YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK — On Tuesday afternoon, Yellowstone National Park (YNP) announced an early opening date for fishing season in 2026 on three popular park rivers.

Instead of opening on the Saturday of Memorial Day Weekend, as is the standard fishing season opening day, the Firehole River, Gibbon River and Madison River will open for fishing access on May 1, according to YNP. Fishing season on these rivers will end Oct. 31, the same date as the standing fishing season in the park.

“Temporary, partial, or full fishing closures typically occur later in the fishing season on these three waterways due to warm water temperatures and low river flows,” reads the news release. “The earlier opening date of May 1 will align fishing access with more optimal angling and water conditions. No adverse impacts to the fisheries are anticipated with this extension.”

The sections that are expected to open on May 1 include:

  • The Firehole River and all associated tributaries downstream to the confluence with the Gibbon River at Madison Junction
  • The Gibbon River and all associated tributaries from the bridge on the Grand Loop Road at the Norris Campground entrance downstream to the confluence with the Firehole River at Madison Junction
  • The Madison River and all associated tributaries from the confluence of the Gibbon and Firehole rivers at Madison Junction downstream to the Montana/Wyoming state line (The Madison River from the state line downstream is open to fishing year-round)

Learn more about fishing regulations in YNP here.

Monica is a Staff Reporter who studied journalism at Syracuse University and has been in the valley since 2015. She loves writing about the local food and bev scene, especially craft beer. When she’s not on the clock, you can find her paddle boarding, sewing, or whipping up a new recipe at home.