Yellowstone Fishing Regulations National Park

For More Information Two management If you have questions about information in this guide, please contact: areas Visitor Services Office P.O. Box 168 Barbless hook Yellowstone National Park, WY 82190 307-344-2107 ONLY To read the Yellowstone fisheries and aquatic sciences annual reports, go to: www.nps.gov/yell/planyourvisit/ publications.htm

Know Your Fish —If it has a red slash, put it back!

Clean Your Gear —Do not bring aquatic invasive species into Yellowstone!

Covers: Joe Tomelleri (fluvial Arctic grayling, Yellowstone cutthroat trout, Snake River finespotted cutthroat trout, westslope cutthroat trout); page 3: Sandra Nykerk; page 4: Ron Hedrick, U. California/ Davis; Dan Gustafson; Fl. Dept. of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Division of Plant Industry (from USGS website); Ted Snider, Ill. Natural History Survey; Mark Anderson, Glen Canyon NRA; David Riecks, U. Illinois/Urbana–Champaign (from SGNIS website); p. 5: State of Washington, Depts. of Fish and Wildlife, and Ecology; p. 7: Todd Koel; p. 14: Jeff Hetrick; p. 16: Nathan Varley; p. 17: NPS photo. All illustrations and photos listed here © by originator except NPS photo, which is public domain.

Printed on recycled paper & vegetable ink u Revised February 2006; Reprinted March 2009 How to Use These Regulations Contents

1. Familiarize yourself with the GENERAL REGULATIONS, listed on pages Aquatic Invasive Species ...... 4–5 6–7. They include permit requirements for fishing, boats, and float tubes; General Regulations—fishing & boating ...... 6–7 tackle & bait restrictions; and size or possession limits. Management Area Limits and Map ...... 8–10 Exceptions to General Regulations ...... 10 2. See the map on pages 8–10 to determine which of the two management areas within the park—the Native Trout Conservation Fish Identification and Distribution ...... 11–13 Area or the Wild Trout Enhancement Area—you will be in. Releasing Fish ...... 14 Volunteer Programs ...... 15 3. Read the POSSESSION LIMITS BY MANAGEMENT AREA on page 8 to Angler Etiquette ...... 15 determine the allowed harvest. Catch-and-release is mandatory for Illegal Actions/Reporting Violations ...... 15 cutthroat trout and all other native species in both management areas. Yellowstone’s Fishery ...... 16 Frequently Asked Questions ...... 17 4. Check if the stream or lake you will be fishing is listed on page 10 in the For More Information ...... Back Cover EXCEPTIONS TO GENERAL REGULATIONS.

Stay Safe & Legal You are responsible for following all park regula- tions. Consult Yellowstone Today, Backcountry Trip Planner, or rangers at visitor centers and backcountry offices. u Stay on established trails in thermal areas for your safety and to protect these fragile areas. u Stay at least 100 yards from bears and wolves, and 25 yards from all other animals. u know how to avoid bears and what to do if you encounter a bear. u carry bear pepper spray and know how to use it. u Do not feed any animals, including birds.

Help preserve Yellowstone for the future. 3 Aquatic Invasive Species

Already here Three invasive species already exist in Yellowstone’s waters: Whirling disease parasite causes deformities in young native trout, which then cannot feed normally and are vulnerable to predation . Whirling disease exists in Pelican Creek and its tributaries, one of the largest aquatic systems draining into Yellowstone Lake . New Zealand mud snails occur in many park streams, where whirling disease parasite they consume aquatic vegetation that immature trout and other native species depend on. ­ Lake trout, a non-native predatory species, were introduced to Yellowstone and Heart lakes, which are native cutthroat waters . They grow much larger than native cutthroat trout and consume the native trout’s young and adults, and compete with the native trout for food . Prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species Before you enter Yellowstone National Park and any time you move to another body of water New Zealand mud snail within the park: Clean your boat

lake trout Clean your gear 1. Remove ALL visible mud, plants, fish, or other tiny animals from your boats, trailers, and On their way other equipment, including waders, boots, clothing, and nets . These invasive species are likely to arrive in Yellowstone: 2. DO NOT dump any water from other sources into Yellowstone waters . Drain your boat hull Eurasian water-milfoil grows in lakes, ponds, shallow and live well in a safe location (a flat, paved, dirt, or gravel area) away from all park surface reservoirs, and calm areas of rivers and streams . It is particularly waters . troublesome in water bodies that experience abundant motorboat use 3. NEVER empty bait or release fish, other animals, or plants into a body of water unless they (such as Bridge Bay) . Milfoil colonizes new habitats just from stem came out of it . It is illegal to transport live fish within the park . fragments transported by boating equipment . Eurasian water-milfoil 4. CLEAN AND DRY EVERYTHING that comes in contact with water before entering a new Exotic plankton, such as spiny waterflea, displace native body of water, following these directions: zooplankton and are difficult for young fish to eat because of their long spines . Plankton eggs can remain dormant for decades, even u Dry everything in the sun for 5 days or surviving passage through fish guts to colonize new waters . u Use high-pressure, hot (>104°F) water (available at car washes outside the park) to clean your Zebra mussel adults are usually the size of your fingernail, but can boat, trailer, waders, and equipment spiny waterflea (plankton) grow to two inches in length . The larvae (immature form) can be so tiny that you cannot see them . However, exotic species larvae can live in mud, dirt, sand, and on plant fragments . Dispose of all bait before you enter Yellowstone National Park No natural or organic bait such as minnows, salmon eggs, worms, insects, or foodstuffs—alive Exotic fish species, such as bighead carp, silver carp, and others or dead—are allowed in Yellowstone National Park. ­See General Regulation 4b on page 6 for can irreversibly damage ecosystems through competition with native zebra mussel details and the one exception . fish .

4 5 bighead carp General Regulations

1 Fishing Hours & Season Dates 3 Boat & Float Tube Permits 5 Bridge & Boat Dock Restrictions The season begins the Saturday of Memorial All types of vessels—including float tubes— No fishing from any road bridge or boat dock . Day weekend (usually the last weekend in require a boat permit . Fees are charged . Float May) and extends through the first Sunday in tubes are not allowed on certain lakes or on 6 Size & Possession Limits November . Exceptions are listed on page 10 . any river or stream in Yellowstone except the a. Size and possession limits vary by species Open daily from sunrise to sunset . Fishing with Lewis River between Lewis and Shoshone and management area . The maximum an artificial light is prohibited . Some areas are lakes . Obtain permits in person at the South number of fish an angler can keep is five closed to human entry, have trail or seasonal Entrance, Lewis Lake Campground, Grant fish per day . An angler must cease fishing closures, off-trail travel and daylight hour Village Backcountry Office, and Bridge Bay immediately after filling the possession limitations, or party size recommendations . Ranger Station . Obtain non-motorized permits limit . Exceptions: all lake trout caught from See the Bear Management Area restrictions in (only) at Mammoth, Canyon, or Old Faithful Yellowstone Lake must be killed; no limit the Backcountry Trip Planner for specific backcountry offices, Northeast Entrance, the for lake trout caught from Heart Lake . rules and information . West Yellowstone Visitor Information Center, Possession limits include all fish—fresh, and the Bechler Ranger Station . Streams may be temporarily closed due to stored, or preserved . low water levels and high water tempera- b. Fish that do not meet the specified size tures to protect fish populations. 4 Tackle & Bait Restrictions restrictions must be returned carefully and immediately to the waters from which 2 Fishing Permits a. Each angler may use only one rod or line, they were taken . Unintentionally killed which must be attended at all times . fish should also be returned to the water Where to Take a. When required, anglers must be in b. Only artificial lures and flies may be used . so they can be consumed by wildlife . It is Young Anglers possession of a valid Yellowstone National No natural or organic bait such as minnows, the responsibility of the angler to be able to Park fishing permit to fish in the park . A salmon eggs, worms, insects, or foodstuffs measure fish lengths and to identify fish by Families and young anglers can enjoy fishing fee permit is required for anglers 16 years are allowed . Scented attractants are illegal . species . together in many locations throughout the of age or older . Anglers 15 years of age or Exception: Gardner River drainage, where park . Park rangers’ kids recommend: younger have two options: children 11 years of age or younger may 7 Evidence of Fish Species fish with worms as bait. See map and chart u Mammoth: Blacktail Deer Creek, Indian 1. Children 15 or younger may fish on pages 8–10, or inquire at the Mammoth If you keep any fish, you must leave the skin Creek near campground, Gardner River at without a permit if they are fishing under Visitor Center. attached to the fish so the fish species can be the picnic area between the North Entrance the direct supervision of an adult who c. Hooks must be barbless, or barbs must be visibly identified . In the Lewis River system and Mammoth, Joffe Lake has a valid park fishing permit . pinched down by pliers . above the Lewis River Falls, including the u Lake: Yellowstone Lake along Gull Point 2. Children 15 or younger may obtain d. Lures may have only one hook with a single, Lewis Channel and Shoshone Lake, you Drive or at Sand Point a free permit that must be signed by a double, or treble configuration . No fish may keep only one fish greater than 20˝ and responsible adult; with this permit, a u Grant: Aster Creek near Lewis Falls, Lewis snagging is allowed . it—along with all other fish in your possession, child can fish without direct adult super- Lake shoreline e. Flies may have only one hook with a single while in transit or in the field—must be whole vision . point . Up to two flies may be used on a with head, skin, fins, and tail attached . Gills u East Entrance: Middle Creek, Sylvan Lake With either option, the adult is responsible for single leader . and entrails may be removed from all fish u Norris: Gibbon River at Virginia Meadows the child’s actions and must ensure the child f. Leaded fishing tackle such as leaded split- in possession but discarded only within the or other meadow reaches, Solfatara Creek complies with all fishing regulations and shot sinkers, weighted jigs (lead molded to waters where the fish were caught . near campground provisions . a hook), and soft lead-weighted ribbon for u nymph fishing are not allowed . Lead core Madison: Gibbon River near Tuff Cliffs b. Park rangers may check permits, inspect 8 Disposal of Fish & Entrails tackle, fish, creels, or other containers line and heavy (> 4 lb ). downrigger weights u Old Faithful: Goose Lake, Firehole River at used to fish for deep-dwelling lake trout are picnic areas, Nez Perce Creek where fish or tackle may be stored . You must dispose of fish and fish entrails permissible because they are too large to be within the waters where the fish was caught u Northeast area: Pebble Creek near ingested by wildlife . and at least 100 feet from backcountry campground, Trout Lake 6 campsites . For more instructions for fish and 7 entrail disposal, see page 13 . Possession & Length Limits By Management Area Exceptions to General Regulations

Gallatin CT If a stream or lake is not listed by name or as a tributary, general regulations en im Spec apply. You must follow bear management and hydrothermal area restric- North Entrance Knowles Falls wood Native Trout Conservation Area CT CT, MW, RT, BK, BN g h Northeast tions listed in the Backcountry Trip Planner, which is available in backcountry n g CT otton MW i u

r C o Entrance Mammoth CT, MW a Sl o RT e r o l offices or at www.nps.gov/yell/planyourvisit/publications.htm. This area conserves native trout in their ell l n Hot Springs RT, BN H a b f Fa b f McBride Glen u e remaining drainages, including: CT Gardner Blacktail P B Lake BK Ponds 1 MW Blacktail a . Closed to fishing: Firehole River from road bridge ⁄2 mile upstream of Old Faithful to road u Gallatin, Yellowstone, Shoshone, CT Madison & Gallatin RT Joffee bridge at Biscuit Basin; Firehole River 200 yards either side of Midway footbridge; Madison Gallatin RT River Drainages Snake, and Falls rivers, tributaries, and BN Lake BK Shrimp Lake te ut (including Firehole and River from Seven Mile Bridge upstream 250 yards . Tower L Buck Lake B associated lakes BK a a Panther Junction Tower Fall m Trout Lake d ar So Gibbon rivers and b . Flyfishing only: Madison River, Firehole River, Gibbon River below Gibbon Falls (not including a u Hebgen Lake tributaries and associated RT Gardner Lav CT their tributaries) . Use only artificial flies regardless of the type of rod or line . BK CT tributaries) lakes, including Cougar Creek, Duck RT Tower e CT h BK RT c Indian a Creek, and Grayling Creek systems RT C a . Heart Lake opens to fishing July 1 due to bear activity . BN BK BK Agate Snake River Drainage This area does not include the Lewis River (Snake and Lewis rivers and b . No size or possession limit on lake trout caught in Heart Lake . Grayling CT tributaries)

system above Lewis River Falls (Lewis and s c . Above Lewis River Falls, one fish >20˝; all fish in possession must remain whole . See p . 7, s BK ei RT n e Shoshone lakes and tributaries) . Duck G Obsidian n C Section 7 . BN o alfee st CT GY ow Cougar Maple GY ll Possession and length limits: Ye Miller Lower Yellowstone a . Agate and Cottonwood creeks, and portions of the Yellowstone River within 100 yards of these RT CT bon u Catch and release all native species . BK Gib Canyon Silver Cord River Drainage creeks, open to fishing July 15 . BK Norris Cascade u Possession limit: 5 combined non- RT RT CT (Yellowstone and Lamar b . Gardner River, Obsidian, Indian, and Panther creeks, and Joffe Lake: Children 11 years of age or Cougar BN Chittenden Bridge La younger may fish with worms as bait . native fish any size per day . er m Rivers & tributaries between GY RT GY Ott a CT r

u All lake trout from Yellowstone Lake MW MW Y CT North Park Boundary and c . Slough Creek upper meadows have been invaded by rainbow trout . If you are positive of your BN e l l o fish identification, please harvest rainbow trout here to help conserve cutthroat trout . must be killed . w Chittenden Bridge near um Madison l st A o u Gibbon Falls n No possession limit on lake trout in West Entrance t e Canyon) d . Trout, Shrimp, and Buck lakes, and connecting waters, open to fishing June 15 . The stream and Madiso Gibbon ou n Tr Sulphur Caldron CT Heart Lake . er inlet area that drains into Trout Lake opens to fishing July 15 . F tl ir n CT e RT A h LeHardys Rapids e . Closed to fishing: Yellowstone River, from Chittenden Bridge downstream through the Grand ce k Mud o er l l BK Nez P n e E Volcano a lic Canyon of the Yellowstone to a point directly below Silver Cord Cascade . BN Pe Wild Trout Enhancement Area RT Sedge BK Lake Middle Yellowstone a . Fishing season opens July 15 . CT Turbid Lake BN y This area conserves native trout and some ir Bridge Bay River Drainage b . Permanently closed to fishing: a Fishing F Seasonal Bear Closure Area non-native trout . It includes: Midway Bridge (between Chittenden i . Fishing Bridge and an area one mile downstream (toward Canyon) and one-quarter mile Arnica East Entrance u RT Bridge near Canyon and upstream (toward Yellowstone Lake) from the bridge . Madison River, its tributaries and ole Cub Little Fireh BN associated lakes (but not including r Yellowstone Lake) ii . The Yellowstone River for 100 yards up- and downstream of LeHardys Rapids . Yellowstone Clea Biscuit Basin Old Faithful Lake streams and associated lakes tributary Sylvan le iii . The entire west channel of the Yellowstone River near the road at Nez Perce Ford . CT, LT CT Eleanor d

CT d to Hebgen Lake) L. Lake Lake i y b BN M c Thum iv . The Yellowstone River and its tributaries through Hayden Valley from the confluence of a e u L West in BK

Lewis River system above the Lewis e mb Alum Creek upstream (toward Yellowstone Lake) to Sulphur Caldron . D

Thumb lu RT Thum Co River Falls, including Lewis and Grant ehole b Fir Yellowstone Lake and a . Fishing season on Yellowstone Lake opens June 15 . Shoshone Lakes and their tributaries BK BN CT BK am Upper Yellowstone b . Streams flowing into Yellowstone Lake (its tributaries) and areas within 100 yards of each LT SHOSHONE CT rd Possession and length limits: e LAKE av River Drainage stream’s outlet open July 15 . u Catch and release all native species . Be Riddle (Lake & tributaries) c . Clear and Cub creeks open August 11 due to bear activity . u Catch and release all rainbow trout and Lake CT Y LEWIS MW ellow d . Sylvan and Eleanor lakes open to fishing July 15 . Boats and float tubes are prohibited . st brown trout . B BN LAKE o Area within o LT n u e n BK CT BK closed to fishing

u T e . Permanently closed to fishing: d Possession limit: 5 combined brook ra

C i a LT l r HEART h y CT i p trout or lake trout . Exception: In the CT LAKE i . Pelican Creek and its tributaries . m e RT r s u le u n h o k Lewis River system above the Lewis r ii . The shoreline of Yellowstone Lake from West Thumb Geyser basin to Little Thumb Creek (to ec B G

s Closed to all fishing River Falls, this combination may BK i protect fragile thermal resources) . w e include two brown trout . RT L CT iii . Bridge Bay Marina/Harbor & Grant Village Marina/Harbor and their channels to the lake . MW CT u Flyfishing ONLY Above Lewis River Falls, one fish >20˝; Sn f . All lake trout caught in Yellowstone Lake, its tributaries, and the Yellowstone CT ak all fish in possession must remain e River must be killed. If you do not want to keep the fish, puncture the air bladder (see page foldout of edge CT, RT 8 lls 10 whole . Fa South Entrance Road drawing page 13) and drop it into water as deep as possible . Species Regulations and Descriptions

The map on the reverse side indicates known locations of fish species within the boundaries Non-Natives Non-Natives of Yellowstone National Park, using the two-letter abbreviations below . This map is provided as an aid to anglers fishing for particular species and does not imply a legal basis for species pale haloes around black spots Brown Trout—BN Brook Trout—BK worm-like markings light spots, dark background distribution . It is your responsibility to distinguish one fish species from another. Natives

dark spots, yellowish/brownish red spots Cutthroat Trout—CT few spots on head background Native Trout Conservation Area: dark & light edge on fins CATCH & RELEASE ONLY 5 fish any size in combination Native Trout Conservation Area: Wild Trout Enhancement Area: CATCH AND RELEASE 5 fish any size in combination EXCEPT Lewis River System (Lewis Lake, Lewis Channel, and Wild Trout Enhancement Area: 5 fish any size in combination Shoshone Lake and tributaries) TWO FISH (only one fish of any Distributed in Gallatin, Gibbon, Widely distributed due to historic stocking, however, brook trout do not exist in Yellowstone Lake, only species with red slash never white on Firehole, Madison, Lewis, species over 20˝; all fish in possession must remain whole) Yellowstone River above the Upper Falls, or the Gallatin River. edge of fins Snake, and Gardner rivers, and the Yellowstone River. Brown trout do not exist in Yellowstone Two subspecies: Yellowstone (large spotted form Lake, Bechler or Falls rivers. & fine spotted form, aka Snake River cutthroat) & Lake Trout—LT deeply forked tail Westslope. All fish with red slash are considered numerous spots on head Widely distributed in many drainages cutthroat. If it has a red slash, put it back. Rainbow Trout—RT numerous spots on head Arctic Grayling—GY large, sail-like dorsal fin CATCH & RELEASE ONLY often white white spots, dark background on edge of fins

small scales often white 1. Yellowstone Lake, its tributaries, and the on edge of fins Yellowstone River: All lake trout caught must be killed . If you Native Trout Conservation Area: do not want to keep the fish, puncture the air bladder and drop it dark spots on front 5 fish any size in combination Distributed in Heart, Lewis, into water as deep as possible . half of body large scales Wild Trout Enhancement Area: CATCH AND RELEASE Shoshone, and Yellowstone 2. Heart Lake: No size or possession limit . Do not discard lake Lakes. trout carcasses along lake shore as they will attract bears . Widely distributed due to historic stocking, however, rainbow trout do not exist in Yellowstone Lake, Yellowstone River above the Upper Falls, or the Snake River. 3. Lewis Lake, Lewis Channel, and Shoshone Lake and Distributed throughout Gibbon River, sometimes in Madison and Firehole rivers their tributaries: FIVE FISH in combination (only one fish of any species over 20˝; all fish in possession must remain whole) . Mountain Whitefish—MW A Note about Hybridized (genetically impure) Cutthroat Trout If you do not want to keep You are allowed to use special gear to fish for lake trout, such as lead- lake trout, puncture the air core line and heavy (> 4 lb ). downrigger weights to allow targeting CATCH & RELEASE ONLY In cutthroat trout waters where rainbow trout have been introduced, either by intentional, historic body almost round on cross-section stocking or by invasion from a downstream source, the result has been a serious degradation of bladder and drop it into lake trout deep within the lake . If you accidentally hook a cutthroat the cutthroat trout population through interbreeding of the two species . Presently, hybridized water as deep as possible . In trout at great depths and bring it to the surface, handle it quickly cutthroat trout exist throughout the Bechler, Falls, Gallatin, Gardner, and Lamar rivers, and the the backcountry, dispose of and release it carefully, so it won’t die. Yellowstone River below the Upper Falls. ­ fish entrails and remains in fast moving or deep water air bladder after puncturing the air small mouth, no teeth Cutthroat/rainbow trout hybrids will have characteristics (coloration and spotting patterns) that bladder . When fishing from large scales are consistent with the two species, making identification often difficult . In all cases, hybridized shore, consider wrapping cutthroat trout that have any indication of a red/orange jaw slash are fully protected by catch- entrails around a rock and and-release regulation . “If it has a red slash, put it back.” 11 Distributed throughout Snake and Lewis rivers, other areas as noted in map throwing into deep water . 13 Releasing Fish Volunteer Anglers Angler Etiquette

To briefly hold Yellowstone Volunteer u Use established trails and avoid sensitive a fish before Flyfishing Program wetland vegetation such as bogs and seeps . releasing it, follow Heavy trail use in these areas causes erosion Since 2002, anglers have been directly assisting this angler’s and loss of habitat essential to many of example—hold the Yellowstone’s fisheries staff . Using catch-and- Yellowstone’s wildlife . fish carefully with release angling to capture fish, they gather u wet hands. Anglers must stay on established trails in biological information on fish populations thermal areas and must not cross these located throughout the park . Their projects areas or approach thermal features . have included: u Avoid using the streambed as a pathway . the fish with your hands to see what it u determining the range of hybridized Your footsteps can damage aquatic habitats does . If it struggles to keep itself upright, Yellowstone cutthroat trout in the Lamar and kill eggs and/or fry in the gravel . hold the fish around its tail and beneath River and its major tributaries u Do not overfish a good fishing area . Fish for its belly with its head facing upstream into u documenting the Pebble Creek and Beula a while, and then move on . the current . Move the fish gently back and Lake fisheries u Do not encroach on another angler’s space forth toward and away from the current . u documenting the status and movement and keep out of sight of other anglers, if You should notice the gills opening and patterns of grayling originating in Grebe and possible . closing due to the rush of water . This is like Wolf lakes of the Gibbon River system u During late July and August, when water giving a fish mouth to mouth resuscitation . u documenting the status and genetic temperatures can be high, do most of your When the fish has recovered it should swim uniqueness of westslope cutthroat trout in fishing early and late in the day . Allow fish u For all native fish and any non-native fish away on its own . you are intending to release, bring the fish Grayling Creek to rest during the heat of the day . u Hooks and lures typically have barbs when in as quickly as possible . Do not play the Through this program, volunteer anglers fish to exhaustion . purchased . With small pliers you must pinch down the barbs . Without barbs more experience many fisheries issues first hand, and u Unhook the fish in quiet water such as an skill is required in landing and bringing their biological data increases understanding of Illegal Actions eddy or slow spot . Do not drag the fish in fish but hook removal is easier and less the park’s fisheries . across land . Use a forceps or small needle- traumatic to the fish and perhaps yourself . nosed pliers to quickly remove the hook . u Spinning lures typically have three hooks The Volunteer Angler Report— u To possess a native cutthroat trout, or any u If you must handle the fish, always make called treble hooks . With wire cutters you Your Chance to Contribute other native fish . sure your hands are wet . (Fish have a u can snip off one of the hooks or snap one Since 1973, anglers have been providing To bring into the park any live or dead bait protective mucous film sensitive to dry off with pliers; you also must pinch down valuable fishery information to Yellowstone (minnows, leeches, salamanders, etc), with human hands ). all the barbs . Two hooks are still effective National Park managers by filling out the one exception . (See page 6, section 4b ). u u The best way to hold a fish (with wet and easier to remove and less traumatic . Volunteer Angler Report (VAR) card, which is To transport live fish within the park . u To move water, sediment, fish, fish eggs, hands) is one hand around the tail section u If the fish is deeply hooked, cut the line— issued with each fishing permit . Managers use aquatic invertebrates, or plants from one and the other beneath the belly just behind do not pull out the hook . Most fish survive this information to estimate angling pressure, the pectoral fins . Never grab or hold a fish landing and creel rates, sizes of fish landed, water body to another . with hooks left in them . u through the gills unless it is already dead . and angler satisfaction . For many park waters, To use parts of trout or any other fish for u When filling out the Volunteer Angler these reports are the only data available . Help bait . u If you want a photo of the fish, make sure Report (see at right), you can use your u us manage your park’s fisheries by completing To put any substance in the water for the the photographer is ready before you rod to quickly estimate the length of your and returning your VAR card, whether or not purpose of attracting fish (chumming) . handle the fish . Make it quick . fish . Just measure and mark (with tape or u you actually fished or caught fish . To obtain To leave a fishing line unattended . u nail polish) various lengths on your rod . Never just throw a fish back into the water . a summary of the data, indicate so in the Remember, the less time the fish is handled If you witness a violation, If a fish becomes passive, it is probably comment section and include your email or please out of the water the better chance it has of close to exhaustion . Gently remove the postal address . report it immediately to a law enforcement hook within calm water, then lightly cradle recovering . ranger, or call 307-344-7381 and press “zero” to immediately reach park dispatch . 14 15 Yellowstone’s Fishery Frequently Asked Questions

u 11 native species including 3 sport fish: factors . Large-scale habitat degradation—such How many cutthroat trout (2 subspecies), fluvial Arctic as water diversions or water pollution—has anglers come grayling, and mountain whitefish . not occurred in the park . to Yellowstone u 5 non-native species: brook trout, brown each year? The Impact of Non-Native Trout trout, lake trout, rainbow trout, lake chub . About 50,000 of u More than 220 lakes comprise approxi- Non-native trout are important to the angler the park’s three mately 107,000 surface acres in Yellowstone; experience in Yellowstone, but they contribute million visitors fish 94 percent can be attributed to Yellowstone, to the decline in the park’s native cutthroat while they are in Shoshone, Lewis, and Heart lakes . trout and fluvial Arctic grayling by competing Yellowstone . u 1,000 streams make up more than 2,650 for food and habitat, preying on native fish, miles of running water . and degrading the genetic integrity of native Why can’t we u Cutthroat trout are a primary food for bald fish by mating with them and creating hybrids . fish from eagles, ospreys, pelicans, otters, and grizzly Fishing Bridge? bears . Maintaining Native Fish Genetics Fishing Bridge, History of Fisheries Management Non-native rainbow trout interbreed with situated over a native cutthroat trout, producing hybrids . cutthroat trout When Yellowstone became a national park, Once this happens, a cutthroat population can spawning area, was more than 40 percent of its waters were be restored to genetic purity only if all fish are once a popular place barren of fish—including Shoshone Lake, removed from a stream and genetically pure to fish (photo) . Lewis Lake, and the Firehole River above cutthroat are reintroduced . To reduce hybrid- Declining numbers Firehole Falls . Early park managers trans- ization in the park’s cutthroat trout waters, of cutthroat trout downrigger weights used to fish for deep- planted fish into new locations, produced anglers are encouraged to harvest rainbow caused park officials to close the bridge to dwelling lake trout are permissible because more fish in hatcheries, and introduced trout . fishing to protect the spawning fish . Now they are too large to be ingested by wildlife ). non-native species . By the mid-20th century, the bridge is a popular place to observe and more than 310 million fish had been stocked Maintaining the Park’s photograph fish . How do anglers help Yellowstone? in the park . Stocking no longer occurs . About Ecological Integrity Why are barbless hooks required? Fly fishing is a major industry in the Greater 40 lakes have fish; the remainder were either Yellowstone Ecosystem, and park anglers In Yellowstone, bald eagles, ospreys, not stocked or have reverted to their original Many fish have been injured or deformed by spend millions here annually . Angler groups pelicans, otters, grizzly bears, and other fishless condition . barbed hooks, especially in the park’s popular have supported management actions, such as wildlife take precedence over humans in streams, such as the Yellowstone River and catch-and-release of native species and closing Native Fish utilizing fish as food. ­Fish management and Soda Butte Creek . Barbless hooks reduce hook the Fishing Bridge to fishing, and have helped regulations reflect this priority . For example, The ranges and densities of the park’s native injuries and the time you need to handle the fund research on aquatic systems . In addition, some waters are closed to fishing to protect fish species have been substantially altered fish, and improve the overall condition of anglers help by: threatened and endangered species, and during the past century due to exploitation, trout in heavily-fished waters of the park . sensitive nesting birds . Regulations ban u correctly identifying fish and selectively introduction of exotic species, and natural Why is fishing lead-free in lead tackle because the lead concentrates removing non-native trout in waters where Yellowstone? in aquatic environments, they are causing harm (such as the upper posing a risk of lead Lead is a severe environmental contaminant meadows of Slough Creek) poisoning to waterfowl and a toxic substance that has no known u removing lake trout, a non-native fish that might ingest it . Only beneficial biological function . Wildlife, such that preys on an important population of non-toxic alternatives to as loons, waterfowl, cranes, and shorebirds, Yellowstone cutthroat trout in Yellowstone lead are allowed . (See page are vulnerable to lead poisoning . Of particular Lake 6, 4b, for one exception.) concern in Yellowstone are the alarmingly low u taking actions to prevent the spread of populations of trumpeter swans and loons . To aquatic invasive species (see pages 4–5) ­­­ minimize the effects of lead on these species, u filling out and returning the Volunteer Yellowstone National Park bans most lead Angler Report card (see page 15) 16 tackle . (Lead core line and heavy [> 4 lb ]. 17