Yellowstone National Park Boating Regulations

Motorized Boating Non-Motorized Boating Boating Safety & AIS Inspections Yellowstone National Park offers a variety of boating experiences. Boating in Yellowstone is a memorable experience and a great way to see a different part of the park, but boating in Yellowstone is not without its risks. This brochure has been pre- Contents pared to assist you in planning ahead and preparing for your boating experience, to help you make your trip as safe as possible and to help you minimize your impact on Boat Registration 1 resources so that Yellowstone can be enjoyed by future generations. & Permit

Where permitted Required Equipment 2 Motorized boats are allowed only on Lewis Water-skiing, jet skis and related activiti- Recommended 4 Lake and Yellowstone Lake. Boat launches es are not allowed on any park waters. are located at Bridge Bay Marina and Grant Equipment Village on Yellowstone Lake and on the south end of Lewis Lake near the Lewis Lake Prohibitions 6 Campground. Additional 7 Canoes, kayaks, paddleboards and other non- motorized boats are permitted on all park Regulations lakes except Sylvan Lake, Eleanor Lake, Twin Lakes, and Beach Springs Lagoon. All park Boating Safety 8 rivers are closed to boating except for the section of the Lewis River Invasive Species 14 between Lewis Lake and Shoshone Lake, where Yellowstone Lake 15 only non-motorized boating is permitted. Float tubes Lewis Lake & 19 are considered Shoshone Lake non-motorized boats and subject to the same regulations. Northeast Mammoth Entrance o Boat Registration o Motorized, Tower non-motorized boat , and float tube permits & Permit available at this location. Norris Canyon West o Yellowstone O Only float tube permits available at All motorized watercraft must be Bridge Bay this location Marina Old registered in the state of principle use. oFaithful Registration numbers must be displayed Grant on your watercraft in accordance with

US Coast Guard (USCG) regulations. Bechler o South Entrance Place the Boat Permit and AIS stickers Additionally, all on the port (left) side of the watercraft, watercraft, includ- Where to Obtain Boat Permits and approximately one foot forward of the ing float tubes, must AIS Inspections stern (back). On a float tube, the permit 1 obtain a Yellowstone may be attached directly to the float tube National Park Boat Motorized and Non-motorized boats: or attached via a metal wicket available Permit. Motorized Snake River Ranger Station, Bridge from the issuing station. boat permits and non- Bay Ranger Station, Grant Village motorized boat permits (including float Backcountry Office. tubes) are available in a 7-day denomina- tion or as an annual permit. Contact the Float Tubes: Backcountry Office for current pricing. Canyon Backcountry Office, Mammoth Backcountry Office, Old Faithful All boats, including float tubes, will need Backcountry Office, Bechler Ranger to be inspected for Aquatic Invasive Station, Northeast Entrance, as well as all Species (AIS). If the boat is used outside other locations where boat permits are of Yellowstone after it has been inspect- sold. ed, the boat will need to be re-inspected. order and can be fastened securely. The conditions you expect to encounter. Required PFD must be free from holes or tears which could affect performance. PFD’s Check the fit of the PFD – Raise your Equipment made with KAPOC should be carefully arms over your head and have someone inspected to insure that the flotation lift the PFD straight up from the shoul- In addition to obtaining a Yellowstone chambers have not ruptured. ders. The PFD should stay in place. If the Boat Permit you must have the following • readily accessible. Wearable PFD’s PFD comes off, or if the chest area of the checked (p) items as required by the must be readily accessible. You must PFD touches your nose, then the PFD is U.S. Coast Guard: be able to put them on in a reason- too big or loose and needs to be secured. able amount of time in an emergency. If you cannot secure straps or zip the p Personal Flotation Device Children 12 or younger must wear a PFD, then it is too small. Also, test the USCG approved Type I, II, or III PFD (PFD) – all vessels must have PFD for buoyancy by making sure the when aboard a vessel which is PFD keeps your chin above water and a US Coast Guard approved, underway, except while inside wearable PFD (Type I, II, III, you can breathe easily; if your mouth is 2 an enclosed cabin. Though, not or V) for each person on board. not well above water get a new PFD with required for ages 13 and older, a more buoyancy. Additionally, boats PFD should be worn at all times 16 feet and longer (except when the vessel is underway. In kayaks/canoes) are required to a true emergency you may not have at least one immediately have time to locate and properly A PFD can accessible throwable (type IV) put on a PFD. A wearable PFD PFD. Look on the tag of the can save your life, but only if you wear it. save your life, PFD to determine type and if it is USCG but only if you approved. Type V PFDs must be worn at all times. wear it. Each PFD must be: • appropriate size for the intended user. A properly sized PFD fits comfortably • in good condition. Insure that all zip- snug and does not come above the neck pers, straps and buckles are in working or below the waist. Select a PFD based on your planned activities, and the water Anchored boats must exhibit a white sure they are in working order. Required anchor light except when anchored at designated anchor sites on Yellowstone p Ventilation – All boats built after Equipment Lake (5L8, 5L9, 7L5, 7L6, 7M1, 7M4, August 1, 1980 which use gasoline 7M5, 7F1 & 7F2). p Sound Producing Device – A sound for electrical generation, mechanical device is required for all boats to signal power or propulsion are required to be Non-motorized boats are required to your position in reduced visibility and equipped with a ventilation system. A have a light (headlamp/flashlight for for navigation to signal your intentions natural ventilation system is required night paddling or during to other vessels. The human voice is not for each compartment in a boat that: 1) periods of reduced visibility. acceptable under USCG regulations. An contains a permanently installed gasoline air horn or whistle is recommended. engine; 2) has openings between it and a p Flame Arrestors – compartment that requires ventilation; Required only on inboard engines to pre- 3) contains a permanently installed fuel p Required Lights – Running lights/ vent backfire. Not required for outboard tank and an electrical compartment. navigational lights are required to be dis- motors. Unless the motor is very old it 3 played at night and when in or near areas should have been equipped with flame of reduced visibility. When underway arrestors when manufactured. from sunset to sunrise, every motor boat shall carry and exhibit lights prescribed p for the applicable class of motorboat by Fire Extinguishers – USCG approved your state or the USCG. fire extinguishers are required on boats with inboard engines, enclosed compart- ments, or permanent fuel tanks. Boats under 26 feet must have one type B-I fire extinguisher. Boats 26 feet and over must have one type B-II fire extinguisher or two type B-I fire extinguishers. Labels should read “Marine Type USCG” and specify type and size. Fire extinguishers should be inspected monthly to make could be vital if these devices don’t work. to signal your position in the event of an vessel is prohibited. Recommended For canoes and kayaks, a bailing device is emergency. As most devices expire after indispensable in the event of capsizing or 3 years, be sure to check the expiration Compass/GPS unit, maps – and the Equipment if your boat is taking on water. date. knowledge of how to use them. Anchor/line – An anchor and line VHF Marine Band Radio and/or Cell Survival gear in dry bags – even if you Oars/paddles – Motor boats should be attached to the bow can be used to keep a Phone – A marine radio is useful for equipped with oars or paddles for emer- boat stationary and to keep it from blow- receiving storm warnings and in an are only on a day trip, gency propulsion. Canoes/kayaks should emergency for contacting other having a blanket or sleeping bag, fire carry a backup paddle in case a primary boats, NPS boat patrol, or the starter and matches stored in a dry bag paddle is lost or broken. Scope 7:1 Bridge Bay Marina. A cell phone could be life saving if, in an emergency, 30 x 7 = 210 foot line may also be helpful in an emer- you capsize and/or have to spend the Bailing device – All vessels should carry Total Depth = 30 feet gency situation. However, cell night out. a suitable manual bailing device such as Depth of water 28 feet + phones and marine band radios a bucket/milk jug or hand pump. Even if 2 feet above water have limited range and are affected Additional equipment for paddlers: 4 the boat has a bilge pump or automatic by topography and may not work bailing device, a manual backup device Wet Suit or Paddling Jacket – can everywhere, especially in the arms help keep you warm and reduce of Yellowstone Lake. chances of hypothermia if you capsize in ing out from or into shore. An anchor Yellowstone’s cold waters. They must be which can be set is required for boats appropriate for the water & air tempera- anchoring overnight. To properly anchor tures you will encounter. As a general your boat we recommend at least 210 rule, if air + water temperatures are less feet of line - enough for a 7:1 scope in 30 than 120° F then you should wear cold feet of water. weather exposure gear (wet suit, foul weather gear, etc). Visual Distress Signals –We recom- mend you carry a variety of devices such Paddle Float – indispensable for kayaks as flares, smoke signal, or electric distress to assist in solo reentry of the vessel in signal suitable for both day and night use case of capsize. vessel is prohibited.

Compass/GPS unit, maps – and the knowledge of how to use them.

Survival gear in dry bags – even if you are only on a day trip, having a blanket or sleeping bag, fire starter and matches stored in a dry bag could be life saving if, in an emergency, Throw Rope – useful to reach capsized you capsize and/or have to spend the boaters. night out. Waste Receptacle – All vessels should Waterproof Gear Bags/Flotation Bags – have a waste receptacle aboard. Dispose Additional equipment for paddlers: waterproof gear bags increase flotation 5 of trash in garbage cans or dumpsters and keep clothing and gear dry. Plastic at launch locations. Do not put trash Wet Suit or Paddling Jacket – can help keep you warm and reduce garbage bags may help keep equipment into pit toilets. Draining, dumping, or dry, but are not suitable for flotation. discharging wastes or refuse, including chances of hypothermia if you capsize in human waste, into the waters from any Yellowstone’s cold waters. They must be appropriate for the water & air tempera- Inspections – Any park ranger tures you will encounter. As a general may at any time stop or board any rule, if air + water temperatures are less vessel to examine for Aquatic Invasise than 120° F then you should wear cold species, documents, licenses, and / or weather exposure gear (wet suit, foul permits relating to the operation of weather gear, etc). the vessel and to inspect such vessels to determine compliance with park Paddle Float – indispensable for kayaks regulations including boat safety and to assist in solo reentry of the vessel in fishing regulations. case of capsize. • Operating a vessel in excess of 5 mph (approximately 1,000 - 1,100 RPMs) Prohibitions within marinas, boat launch areas, and the arms of Yellowstone Lake The following are prohibited in or within 100 feet of a swimmer or Yellowstone National Park: diver’s marker. Operator age – You must be at least 16 • Operating a vessel in a reckless or • Private vessels which exceed 40 feet in to operate a power-driven vessel unsu- negligent manner, or in a manner pervised. People age 12-15 may oper- length which endangers or is likely to endan- • Weapons, other than legally permitted ger any other person or property ate a power-driven vessel under direct supervision of an adult age 18 or older. firearms, or traps • Operating a motorized vessel while • Jet skis, personal watercraft, airboats, any person is riding on the gunwales, Pets – submersibles and similar vessels transom, or on the decking over the Pets are allowed on motor boats when traveling on Yellowstone Lake and • Towing water skiers, wakeboards, bow, except when the vessel is being Lewis Lake, but must be of appropriate 6 parasails or performing similar maneuvered for anchoring, mooring activities or casting off moorings size for the size of the boat. Pets are not allowed on boats for overnight trips or • Operating in any commercial capac- • Overnight anchoring or beaching of on shore except at boat launch areas. boats without a backcountry permit ity within the park, unless written • Draining, dumping, or discharging authorization has been granted by the Superintendent Generators – Generators may not be wastes or refuse, including human brought ashore. Self-contained motor • Operating a vessel that exceeds a waste, into the waters from any vessel boats staying overnight at a backcountry • Operating a vessel in excess of 45 mph noise level of 82 decibels measured at a distance of 85 feet from the vessel campsite should obey quiet hours and • Operating a vessel while under the not operate generators or boat motors influence of alcohol, intoxicants or • Using trailers to launch or recover between the hours of 8 p.m. and 8 a.m. drugs vessels at a site other than a desig- nated boat launch ramp • Failing to observe restrictions estab- Fishing Permit Required – Yellowstone lished by a regulatory marker • Overloading a boat National Park Fishing Permits are required and are available at backcoun- try offices, visitor centers, Yellowstone Food Storage – Whether picnicking, Additional General Stores, and a few local businesses camping onshore at a designated camp- in the outlying communities. Refer to site, or leaving your boat unattended to Regulations park fishing regulations for details and fish or day-hike, you must follow proper make sure you understand creel limits, backcountry food storage regulations to minimize the opportunity for bears and Operator age – You must be at least 16 tackle restrictions, and fish cleaning in other wildlife to obtain human food. to operate a power-driven vessel unsu- bear country. All food and odorous items must be pervised. People age 12-15 may oper- properly hung or secured in an approved ate a power-driven vessel under direct Backcountry Permit – Camping or bear resitant food container. Do not supervision of an adult age 18 or older. sleeping on your boat requires a leave food in the open or in a cooler on backcountry permit and is allowed your boat at any time when no one is Pets – Pets are allowed on motor boats only at designated sites and anchorages. in direct attendance. All backcountry when traveling on Yellowstone Lake and Backcountry permits for parties travel- campsites have a food pole or metal Lewis Lake, but must be of appropriate ling by boat may be obtained at the storage box. Items which are hung must 7 size for the size of the boat. Pets are not following locations: Snake River Ranger be at least 10 feet off the ground and 4 allowed on boats for overnight trips or feet from the tree trunk. You will need on shore except at boat launch areas. Station, Grant Village Backcountry Office, or Bridge Bay Ranger Station. a minimum of 35 feet of rope or more if you have multiple containers and/or Permits are generally available between Generators – Generators may not be coolers. If your boat is self-contained and brought ashore. Self-contained motor 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. If you need to get you are staying on your boat at one of boats staying overnight at a backcountry an early start you should plan on the anchor or dock sites, then you must campsite should obey quiet hours and picking up your permit the day before securely store your food below deck. not operate generators or boat motors you wish to start. Reservations for between the hours of 8 p.m. and 8 a.m. backcountry campsites may be made in advance for a fee. Contact the Central Fishing Permit Required – Yellowstone Backcountry Office for additional infor- National Park Fishing Permits are mation. required and are available at backcoun- 60’s (degrees F) in August. Even when on dry clothing, wear a hat, or get into a the water temperature in Yellowstone’s sleeping bag. Boating lakes is at its highest your survival time, Safety if immersed, is limited. Combat hypothermia by being prepared and planning ahead – Wear your PFD You are operationally and legally respon- Sudden immersion in cold water can and avoid conditions which could sible for your safety and the safety of induce rapid, uncontrolled breathing, swamp or capsize your boat. Travel close your passengers. Don’t take your safety cardiac arrest, and other physical body to shore. Practice and be prepared for for granted and don’t count on some- conditions, which can result in drown- self-rescue. Wear clothing appropriate one else to save you. Many recreational ing. Always wearing a PFD will help you for the conditions. boaters assume they are safe because survive in rapid immersion situations. they’re in small boats, in shallow water, Accidents & Reports or because they’re good swimmers. Hypothermia Any vessel operator involved in an Regardless of your level of experience – Hypothermia is the abnormal lowering incident that results in property dam- 8 know your limits. Over 50 people have of internal body temperature. Immersion age, injury, or death to any person or lost their lives on Yellowstone Lake, in water speeds the loss of body heat and property must report the incident to a Lewis Lake and Shoshone Lake. Most of can lead to hypothermia. After 5 to 10 park ranger as soon as possible, or within these deaths were preventable and are minutes in cold water your core body 24 hours. primarily a result of having improperly temperature drops, the brain becomes or overloaded boats, traveling far from confused and disoriented, and your Carrying Capacity / Overloading shore, not wearing life jackets, not travel- arms and legs become numb. Eventually, Overloaded boats are dangerous and ing with other group members, not being if you are unable to get out of the illegal. While underway, no vessel able to self-rescue, and making open- ater you will lose consciousness and shall carry more than a safe capacity water crossings in windy weather. could die. of persons and /or total weight, taking into consideration water and weather Cold Water Survival Getting out of the water is only the first conditions, hull configuration, and Yellowstone’s lakes are high elevation, step. It is important to get to shore and intended use. Do not exceed the load cold lakes. Water temperatures range promptly remove all wet clothing (espe- limits as listed on the “U.S. Coast Guard from the mid-30’s in June to only the low cially cotton) and rewarm your body. Put Maximum Capacities” information label on dry clothing, wear a hat, or get into a or Capacity Plate found on all boats practicable. Motorized boats shall keep the season. Watch for sleeping bag. except sailboats, canoes, kayaks, and clear of non-motorized boats. Yield shallow spots anytime inflatables. Too many people and /or too right-of-way to vessels you overtake or you are traveling close Combat hypothermia by being prepared much gear will cause the boat to become pass and vessels on your right side in to shore. Stay alert for and planning ahead – Wear your PFD unstable. Always balance the load so that crossing. floating hazards, such and avoid conditions which could the boat maintains proper trim. Here are as large logs, and report swamp or capsize your boat. Travel close some things to remember when loading Submerged Hazards them to a ranger if possible. to shore. Practice and be prepared for your boat: Known hazards on Yellowstone Lake self-rescue. Wear clothing appropriate and Lewis Lake are identified on the for the conditions. • Distribute the load evenly fore and aft maps on pages 17 and 21. On the lakes, and from side to side hazards are marked with a Danger, Stay Accidents & Reports • Keep the load low Away Buoy, but buoys may not always Any vessel operator involved in an • Keep passengers seated (do not stand be in place especially early or late in incident that results in property dam- up in a small boat) An improperly loaded and unbalanced canoe age, injury, or death to any person or • Properly load gear to prevent shifting. 9 property must report the incident to a In a canoe, improperly packed and fas- park ranger as soon as possible, or within 24 hours. tened gear may contribute to sinking in case of capsize, but properly packed Carrying Capacity / Overloading (using dry bags) and fastened gear may Overloaded boats are dangerous and aid in flotation. illegal. While underway, no vessel shall carry more than a safe capacity Navigation, Rules of the Waterways of persons and /or total weight, taking The Statutory Rules of the Road enacted into consideration water and weather by Congress to prevent collision of ves- conditions, hull configuration, and sels must be followed by all operators. intended use. Do not exceed the load Keep to the right when approaching limits as listed on the “U.S. Coast Guard another boat head-on or nearly so. Keep Maximum Capacities” information label to the right in channels when safe and Wind & Weather Weather in Yellowstone can be unpre- dictable and can change rapidly. Check the local weather forecast before leaving the dock. NOAA weather radios can receive National Weather Service broad- casts of weather information specific to Yellowstone at frequency 162.450 MHz. Bridge Bay Marina will issue weather advisories and warnings over marine

summer days will have afternoon winds, Please consider these strategies for typically out of the southwest and it is a safe trip on Yellowstone’s lakes: not uncommon for thunderstorms with 10 strong winds, high waves, and lightning • Travel close to shore and in areas to approach without warning. Waves protected from wind of 3 to 4 feet are common in the cen- • Carefully plan itineraries to minimize tral, eastern and northern sections or avoid open water crossings of Yellowstone Lake, Lewis Lake and Shoshone Lake. The biggest safety threat • Avoid open water crossings if you lack of wind is in swamping or capsizing your the ability to perform a self-rescue or boat and encountering a situation which team-rescue could lead to hypothermia and drown- • Make open water crossings when it’s ing. Your best chances of avoiding rough calm, do so quickly, and don’t stop water are to boat early or late in the • Pay attention to the wind direction band radio, but you should continually day. Even so, you may still encounter keep a “weather eye” to the sky looking large waves and dangerous conditions. and where it’s pushing you for potential changes in the weather. • Wait out windy conditions – don’t risk In Yellowstone, even most sunny your safety or the safety of your group • Use a big enough boat for your activ- • Turn on running lights There are several signs which may ity. Deep v-hull designs handle the • Head bow of boat into the waves at indicate approaching weather best in rough water about a 45-degree angle changes: • Don’t overload your boat with people • Keep bilges free of water • Weather changes usually come from or gear • Seat passengers on bottom of boat the west and southwest • Place at least one experienced paddler near centerline • Watch for cloud build up, especially in each boat and consider practicing • If your engine fails, trail a sea anchor rapid vertically rising clouds capsize recovery techniques with all on a line from the bow to keep • Watch for sudden drops in tempera- party members prior to your trip the boat headed into the waves. A ture and changes in wind direction or • Travel as a group – stay within audible bucket will work as a sea anchor in an speed range of other party members emergency. • Continue to look for oncoming • Anchor the boat if necessary. storms throughout the day What to do in severe weather 11 and high waves

• Non-power boats should always travel close to shore and get out of the water. Be prepared to wait out storms on shore in a safe place • Power boats should head for the near- est shore that is safe to approach, if possible • Reduce speed, but keep just enough power to maintain headway • Put on PFD’s if you’re not already wearing them Self Rescue If you fall overboard or capsize and are much of your The first step of self-rescue is preven- unable to reenter your boat: body out of tion. Avoid the need for a rescue in the • Keep your PFD on and remain calm the water as first place. Stay within your abilities and possible. Fifty • Do not waste energy by thrashing plan and practice self rescue before leav- percent of about or trying to remove clothing or ing body heat is for your trip. Don’t wait until you need footwear. This leads to exhaustion and lost from the to self-rescue to try one and don’t count increases the loss of air that keeps you head. Crawl on someone else afloat. If you are onto the over- to save you. If close to shore H.E.L.P. Position turned boat you tip over far you may be able if possible. from shore you’ll to float on your need to get back Assume the back and paddle into your boat Heat Escape slowly to safety, 12 and bail out any Lessening but do not swim water. Having Posture unless you are help from others (H.E.L.P.) very close to is much easier position or than getting shore and can the Huddle in by yourself. do so quickly. Huddle Position Position if Prudent pad- Swimming with others. dlers always pumps blood Alcohol travel in groups, but because boaters can away from the core of your body Alcohol is the number one contributor become separated by wind, waves and into your extremities which can or weather, self-rescue must be prac- to boating-related accidents and deaths. shorten your survival time. ticed. A variety of techniques exist to Do not consume alcohol while boating. reenter kayaks and canoes, but they need • Minimize heat loss. If possible, cover Boating under the influence is illegal. to be practiced before you embark on a your head and button clothing. Keep trip. your head out of water and get as Carbon Monoxide Hazards spaces near the stern swim platform. each accommodation space on your Carbon Monoxide can be a “silent boat. Check the detectors periodically killer” on recreational vessels. Each year, What To Do? to be sure they are functioning boaters are injured or killed by carbon • Schedule regular engine and exhaust properly. monoxide. Virtually all of the poisonings are preventable. Carbon monoxide is system maintenance inspections by • If your carbon monoxide detector a by-product of combustion of carbon experienced and trained mechanics. alarm sounds, immediately open based material such as gasoline, propane, • Keep forward facing hatches open to windows and doors for ventilation charcoal, or wood. Common sources allow fresh air circulation in accom- and move people into fresh air. Seek aboard boats include main and auxiliary modation spaces, even in inclement medical attention if necessary. Turn engines, generators, cooking ranges, weather. off engines, generators, and any fuel space heaters, and water heaters. Cold burning appliances Don’t ignore the • Keep people clear of the boat’s rear and poorly tuned engines produce more alarm, investigate the source of the deck area and swim platform carbon monoxide than warm properly problem and seek qualified help in while either the generator or engines tuned engines. fixing the problem. 13 are running. Always monitor the Carbon monoxide can collect within a swimming area. If you could see carbon monoxide accumulat- boat in a variety of ways. Exhaust leaks • Do not confuse carbon monoxide ing around your boat it might look like this. (the leading cause of death by carbon poisoning with seasickness or monoxide) can allow carbon monoxide to spread throughout the boat and into intoxication. If someone on board enclosed areas. Even properly vented complains of irritated eyes, headaches, exhaust can re-enter a boat if it’s moored nausea, weakness or dizziness, imme- too close to a dock or another boat, or if diately move the person to fresh air, the exhaust is pushed back investigate the cause and take correc- by prevailing winds. Exhaust can re-enter tive action. Seek medical attention, if boats when cruising under certain con- necessary. ditions especially with canvas in place. • Install a carbon monoxide detector in Exhaust can also collect in enclosed The quagga mussel and Eurasian water- footwear before moving among dif- Invasive Species milfoil are two other aquatic invasive ferent bodies of water. species that are quickly approaching the 3) Be sure to drain livewells prior to park, and there are many others now in moving to a new lake or stream, and Aquatic Invasive Species Threaten North America. Often so small they are Yellowstone Waters – difficult to see, aquatic invasive species only clean fish in the same body of Yellowstone’s world class fisheries are are transported or “hitchhike” from water in which they were caught. threatened by the introduction of aquatic one lake or stream to another within 4) Allowing your boat and other equip- invasive species. These harmful invaders the water of a boat bilge or livewell, in ment to dry in the sun for at least displace native species that are essential mud and sand, and on plant fragments five days after cleaning is also helpful for the growth and survival of fish, such attached to boats, fishing equipment, or since some species cannot survive out as cutthroat trout. These invasive spe- clothing. of water. cies have the potential to impact trout consumers such as eagles, ospreys, and How you can help – Prevent further Prior to being issued a boat permit and 14 grizzly bears, which in turn could cause spread of these invaders by making launching into any of Yellowstone’s a disruption sure all equipment is clean and free of waters all watercrafts are required to be of the Greater destructive aquatic invasive species prior inspected for Aquatic Invasive Species. Yellowstone to entering the park and when moving Yellowstone’s Ecosystem. from one lake or stream to another: world class fisheries are Currently the 1) Prior to entering the park, clean your threatened by New Zealand boat with high pressure hot water the introduction mudsnail and (>140 degrees F), including the bilge the parasite that and livewell areas, and flush your of aquatic causes whirling engine cooling system. invasive species disease in trout are present in 2) Thoroughly clean any mud, vegeta- See page one for boat permit and Aquatic park waters. tion or debris from boats, trailers, Invasive Species Inspection locations. fishing equipment, clothing and Bridge Bay Marina and Grant Village. South, Southeast, & Flat Mountain To access the main body of Yellowstone Arm Regulations Yellowstone Lake Lake from the Bridge Bay Marina, boat- To maintain the wilderness character of ers must travel under a bridge where the South, Southeast, and Flat Mountain Yellowstone Lake is the largest fresh the road crosses the inlet to the marina Arms of Yellowstone Lake, travel restric- water lake above 7000 feet in the United bay. A sailboat with raised mast cannot tions have been enacted. Motorized craft States, and the second largest above 7000 make it under this bridge. Sailboats must are restricted to a wakeless (5 mph) speed feet in the world. Its 136 square miles navigate under the bridge with the mast south of the mouths of the South and with 110 miles of shoreline provide an down and step the mast while on the Southeast Arms. The lower sections of exceptional backcountry experience for water. Once a sailboat has progressed the South, Southeast and Flat Mountain motorized and non-motorized boaters. under the bridge, there is a beach in a Arms are designated as Non-Motor no wake zone that we recom- Zones. Only boats without motors or Launch Locations mend you use to step the mast. A boats which are designed to be hand Boat ramps are located at Bridge Bay retractable keel is helpful under propelled (sailed, rowed, or paddled) Marina and Grant Village. Only boats these circumstances. Please check 15 with motors disabled may travel in which can be carried (canoes/kayaks) with the Bridge Bay Marina rang- the Non-Motor Zone. Disabled means may launch from Sedge Bay along the ers for current water levels, and that the motor propeller has been northeastern shore of Yellowstone Lake. further details on how to safely lifted out of the water and or removed Boats which can be carried may also get under way from Bridge Bay from the transom. From mid-June to launch from the parking area along Marina. Gull Point Drive for day trips only. The October, buoys are installed marking the 5 mph and Non-Motor Zones. It is your Bridge Bay Marina and Grant Village The boat ramp at Grant Village has no responsibility to know where these zones Launch Ramp Lagoon are No Wake overhead obstructions and is generally begin and end even when buoys are not Zones. At Bridge Bay Marina there are steep enough that a sailboat with a keel installed. separate parking areas for day-users and of average depth can be launched with no overnight users. Please consult with the problems. However, if lake levels are very rangers at Bridge Bay for more informa- low a boat with a non-retractable keel tion. may encounter some difficulty. Sailboats may use the boat ramps at Restricted landing and travel areas self-contained vessels may anchor off- ly from the water along some sections of on Yellowstone Lake shore overnight with a valid backcountry shoreline on Yellowstone Lake. Refer to Landing vessels within 25 feet of any permit. the Backcountry Trip Planner and the geothermal area and on the shore line list of campsites and their restrictions for of Yellowstone Lake between Little Stevenson Island – the southern end of detailed information. Thumb Creek and the south end of the island is closed to public use from the West Thumb geothermal area is May 15 until August 15 to protect nest- Parties with backcountry permits which prohibited. ing birds. The northern combine boating and end is open to day use, but backpacking may store Anchoring is prohibited in the Grant there are no docks, fire their boat on land dur- Village Launch Ramp lagoon, the Bridge grates or tables. ing the time they will be Bay Marina, and in Bridge Bay within The tributaries of backpacking provided that 300 yards from shore between the Lake The Molly Islands – the boat is non-motorized, Yellowstone Lake, Hotel and the entrance to the Bridge Bay located in the Southeast small enough to be hand 16 Marina. Arm, the islands are a including north of carried, is stored out of sensitive area for nesting the outlet toward sight of trails, campsites The tributaries of Yellowstone Lake, birds and are closed to any Fishing Bridge, are and the lake, and that no including north of the outlet toward landing. In addition, to closed to boating. food, trash, or odorous Fishing Bridge, are closed to boating. minimize disturbance to items are left in the boat. the resident birds, boaters Caches are not allowed in Frank Island – the entire island, except must travel no closer than the backcountry. for the immediate dock area (southeast- 1/2 mile from the islands With the exception, of ern finger), is closed to public use from or no further than 100 boating equipment (boats, May 15 until August 15 to protect nest- yards from shore between campsites 6A1 paddles, PFD) all other items may not be ing birds. There is a picnic area along and 6A2. left unaccompanied. the southeastern finger of Frank Island which is open to landing, and has a dock, Beaching & Storing Boats outhouse, fire grates, & picnic tables. Due to rocky shorelines and rough On-shore camping is prohibited, but waves, boats must be removed complete- Try to get an early start if you will be travelling along the east shore. Afternoon winds out of the southwest often result in large waves hitting the east shore and making boat travel difficult.

Yellowstone Lake Beware of floating debris, changing weather conditions, and extremely cold water. Be prepared for the unexpected.

17 Shore Proximity Bear Management Area Restrictions Yellowstone Cutthroat Trout spawn in Power boats larger than 16 feet must Bear Management Areas have been the many tributary streams surrounding travel no closer than 1/4 mile from the established in Yellowstone National Yellowstone Lake. Because of the spawn shoreline of the South & Southeast arms. Park to reduce human related impacts and associated concentration of grizzly For reference, the buoys marking the 5 on bears. Much of the shoreline of bears there are a number of campsites in mph zone and non-motorized zone are Yellowstone the arms placed 1/4 mile from shore. Boats are Lake falls of Yellowstone permitted to be closer than 1/4 mile from within the Lake which shore only when accessing campsites boundaries of are closed and and the shoreline to embark or debark or various Bear other campsites when they are stationary fishing from an Management where travel anchored or moored boat. Areas in an away from the effort to pre- core camp or Non-motorized boats and power boats vent human- off of desig- 18 under 16 feet are strongly recommended bear conflicts nated trails to stay within 1/4 mile of shore in the and provide is not allowed event that they need to get to shore areas where prior to July 15. quickly. bears can pursue natural Consult the Docks behavioral Backcountry Docks are located at backcountry camp- patterns free Trip Planner sites 7L5/Wolf Point, 7L6/Eagle Bay, from human for a map of 7M4/Plover Point, and at the southeast- disturbance. The types of restrictions the Bear Management Areas and a list of ern tip of Frank Island. If unoccupied, are area / campsite closures and travel campsites with detailed restrictions. day users may tie up to the docks and limitations during specific times of the use the picnic tables on shore. However, year when bears may be more active in parties with backcountry permits have a specific area. Yellowstone Cutthroat preference for use of these facilities. Trout are a primary food source for many grizzly bears. In the spring, rough water and high waves. At the Lewis Lewis Lake & Lake boat ramp there Shoshone Lake are separate parking areas for day and over- Lewis Lake is the only location other night users. Please pay than Yellowstone Lake where motorized attention to the signs. boats may operate. Shoshone Lake is the largest backcountry lake in the contigu- Motorized boating ous United States and a magnificent is allowed on Lewis wilderness resource. It has no road access Lake only. The non- and only hand-propelled boats may motorized zone begins reach its waters. at the mouth/southern Pulling a canoe up the Lewis River Channel in late-July end of the Lewis River Channel. Parties with motors on their Launch Locations ly season and shallow water later in the 19 boats who are travelling to Shoshone season. You will need to walk upstream A boat ramp is located on the south- Lake must remove the motor from the eastern shore of Lewis Lake near the wading in cold water through a rocky boat and store it on shore upon enter- bottom stream, lining your boat behind. entrance to the campground. Non- ing the Lewis River Channel. For added motorized Having at least fifteen feet of rope security boaters may wish to use a chain makes this an easier task. In June and boaters are encouraged to launch from and lock to secure their motor. the boat ramp and travel along the more early-July, during spring run-off, expect protected western shore. Non-motorized extremely cold water temperatures and Lewis River boats which can be hand carried may water depths of 3–4 feet. You may wish also be launched from a roadside pullout The Lewis River Channel between Lewis to consider wearing a wetsuit if you are along the northeast shore, but the and Shoshone Lakes is approximately planning a trip during the early season. northeast shore launch location has 3 miles long. Paddling upstream on the By mid-July, run-off starts to subside and very limited parking and is not recom- Lewis River Channel is not possible for water temperatures slowly warm. mended due to potentially dangerous about the northern most mile of the channel due to a swift current in the ear- Shoshone Geyser Basin develop suddenly at any time putting you lake’s outlet near campsite 8S1. However, Boaters can access the geyser basin via in a dangerous situation if you are far most days, winds on Shoshone Lake the small bay in the northwest end of the from shore. come from the southwest causing the lake where there is a landing area and a east shore to be pummeled by 2-3 foot trail to the basin. Look for a large orange We suggest you select a site on the south- or larger waves making paddling dif- marker identifying the landing area. Do ern shore of the lake for the first night ficult if not impossible and dangerous. If not leave food items unattended in your of any overnight trip. Plan itineraries so your itinerary takes you to the northeast boat. A food storage box is located at the that you make any open water crossings corner of the lake you should include in landing area for you to store any food in the early morning before winds pick your plans time to travel between these and odorous items while you visit the up (around 10 a.m.). Early mornings locations via the Narrows and the more geyser basin. A trail leads from the land- typically have the calmest weather on protected sections of shoreline. ing area into the geyser basin. For your Shoshone Lake, however strong winds safety, please stay on the trail while visit- may occur at any time. Carefully evaluate ing the geyser basin. conditions and wait 20 out storms and Narrows strong winds at a The Narrows is the section in the middle safe location on of Shoshone Lake where the north and shore if needed. south shores are closest (approximately 1/2 mile). If you need to make an open East Shore water crossing you should evaluate The east shore of conditions wisely and cross only at the Shoshone Lake, at Narrows. first appearance, may look like Crossing between the north and south the easiest route shore at places other than the Narrows is between campsite strongly discouraged due to the length of 8S2, the time you are exposed and far from shore. northeast corner Winds and waves on Shoshone Lake can of the lake and the 21

Non-Motorized Zone For More Information

To obtain a Backcountry Trip Planner contact the Central Backcountry Office at (307) 344- 2160 or look for it online at www. nps.gov/yell/planyourvisit/back- countryhiking.htm

• Bridge Bay Backcountry Office (mid-May – Sept.) 307-242-2413 • Grant Village Backcountry Office (June – September) 307-344-2609 • Yellowstone Forever (books & maps) 406-848-2400 or www.Yellowstone.org • Xanterra Bridge Bay Marina – Yellowstone Lake Boat Shuttle Reservations 307-242-3893 (sum- mer) or 307-344-5217 (winter) • Xanterra Reservations (Hotel, Campground, Activities) 866-439-7375 • Emergency 911

For additional information on boating safety contact or visit: • USCG Boating Safety www.uscgboating.org

NPS Boating Regulations can be found in Title 36, Part 3 of the Code of Federal Regulations online at https:// www.gpo.gov/fdsys/browse/collec- tioncfr.action?collectionCode=CFR It is your responsibility to know and obey the United States Coast Guard and State of Wyoming regulations for Printed on recycled paper boat operation and safety. ver.0317