YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK — Yellowstone National Park (YNP) announced that select rivers in the park will be closed to anglers from 2 p.m. to sunrise starting Thursday, June 19, due to warm water temperatures and low river flows.
The Madison River and Firehole River, along with all associated tributaries, will be closed to fishing activities during those hours. The Gibbon River and its associated tributaries, downstream of Norris Campground, will also be closed.
Water temperatures in some rivers and streams have exceeded 68°F in recent days, and flows are low, contributing to lethal conditions for the park’s trout population. Cooler weather is expected this weekend, and staff will continue to monitor the water temperatures. The closure could be lifted if water temperatures adequately cool down.
Anglers are asked to fish during the coolest times of the day, and to land fish quickly. According to the park, water temperatures in the restricted rivers and creeks cool off at night, allowing for responsible fishing for part of the day, from sunrise to 2 p.m.
“Do not play hooked trout to exhaustion,” YNP advises. “Gently handle fish in the water as much as possible and let them recover before release. Your cooperation will protect the park’s fisheries.”
Learn more about fishing in the park here, and learn some tips about fishing in hot weather here.
