confluence. With rain in the forecast this weekend, there is a good chance of muddy water coming in from the Lamar. 

GARDNER RIVER

Hopper fishing on the Gardner River above the Boiling River has been fun recently. Be prepared to cover some ground rock hopping, and fish pocket water. Wading can be challenging in places due to the rocky terrain, but if you are up for some adventure, the Browns, Cutts, Rainbows, Cutt-Bows, and occasional Brookies are well worth the effort. 

GALLATIN RIVER (in YNP)

The Gallatin River in YNP has shined during the warm weather we've seen so far this August. With conditions changing, expect to see the Gallatin continue to fish well, though in a different gear. Terrestrials like Hoppers and Ants will still produce sultry eats along juicy undercut banks, but periods of overcast and rain will prompt hatches of mayflies like PMDs and possibly Baetis. 

SLOUGH CREEK

Mid-to-late August is a great time to hike into the backcountry meadows of Slough Creek. Reaching the first meadow requires a 3-mile jaunt, the second a 6-mile cruise, and the third a 9-mile march.

Regardless of the distance you choose to trek, world-class sight-fishing to large Yellowstone Cutthroat trout will be waiting for you. 

Pack your bear spray, water filter, raincoat, and plenty of hoppers, ants, beetles, and small (size #20) pale yellow sparkle duns. 

LAMAR RIVER 

Stable conditions over the past couple of weeks have benefited the Lamar River. Water conditions are currently excellent, with good clarity and cool temps persisting throughout the day. With the threat of afternoon thunderstorms increasing this weekend, keep an eye on flows and expect some dirty water to return if storms hit the watershed.

Be prepared to cover plenty of ground when fishing the Lamar. As flows naturally drop over the course of the season, fish move around and become increasingly concentrated in the deepest runs and pools. It’s important to focus your efforts on these A-grade spots. You’ll encounter plenty of water that looks like it should hold a fish or two but simply doesn’t.

SODA BUTTE CREEK

This little gem of a trout stream is hard to beat for anyone looking to wade-fish and cast dry flies to wild Cutthroat Trout. Afternoon thunderstorms threaten to add some color to the water this weekend, so keep an eye on the Lamar River USGS gauge to see if passing storms have bumped flows in this part of the park.

While terrestrials like Hoppers, Ants, and Beetles can produce fish on Soda Butte, a well-presented Pale Morning Dun (#16–20) is often a sure thing for Yellowstone Cutts accustomed to frequent hatches of PMDs, Baetis, and Flavs.

As always, check in with the shop for the latest conditions, fly recommendations, and river updates. We’re here to help you stay dialed in for your next adventure!