Warm-water temperatures and low river flows prompt fishing closures in Yellowstone National Park

By: Daily Montanan Staff - July 15, 2024 4:10 am

Anglers cast their lines on the Firehole River in Wyoming. (Courtesy of Yellowstone National Park)

Beginning today, some Yellowstone National Park rivers will close to fishing due to warm water temperatures and low river flows. The closure will protect the park’s native and wild trout fisheries and remain in effect until conditions improve, according to a press release from the National Park Service.

What will be closed?

The Madison River and all associated tributaries.
The Firehole River and all associated tributaries.
The Gibbon River and all associated tributaries downstream of Norris Campground.
The closure will be reassessed when water temperatures cool and flows return to more typical summer conditions.

National Park Service staff will continue to monitor park rivers and streams for warm temperatures and low flows, and watch weather forecasts. The extended forecast calls for continued hot and dry conditions with a slight chance of isolated afternoon thunderstorms, which contribute to continued low stream flows and warm-water temperatures.

Additional closures or restrictions may be implemented if necessary, according to the press release.

What will be open?

Yellowstone Lake and other lakes will remain open to fishing from sunrise to sunset as specified in the Fishing Regulations 2024 booklet.
All other rivers and streams not listed as closed.

Water temperatures have exceeded 68 degrees Fahrenheit in recent days and flows on many rivers, streams and creeks are low. These conditions are extremely stressful to fish and can be fatal. The National Park Service encourages anglers to fish during the coolest times of day and land fish quickly.

“Do not play hooked trout to exhaustion,” the press release said. “Gently handle fish in the water as much as possible and let them recover before release. Your cooperation will protect the park’s fisheries.”

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