News Release

UPDATE: Fishing reopens without restrictions on select rivers in Yellowstone National Park

Fishing on the Madison River at sunrise.

NPS / Jacob W. Frank

News Release Date: September 8, 2025

Contact: Public Affairs Office, [phone]

MAMMOTH HOT SPRINGS, WY - Effective immediately, select rivers and streams that were partially closed to fishing due to warm water temperatures and low flows are now open without restrictions. There are currently no temperature-related restrictions in place parkwide. 

The partial closure was necessary to protect the park’s native and wild trout fisheries when water temperatures exceeded 68 degrees Fahrenheit (20 degrees Celsius) and flows were low. These conditions can be lethal to trout.  

Staff continued to monitor the rivers and streams throughout the partial closure, and have determined that factors such as cooling temperatures, recent precipitation, and the extended forecast for cooler weather and a chance of rain allowed for the restrictions to be lifted. 

Which rivers and streams are now open to fishing without restrictions? 

• 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

What remains open? 

• Yellowstone Lake and other lakes will remain open to fishing from sunrise to sunset as specified in the 2025 Fishing Regulations booklet
• All other rivers and streams not listed as closed

 

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Date of release: August 29, 2025

Update: Fishing partially reopens on select rivers in Yellowstone National Park 

Partial closures still in effect from 2 p.m. to sunrise the following day 

MAMMOTH HOT SPRINGS, WY - Effective immediately, select rivers and streams that had been previously closed due to high water temperatures and low flows in Yellowstone National Park will partially reopen to fishing due to recent cooler temperatures and rainfall. Fishing remains closed from 2 p.m. to sunrise the following day due to continuing warm water temperatures and low river flows.

Water temperatures in select rivers and streams continue to exceed 68 degrees Fahrenheit (20 degrees Celsius) in recent days, and flows are low. These conditions are lethal to trout, and the partial closure will protect the park’s native and wild trout fisheries and will remain in effect until conditions improve.

Staff will continue to monitor the water temperatures. The closure may be lifted if water temperatures adequately cool or be reinstated if temperatures rise.

Which rivers and streams will be closed daily from 2 p.m. to sunrise the following day?

Water temperatures on the following rivers and creeks cool off at night, allowing for fishing for part of the day:

• 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

What will be open?  

• Yellowstone Lake and other lakes will remain open to fishing from sunrise to sunset as specified in the 2025 Fishing Regulations booklet
• All other rivers and streams not listed as closed

Anglers: Please fish during the coolest times of day and land fish quickly. Do not play hooked trout to exhaustion. 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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Date of release: July 11, 2025

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

MAMMOTH HOT SPRINGS, WY - Effective Saturday, July 12, 2025, select Yellowstone National Park rivers will close to fishing due to warm water temperatures and low river flows. This closure will protect the park’s native and wild trout fisheries and remain in effect until conditions improve.

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. 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.

What will be open?

• Yellowstone Lake and other lakes will remain open to fishing from sunrise to sunset as specified in the Fishing Regulations 2025 booklet
• All other rivers and streams not listed as closed

Water temperatures have exceeded 68 degrees Fahrenheit (20 degrees Celsius) in recent days and flows on many rivers, streams and creeks are low. These conditions are extremely stressful to fish and can be fatal.

Anglers: On rivers, streams and creeks that remain open or unrestricted, please fish during the coolest times of day and land fish quickly. Do not play hooked trout to exhaustion. Gently handle fish in the water as much as possible and let them recover before release. Your cooperation will protect the park’s fisheries.

More Information

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  Fishing

  If you're planning on casting a rod here, help us protect our native species by following all park fishing regulations.

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  Fishing Regulations 2025

  You are responsible for following all fishing regulations.

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  Current Conditions

  What conditions can you expect during your trip to Yellowstone? Find out here.