YNP Report - July 25, 2024
Well, unfortunately, we all saw this coming for a little while now. Excessive heat in recent weeks has brought water temps in some of our beloved YNP fisheries up to dangerous levels for trout. Streamflows are also at unprecedented low levels on some rivers and streams forcing the NPS to institute Hoot Owl Restrictions.
Effective Friday, July 26, 2024, the following Yellowstone National Park rivers and streams will close to fishing daily from 2 p.m. to sunrise the following day due to predicted warm-water temperatures and unprecedented low river flows.
- Lamar River downstream of Cache Creek to its confluence with the Yellowstone River.
- Soda Butte Creek (the entire creek).
- Slough Creek (the entire creek).
- Yellowstone River from Tower Junction north to the park boundary.
- Gardner River downstream of Osprey Falls north to the park boundary.
- Snake River from Forest Creek south to the park boundary.
Fortunately, water temps cool quickly over night at this high elevation allowing for fishing during part of the day - sunrise to 2:00pm.
From the NPS:
Water temperatures are at or are predicted to exceed 68 degrees Fahrenheit (20 degrees Celsius), and flows on many rivers, streams and creeks are at historic lows. These conditions are extremely stressful to fish and can be fatal. The closures will be reassessed when water temperatures cool and flows return to more typical summer conditions.
Staff will continue to monitor park rivers and streams and watch weather forecasts. The extended forecast calls for continued hot and dry conditions which contribute to continued low stream flows and warm-water temperatures.
Additional closures or restrictions may be implemented if necessary.
Staff will continue to monitor park rivers and streams and watch weather forecasts. The extended forecast calls for continued hot and dry conditions which contribute to continued low stream flows and warm-water temperatures.
Additional closures or restrictions may be implemented if necessary.
Click HERE for the most up to date information from the NPS.
Given these circumstances, what opportunities remain for the visiting angler?
First off, the period from sunrise to 2:00pm on the rivers mentioned above will remain an option. However, we have to point out that while water temps will be cool enough to safely fish for trout before 2:00pm, those same fish will experience a period of stressful water temps later in the day. So we encourage everyone to tread lightly and handle any fish you catch with the utmost care. This is not the time for fish pictures. Do your best to land and release fish as quickly as possible. And, keep them in the water and wet at all times.
Additionally, there are a number of other fisheries in the park with cooler, more conducive water conditions, some of which are fishing very well. Two of the better choices this week will be the upper-Yellowstone River (between Chittenden Bridge and Fishing Bridge), and the Gallatin River. Both of these fisheries have considerably cooler water, and continue to fish well with hatches of PMD's, Caddis, and Drakes.
This will also be a great week to grab your pack, and put some trails miles under your belt in search of smaller, cooler, high-elevation lakes and streams in the Park. There's no shortage of these gems throughout Yellowstone. Grab a good topo map, a copy of the Yellowstone Fly Fishing Guide, and start exploring.
If you have any questions about the fishing closures in YNP, or good fishing options in the upcoming week, please don't hesitate giving us a ring in the shop (406) 646-7801. We'd be happy to help you make the most out of your YNP fishing.
