Fishing Regulations 2020

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Yellowstone National Park

Know the fish, know the rules

Precious habitat • Special protection • Exceptional fishing Purpose of Yellowstone Fishing Regulations Fishing regulations in Yellowstone National Park are structured to strongly support native fish conservation goals. Cutthroat trout are the sole, native trout of the park and were the dominant fish species here prior to Euroamerican settlement. Cutthroat trout, Arctic grayling, mountain whitefish, and other native fishes are important to the ecology of Yellowstone.

Introduced nonnative fish cause loss of native fish The abundance of native fish has been reduced because of impacts by introduced nonnative fish, including brook, brown, lake, and rainbow trout. These nonnative species continue to contribute to the decline in the park’s native fish population by competing for food and habitat, preying on native fish, and degrading the genetic integrity of native fish through hybridization.

Anglers assist with native species conservation Angling is one way that the nonnative fish can be selectively removed from an area without damaging the native fishery. Within the Native Trout Conservation Area, anglers are strongly encouraged, and in some cases required, to harvest nonnative fishes. This harvest will help to conserve the native fish and the natural ecosystems they support. Stay Safe and Legal You are responsible for following all park regulations. Consult Yellowstone’s park newspaper, Backcountry Trip Planner, or rangers at visitor centers and backcountry offices to learn more.

• Stay on established trails in thermal areas for your safety and to protect these fragile areas.

• Do not discard fish carcasses or entrails along stream banks or the lake shore as they will attract bears.

• Do not feed any animals, including birds, squirrels, and coyotes.

Bear Warning • Bears and other wildlife may appear in areas frequented by people—even on trails, boardwalks, and along roads. Do not approach wildlife and remain at least 100 yards (92 meters) away from bears and wolves, and 25 yards (23 meters) away from all other wildlife. • Be alert—watch for bears and bear sign, like fresh tracks or scat. • Make noise in areas where visibility is limited. • Carry bear spray and know how to use it. • Avoid hiking or fishing alone. Try to stay with a group of three or more people. • DO NOT RUN if you encounter a bear. Contents

General Regulations...... 2–6 Seasons, dates, fishing hours, permit requirements, tackle restrictions, catch and release, mandatory kill, and possession limits. Fishing...... 2 Boating...... 6 Releasing Fish...... 7 Regional Regulations...... 8–15 Summary and exceptions to general regulations for each region of the park. Northwest Region Regulations...... 8 Northeast Region Regulations...... 10 Southwest Region Regulations...... 12 Southeast Region Regulations...... 14

Fish Identification...... 16–20 Know each fish species on sight in order to comply with native trout conservation requirements. Native...... 16 Nonnative...... 18

Angler Etiquette...... 21 Frequently Asked Questions...... 22 Glossary...... 24

1 General Regulations Fishing Fishing/angling is defined as any activity using an attended single rod or line for the purpose of attempting to attract, capture, or possess any fish from waters within Yellowstone National Park. All other methods to attract, capture, or possess fish are prohibited.

Fishing hours and season dates The season begins the Saturday Anglers 15 years of age or younger of Memorial Day weekend (usu- have two options: ally the last weekend in May) and 1. Children 15 or younger may fish extends through the first Sunday in without a permit if they are fishing November. Exceptions are listed in under the direct supervision of an regional regulations (p. 8–15). adult who has a valid park fishing permit. Hours are daily from sunrise to sunset. Fishing with an artificial 2. Children 15 or younger may obtain light is prohibited. Some areas are a free permit that must be signed by closed to human entry, have trail or a responsible adult; with this per- seasonal closures, off-trail travel and mit, a child can fish without direct daylight hour limitations, or party adult supervision. size recommendations. See the Bear Management Area restrictions in the With either option, the accompany- Backcountry Trip Planner for specific ing adult is responsible for the child’s rules and information. actions and must ensure the child complies with all fishing regulations Streams may be temporarily closed due and provisions. to low water levels and high water temperatures to protect fish populations. Gear restrictions

Fishing permits Each angler may use only one rod, which must be closely attended Anglers 16 years of age or older at all times and used for angling must be in possession of a valid only—intentional snagging of fish is Yellowstone National Park fishing prohibited. permit to fish in the park. Park rangers may check permits and Only lead-free artificial lures inspect tackle, fish, creels, or other (e.g., spoon or spinner) or flies may containers where fish or tackle may be used. Leaded fishing tackle such be stored. as leaded split-shot sinkers, weighted jigs (lead molded to a hook), and soft 2 General Regulations

FAQ: Why are barbless hooks required? Barbless hooks reduce injuries and the time needed to handle fish, and improve the overall condition of trout in heavily- fished waters of the park.

A single pointed hook is the best choice for fishing in Yellowstone. Three-point are allowed. Organic baits include hooks can severely injure fish and are fish or fish parts, minnows, salmon often constructed with toxic lead solder. eggs, worms, insects, or foodstuffs such as bread or corn. Inorganic baits lead-weighted ribbon for nymph fish- include rubber worms and plastic ing are not allowed. “twister” tails. Scented attractants Hooks must have points that are (liquid and solid baits) are illegal. barbless, or the barbs must be Putting any substance in the water for pinched down by pliers. Lures may the purpose of attracting fish (chum- have only one hook with single, ming) is illegal. double, or triple points. Felt-soled footgear prohibited Each fly may have only one hook. Up To reduce the potential for to two flies may be used on a single introduction or spread of aquatic leader (also called “dry and drop- invasive species, footgear with per,” or “hopper and dropper”). absorbent felt or other fibrous material on the soles are prohibited. Except for feathers and other typical fly-tying materials, the hook must be Tackle exceptions bare. No organic or inorganic baits Non-toxic split-shot, sinkers, and jig heads molded with bismuth-tin, mo- lybdenum, or tungsten are allowed. FAQ: Why is fishing lead- Lead core line and heavy (> 4 lb.) free in Yellowstone? downrigger weights used to fish for Lead is a toxic environmental deep-dwelling lake trout are permis- contaminant. It accumulates in sible because they are too large to be fatty tissue, eventually caus- ingested by wildlife. ing lead poisoning. Wildlife Artificial lures are not allowed on the such as waterfowl, cranes, Firehole River, Madison River, and and shorebirds are vulnerable lower Gibbon River (below Gibbon because of their largely fish- Falls); these streams are fly fishing based diets. only. 3 General Regulations

Possession limits All native fish must be released Each angler must be able unharmed. Natives include cutthroat to correctly identify various trout, mountain whitefish, and Arctic fish species. grayling. See pages 16–17 for photos ALL NATIVE FISH MUST BE and further descriptions. RELEASED UNHARMED

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SOUTHWEST REGION Bechler ! South ! Entrance Nonnative Trout Tolerance Area Streams Park Boundary Native Trout Conservation Area Roads Region Boundary

0 5 10 20 miles 4 General Regulations

Native Trout brook, brown or lake trout; only Conservation Area one of which may be a brown trout.

All native fish must be released un- It is the responsibility of the angler harmed. No possession limit for non- to be able to identify fish by species. native fish, including brown, brook, Unintentionally killed fish should be rainbow, and lake trout (p. 8–15). returned to the water so they can be • All rainbow trout, brook trout, consumed by wildlife. and identifiable cutthroat x rainbow hybrids caught in the Lamar River drainage (including por- tions of Slough and Soda Butte creeks) and the Yellowstone River drainage below Lower Falls and above Knowles Falls must be killed—it is illegal to release them alive (p. 10). Brook trout markings. • All lake trout caught from Yellowstone Lake must be killed— Evidence of species in possession it is illegal to release them alive. Skin must remain attached so the fish species can be visibly identified. Nonnative Trout Gills and entrails may be removed Tolerance Area in the field, but must be discarded All native fish must be released only within the waters where the fish unharmed. Possession limits exist for were caught. nonnative fish in this area. An angler must cease fishing in the area im- Disposal of fish and entrails mediately after filling the possession Dispose of fish and/or fish entrails limit (p. 9 and 12). within the waters where the fish was caught but not within 100 feet • Firehole River, Madison River, (30.5 m) of boat ramps, docks, or lower Gibbon River (downstream backcountry campsites. Fish can also of Gibbon Falls)—possession of up be disposed of in park trash cans. to five brook trout is allowed. Catch and release all rainbow and brown Bridge, marina, and boat dock trout. Whitefish are an important restrictions native species in the Madison River No fishing from any road bridge, and they must be released. marina, or boat dock*. Accessible fishing platforms and ramps are located • Lewis River system above Lewis near Madison Junction (p. 8) and at Falls, including Lewis and Grant Village boat launch (p. 14). Shoshone lakes and their tributar- *Fishing is permissible from boat docks at ies—possession of five combined backcountry sites on Yellowstone Lake. 5 General Regulations Boating Vessel inspections & permits Boating season operates on the same dates as fishing season. All vessels— including float tubes—require a boat permit, a life vest for each passenger, and an emergency sound device such as a whistle or air horn. All vessels must be checked by National Park Service inspectors to ensure that they are free of aquatic invasive species before entering any park waters. See Yellowstone’s Boating Regulations or All vessels, including float tubes, require the park website for more details. an inspection and a permit.

Aquatic invasive species jeopar- 3. DRY. Ensure all gear is clean and dize the ecological, recreational, completely dry for 5 days—in- and economic values of the entire cluding waders, boots, clothing, Yellowstone area. Please protect and nets—before fishing another Yellowstone waters by: stream or lake in the park.

1. CLEAN water, mud, plants, fish, 4. DO NOT BRING BAIT into and all other foreign material from Yellowstone National Park. No your boats, trailers, and other natural or organic bait such as min- equipment—including waders, nows, salmon eggs, worms, insects, boots, clothing, and nets—use or foodstuffs—alive or dead—are high-pressure, hot (>140°F) water allowed. to treat all gear before you enter Yellowstone National Park. 5. NEVER MOVE water, fish, other animals, or plants from one stream 2. DRAIN your boat hull and live well or lake to another. It is illegal to in a safe location (a flat, paved, transport live fish within the park. dirt, or gravel area) away from all park surface waters. Do not dump See Yellowstone’s aquatic invasive water from other sources into species brochure or the park website Yellowstone waters. for additional details.

6 Releasing Fish

your hands to see what it does. If it struggles to keep itself upright, hold the fish around its tail and beneath its belly with its head facing upstream into the current. Move the fish gently back and forth toward and away from the current. You should notice the gills opening and closing due to the rush of water. This is like giving a fish mouth-to-mouth resuscita- tion. When the fish has recovered, it Hold the fish with wet hands, beneath the should swim away on its own. belly, behind the pectoral fins. Use forceps or small pliers to remove the hook. Tackle, lures, and hooks Hooks and lures typically have barbs For all native fish and any nonnative when purchased. With small pliers fish you intend to release, bring the you must pinch down the barbs. fish in as quickly as possible. Do not Without barbs, more skill is required play the fish to exhaustion. in landing and bringing in fish, but Unhook the fish in quiet water such hook removal is easier and less trau- as an eddy or slow spot. Do not drag matic to the fish. the fish across land. Use forceps or Spinning lures typically have three small needle-nosed pliers to quickly hooks called treble hooks. With wire remove the hook. cutters you can snip off one of the Always make sure your hands are hooks or snap one off with pliers; you wet if you must handle the fish. Dry also must pinch down all the barbs. hands damage a fish’s protective Two hooks are still effective, easier to mucous film. Hold the fish with one remove, and less traumatic. hand around the tail section and the If the fish is deeply hooked, cut the other beneath the belly, just behind line, do not pull out the hook. Most the pectoral fins. Never grab or hold fish can survive with hooks left in. a fish through the gills unless it is already dead.

If you want a photo of the fish, make sure the photographer is ready before you handle the fish. Make it quick.

Never just throw a fish back into the water. If a fish becomes passive, it is probably close to exhaustion. Gently remove the hook within calm water, then lightly cradle the fish with 7 Regional Regulations

If a stream or lake is not listed by name or as a tributary, general regulations apply. You must follow bear management and hydrothermal area restrictions listed in the Backcountry Trip Planner, which is available in backcountry offices or at www.nps.gov/yell/planyourvisit/backcountryhiking.htm.

Northwest Region: Includes the Madison and Gallatin river drainages, including Firehole and Gibbon rivers and tributaries.

Permanently closed to fishing: • Firehole River from road bridge .5 mile (.8 km) upstream of Old Faithful to road bridge at Biscuit Basin, 200 yards (182 m) either side of Midway footbridge.

• Madison River from Seven Mile Bridge upstream 250 yards (226 m).

Fly fishing only: Madison River, Firehole River, Gibbon River below Solfatara Creek near Norris Gibbon Falls (not including their campground. tributaries). Use only artificial flies regardless of the type of rod or line. Madison: Gibbon River near Tuff Cliffs; Large meadow areas of the Possession limits Firehole, Gibbon, and Madison rivers near Madison Junction. Native Trout Conservation Area: • Catch and release all native fish. Old Faithful: Firehole River at picnic areas; Nez Perce Creek. • No possession limit on nonnative fish. ô Accessible ramp & platform At the Mount Haynes Overlook, Nonnative Trout Tolerance Area: approximately 3.5 miles (5.6 km) • Limit of 5 brook trout. west of Madison Junction. Please see the Yellowstone Accessibility Guide • Catch and release all rainbow and or www.nps.gov/yell for more brown trout. information. Where to take young anglers Norris: Gibbon River at Virginia Meadows or other meadows; 8 Northwest Region Regulations

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9 Northeast Region Regulations , Northeast Region: ,,, ,,,North, Entrance

Includes the Yellowstone and Lamar • Gardiner, MT

n CT RT h rivers and tributaries between the i CT Northeast

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s o t b s O w lo CT CT el Y Norris Canyon Silver Cord Cascade To Norris! • L • Blacktail Pond area is closed to a Possession limits m public use and travel, including an- Chittenden Bridge a r CT gling, until July 1 to protect nesting Native Trout Conservation Area: birds and sensitive vegetation. • Catch andMadison release all native fish. ! • Only a State of Montana fish- • No possession limit on non- ing license is required to fish the native fish. Yellowstone River, downstream of All nonnative fish, including rain- Gardiner, Montana. bow trout, brook trout, and identi- ! Permanently closed to fishing: fiable cutthroat x rainbow hybrids ! must be killed in these areas: • Trout Lake inlet stream is perma- ! nently closed to fishing to protect • Lamar River drainage including all Roads All rainbow trout brook spawning cutthroat trout. tributaries and lakes. Park Boundary trout an ientifiable • Yellowstone River, from cutthroat x rainbow trout Chittenden Bridge near Canyon • Yellowstone River below Lower Bear Management Areas hbris ust be kille. downstream through the Grand Falls and above Knowles Falls, Native Trout Canyon of the Yellowstone to a including north side tributaries. ,,, Yellowstone River down- point directly below Silver Cord Conservation Area stream of Gardiner, MT: In areas downstream of these loca- Cascade, is permanently closed to Only a State of Montana tions, killing of nonnative fish is Closed to all ﬁshing fishing to ensure angler safety. ﬁshing license required. recommended.

10 Northeast Region Regulations , ,,, ,,,North, Entrance

• Gardiner, MT

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BK, BN, o lo f l r S b RT Mammoth CT He l u e • B P Gl McBride e Blacktail RT BK n Lake G Pond B CT a l a r c RT d Joffee k Tower t ne Lake a r BK BK r i • Trout Lake l e e Tower Fall t n CT t

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! ! ! Roads All rainbow trout brook Park Boundary trout an ientifiable cutthroat x rainbow trout Bear Management Areas hbris ust be kille. Native Trout ,,, Yellowstone River down- Conservation Area stream of Gardiner, MT: Closed to all ﬁshing Only a State of Montana ﬁshing license required.

11 Southwest Region Regulations

Southwest Region: Includes the Snake and Lewis rivers and tributaries; Heart Lake; Lewis and Shoshone lakes; Falls and Bechler rivers and tributaries.

Heart Lake opens July 1. Possession limits Nonnative Trout Tolerance Area: • Waters above Lewis Falls, including Lewis and Shoshone lakes and the Lewis Channel—possession limit of five nonnative fish in combina- tion, only one of which can be a brown trout. !

To Lake Old Faithful ! Old Faithful !

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a West L e Thumb Park Boundary D !! Native Trout Conservation Area ! Nonnative Trout Tolerance Area Shoshone Grant BN Lake Bear Management Areas BK Lewis LT Channel

BN Lewis BK B Lake o LT r u e CT n iv CT d CT R Heart a r MW r RT e Lewis y Lake l LT h C c Falls

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L na ke River CT ake Riv CT Sn er Bechler iv BN s R er ! F all CT CT RT !South Entrance 12 Southwest Region Regulations

• Do not discard lake trout carcasses along the lake shore as they will likely attract bears.

Native Trout Conservation Area: • Catch and release all native fish.

• No possession limit on nonnative fish.

Where to take young anglers Grant: Aster Creek near Lewis Falls; Lewis Lake shoreline; pullouts along the South Entrance Road. !

To Lake Old Faithful ! Old Faithful !

y Roads c a West L e Thumb Park Boundary Western shore of Shoshone Lake. D !! Native Trout Conservation Area ! Nonnative Trout Tolerance Area Shoshone Grant BN Lake Bear Management Areas BK Lewis LT Channel

BN Lewis BK B Lake o LT r u e CT n iv CT d CT R Heart a r MW r RT e Lewis y Lake l LT h C c Falls r e e B

r e

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RT BK s CT i CT

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L na ke River CT ake Riv CT Sn er Bechler iv BN s R er ! F all CT CT RT !South Entrance 13 Southeast Region Regulations Southeast Region: Includes the Yellowstone River upstream of Chittenden Bridge near Canyon, Yellowstone Lake and its tributaries, Middle Creek of the North Fork Shoshone River.

Yellowstone River opens July 15. Permanently closed to fishing on the Yellowstone River: • Fishing Bridge and an area one mile (1.6 km) downstream (toward Canyon) and 1/4 mile (.4 km) upstream (toward Yellowstone Lake) from the bridge.

• The Yellowstone River 100 yards (91 m) up- and downstream of • Bridge Bay Marina/Harbor and LeHardys Rapids. Grant Village Marina/Harbor and their channels to the lake. • The Yellowstone River and its tributaries in Hayden Valley from • Pelican Creek from its mouth to a the confluence of Alum Creek up- point two miles (3.2 km) upstream. stream to Sulphur Cauldron. Possession limits Yellowstone Lake opens with the Native Trout Conservation Area: general season • Catch and release all native fish. Streams flowing into Yellowstone Lake, its tributaries, and areas • No possession limit on nonnative within 100 yards (91 m) of each fish. All lake trout must be killed. stream’s outlet open July 15. Access Where to take young anglers to many areas is restricted by Bear Management Area Closures, see Lake Village: Along Gull Point Drive or the Yellowstone Backcountry Trip at Sand Point. Planner for details. Grant: Aster Creek near Lewis Falls; Permanently closed to fishing Lewis Lake shoreline; Yellowstone along Yellowstone Lake: Lake shoreline near Grant Marina. • The shoreline of Yellowstone Lake ô Accessible ramp & platform from West Thumb Geyser Basin to Little Thumb Creek is closed to An accessible fishing area is located protect fragile thermal resources. at the Grant Village boat launch. 14 Southeast Region Regulations

Yellowstone Lake. !Norris To! Canyon

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CT Y Roads e l l o Closed to all ﬁshing w

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Park Boundary e

Native Trout Conservation Area CT

Bear Management Areas ! 15 Fish Identification—Native

Each individual angler must be able to correctly identify various fish species and comply with appropriate rules and regulations. ALL NATIVE FISH ARE CATCH-AND-RELEASE ONLY

Cutthroat Trout—CT

Widely distributed in many drainages.

dark spots on light background

few spots on head

red or orange jaw slash

Cutthroat trout subspecies Two subspecies of cutthroat trout are found in Yellowstone: the westslope cutthroat and the Yellowstone cutthroat (which has both large- and finespotted varieties).

Westslope cutthroat trout (Oncorhynchus Yellowstone cutthroat trout (large-spotted clarkii lewisi). form; Oncorhynchus clarkii bouvieri). 16 Fish Identification—Native

Mountain Whitefish—MW

Distributed throughout Snake and Lewis rivers, other areas as noted on map.

large scales

small mouth, no teeth body almost round on cross-section

Arctic Grayling—GY

large, sail-like dorsal fin

large scales

dark spots on front half of body

Distributed throughout Gibbon River, sometimes in Madison and Firehole rivers.

17 Fish Identification—Nonnative

Rainbow Trout—RT Widely distributed due to historic stocking. Not present in Yellowstone Lake, Yellowstone River above the Upper Falls, or the Snake River.

numerous spots on head

often white on edge of fins small scales

Cutthroat trout x rainbow trout hybridization x rainbow trout hybrids have white tips on the anal and paired pelvic fins and must be killed.

Combating hybridization Once hybridization occurs, a cut- In waters where rainbow trout have throat population can only be re- been introduced, there has been a stored to genetic purity if all fish are serious degradation of the cutthroat removed from a stream and geneti- trout population through interbreed- cally pure cutthroat are reintroduced. ing. Presently, hybridized cutthroat To reduce hybridization in cutthroat trout exist throughout the Bechler, trout habitat, anglers are encouraged Falls, Gallatin, Gardner, and Lamar to harvest nonnative trout in the river drainages, and the Yellowstone Native Trout Conservation Area. River below the Upper Falls.

Hybrids will have characteristics consistent with both species, often making identification difficult. In the Yellostone and Lamar rivers and tributaries in the Northeast Region of the park, rainbow trout and cutthroat white tips on fins 18 Fish Identification—Nonnative

Brown Trout—BN Distributed in Gallatin, Gibbon, Firehole, Madison, Lewis, Snake, Gardner, and the Yellowstone rivers. Not present in Yellowstone Lake, Bechler or Falls rivers. ©BIG SKY ANGLERS pale haloes around black spots

Brook Trout—BK

light spots, dark worm-like markings background

red spots with blue haloes

dark and light edge on fins

Widely distributed due to historic stocking. Not present in Yellowstone Lake, Yellowstone River above the Upper Falls, or the Gallatin River. 19 Fish Identification—Nonnative Lake Trout—LT

numerous spots on head

deeply forked white spots, dark tail background often white on edge of fins

Distributed in Heart, Lewis, Shoshone, and Yellowstone lakes.

All lake trout MUST BE KILLED in Yellowstone Lake If you do not want to keep the fish, puncture the air bladder and drop it into water as deep as possible. In the backcountry, dispose of fish entrails and remains in fast moving or deep water. Do not discard trout carcasses along streams as they will attract bears.

air bladder

20 Angler Etiquette

Yellowstone hosts tens of thousands • Do not encroach on another of anglers each year, concentrated angler’s space and keep out of sight in just a few months. For your own of other anglers, if possible. enjoyment, the enjoyment of those around you, and the protection of • During late July and August, when our aquatic resources, please remem- water temperatures can be high, do ber to be courteous and observe the most of your fishing early and late following behavior. in the day. Allow fish to rest during the heat of the day. • Use established trails and avoid sensitive wetland vegetation such as bogs and seeps. Heavy trail use in these areas causes erosion and loss of habitat essential to many of These actions are illegal and Yellowstone’s wildlife. destructive.

• Anglers must stay on established • Possessing a native cutthroat trails in thermal areas and must trout, or any other native not cross these areas or approach fish. thermal features. • Releasing a nonnative fish • Avoid using the streambed as a alive within a mandatory kill pathway. Your footsteps can dam- area. age aquatic habitats and kill eggs • Moving any live fish, water, and fry in the gravel. sediment (mud), fish eggs, • Do not overfish a good fishing fish parts, or other aquatic area. Fish for a while, and then animals or plants within the move on. park—whether intentional or not.

• Bringing any aquatic invasive species, water, mud, plants, or bait (live or dead) into the park.

If you witness a viola- ä tion please report it immediately to a law enforcement ranger, or call 307-344-7381 and press “0” to immediately reach park dispatch. Walking in stream beds can damage delicate aquatic habitats. 21 Frequently Asked Questions

Fishing is a long-standing tradition in Early park managers transplanted fish to Yellowstone’s waters. stock the park’s fishless waters.

Why are the same fish species ingest it. Only non-toxic alternatives regulated differently in different to lead are allowed (see p. 3, for one areas of the park? exception). Of particular concern in Park fishing regulations are designed Yellowstone are the alarmingly low to protect native fish and aquatic populations of trumpeter swans and ecosystems, provide recreational loons. opportunities, and also preserve the Yellowstone is making a substantial, tradition of angling in Yellowstone. on-the-ground effort to conserve Cutthroat trout, Arctic grayling, native fish in several areas. These mountain whitefish, and other native actions, which are currently focused fishes are important to the ecology in the Lamar and Grayling Creek of Yellowstone. Nonnative trout are drainages and Yellowstone Lake, are important to the angler experience described in the park’s native fish in Yellowstone, and angling is an conservation plan. The goals of the important part of the park’s cultural plan are to reduce the risk of extinc- history. tion, restore and maintain the ecological role, and create sustainable In Yellowstone, bald eagles, os- angling and viewing opportunities for preys, pelicans, otters, grizzly bears, native fish. and other wildlife take precedence Where did the nonnative fish over humans in using fish for food. come from? Park management and regulations reflect this priority. For example, When Yellowstone became a national some waters are closed to fishing to park, more than 40 percent of its protect threatened and endangered waters were barren of fish—including species, and sensitive nesting birds. Shoshone Lake, Lewis Lake, and the Regulations ban lead tackle because Firehole River above Firehole Falls. the lead concentrates in aquatic Early park managers transplanted fish environments, posing a risk of lead into new locations, produced more poisoning to waterfowl that might fish in hatcheries, and introduced 22 Frequently Asked Questions

Why can’t we fish from Cutthroat trout are the sole, native trout Fishing Bridge? of Yellowstone National Park. Fishing Bridge, situated over nonnative species. By the mid-20th a cutthroat trout spawning century, more than 310 million fish area, was once a popular place had been stocked in the park. to fish. Declining numbers of cutthroat trout caused park The ranges and densities of the park’s officials to close the bridge to native fish species have been substan- fishing to protect the spawning tially altered during the past century, fish. mostly because of introduced nonnative fish. depend on them as a food source, What are the ecological impacts especially during spring when the of cutthroat trout conservation? cutthroat are spawning in small inlets Cutthroat trout are the sole, na- and tributary streams. In many cases, tive trout of Yellowstone National nonnative fish cannot serve as a Park and were the dominant fish substitute for cutthroat trout be- species here prior to Euroamerican cause they occupy different habitats. settlement. For example, lake trout live deep in Yellowstone Lake and are not gener- Because cutthroat trout inhabit rela- ally accessible to the park’s native tively shallow waters, many animals fish-eating animals.

Preserving cutthroat trout will help to preserve all of the animals that depend upon them as a food source; will ensure that visitors can continue to see them spawning near Fishing Bridge, LeHardys Rapids, and other places; and that future generations will be able to experience them by angling in the many wild, scenic wa- More than sixteen species depend on ters the park has to offer. cutthroat trout as a food source. 23 Glossary ©JAMES MARSH Bait—all dead or live organisms or edible parts thereof; natural or artificial food or products thereof; chemically treated or processed fish eggs or ani- mal products; artificial dough, paste or edible lures; and rubber worms, rubber leeches, or twister tails. This definition does not apply to hair or feathers used as fly-tying material. Artificial Fly—a hook, in which a minimum of half the shank of the Barbless Hook—a hook manufac- hook is dressed with conventional tured without a barb or a hook on natural or synthetic material in a which barbs have been filed off, common method known as fly tying. closed (point of the barb has been This includes dry flies, wet flies, crimped or pinched so the barb streamers, egg patterns, and nymphs. touches the hook shank), or has oth- Hair, feathers, metallic colored tape, erwise been completely removed. tinsel, mylar, bead eyes, dumbbell Catch-and-Release—a fish must be eyes, beads (metal, glass or plastic), carefully and immediately returned foam, rubber and lead-free metal alive to the water from which it was wire, tape or body wrap may be used caught. as an integral part of the design and fly pattern. Closely Attended—a person fishing must be able to immediately control Artificial Lure—a man-made or their line or rod at all times in order artificial device, complete with a to react to a potential strike. hook, intended to attract and entice a fish for the purpose of taking them; Drainage—the stream proper and excludes artificial flies and attractors. area of land which includes all streams, lakes and tributaries that Attractor—a hook-less device at- drain into that stream. tached to a fishing line between the end of a rod and an artificial fly or ar- Dropper—an artificial fly being used tificial lure or that provides addition- as a second artificial fly on a two al motion or other visual attraction. artificial fly rig. A dropper is com- Typical attractors include but are not monly attached to a primary fishing limited to dodgers, lake trolls, such as line or artificial fly by means of tippet Ford fenders, willow leaf, or cowbell or other fishing line. flashers, artificial rubber or molded plastic (soft or hard beads). Fly Fishing—artificial flies may only A strike indicator is not considered be attached to a line for the purpose an attractor. of attracting and enticing fish for take, regardless of the type of rod or line used. 24 Glossary

of attracting fish by scent; excludes non-scented materials or chemicals specifically designed and produced to cause flies to float or sink.

Snagging—taking or attempting to take a fish by the use of an artificial fly or artificial lure in any manner or method that the fish does not vol- untarily take the hook in its mouth. Fishing only by means of a bare hook that is not an artificial fly or artificial Hook—a bent wire device, for catch- lure, regardless of manner or meth- ing fish, to which a single, double or od, will be considered snagging. treble point is attached to a single Stream—water in a permanent or shank. seasonal bed or channel with a cur- • Single Point: a hook with only one rent that is usually continuous in one point. direction and includes creeks, rivers, • Double Point: a hook with two ditches, sloughs and ponds created points on a common shank. by beavers. Streams may not flow • Treble (triple) Point: a hook with continuously during low-flow pe- three points on a common shank. riods. Ponds or puddles in a stream Invasive (nonnative) Species—a channel during low-flow periods species that: shall be considered to be a stream. • Does not naturally occur or is Strike indicator—a hook-less, un- alien to the ecosystem under scented floating device attached to a consideration. line or leader to signal a strike at an • Cause, or are likely to cause, eco- artificial fly or artificial lure. nomic or environmental harm or harm to human health. Tributary—a stream that flows into a • Invasive species can be plants, larger stream, river or lake. animals, and other organisms (e.g. microbes). Upgrading—the practice of sub- stituting captured fish for fish in Lake—a body of standing water in a possession. depression of land and includes res- ervoirs and ponds (excluding ponds Yellowstone Native Fish Species—a created by beavers). species that is endemic or indigenous to Yellowstone National Park. Scented Attractants—any substance that has been added, infused or applied to an artificial fly, artificial lure, line, or hook for the purpose 25 For More Information

If you have questions about information in this guide, please contact: Visitor Services Office P.O. Box 168 Yellowstone National Park, WY 82190 307-344-2107

For more information about Yellowstone fisheries, go to: www.nps.gov/yell/planyourvisit/fishing.htm

All maps and photos are NPS (public domain) except: Pages 16,17, and 19 ©Jay Fleming Photography. Page 3, ©New South Wales Department of Trade and Investment, Regional Infrastructure and Services. Page 17, mountain whitefish ©Zac Sexton. Page 19, brown trout ©Big Sky Anglers. Page 24, “Perfect Fly” salmon fly ©James Marsh.