YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK — Soaring summer temps have prompted the closure of certain rivers in Yellowstone National Park (YNP) during the afternoons and overnight.
Water temperatures in some rivers and streams have exceeded 68ºF recently, and river flows are low. YNP stated in an announcement that air temperatures are forecast to hit highs near 90ºF in the coming days. Effective today, the following rivers are closed to fishing daily from 2 p.m. to sunrise: the Madison River and all associated tributaries, the Firehole River and all associated tributaries, and the Gibbon River and all associated tributaries downstream of Norris Campground.
“These conditions are lethal to trout, and the closure will protect the park’s native and wild trout fisheries and will remain in effect until conditions improve,” YNP wrote. “Staff will continue to monitor the water temperatures. The closure may be lifted, or additional restrictions and closures may be put in place depending on condition assessments.”
The park asks anglers to fish during the coolest times of day and land fish quickly. Do not play hooked trout to exhaustion, and gently handle fish in the water as much as possible to let them recover before release.
This spring, YNP opened these three rivers for fishing weeks earlier than normal. This extension of the season allowed for fishing during a time of more optimal angling and water conditions. View the park’s 2026 fishing regulations here.
“Your cooperation will protect the park’s fisheries,” YNP stated.
