Fish in Yellowstone's Northwest

Map of Yellowstone with the northwest section colored gray

Includes the Madison and Gallatin river drainages, including Firehole and Gibbon rivers and tributaries.

Permanently Closed to Fishing

  • Firehole River from road bridge .5 mile (.8 km) upstream of Old Faithful to road bridge at Biscuit Basin, 200 yards (182 m) either side of Midway footbridge.
  • Madison River from Seven Mile Bridge upstream 250 yards (226 m).

Flyfishing Only

Use only artificial flies regardless of the type of rod or line.

  • Madison River
  • Firehole River
  • Gibbon River below Gibbon Falls (not including their tributaries).

Possession Limits

Native Trout Conservation Area

  • Catch and release all native fish.
  • No possession limit on nonnative fish.

Nonnative Trout Tolerance Area

  • Limit of 5 brook trout.
  • Catch and release all rainbow and brown trout.
 
 
Map of Yellowstone's Northwest showing fishing locations
 

Accessible Ramp & Platform

At the Mount Haynes Overlook, approximately 3.5 miles (5.6 km) west of Madison Junction. Please see the accessibility section for more information.

 
Angler fishing in Yellowstone during a golden morning.

Fish

Be a responsible angler and understand the regulations before you come.

An angler standing in the water and fly-fishing during a misty day.

Fishing Regulations (PDF)

Download the Yellowstone Fishing Regulations booklet.

An underwater view of a spotted fish with a red slash on its neck and side swims above pebbles

Fish & Aquatic Species

Native fish underpin natural food webs and have great local economic significance.

Young cutthroat trout in a shallow creek

Fisheries & Aquatic Sciences Program

Explore the National Park Service science program for fish and aquatic species.

Zebra mussel infestation

Clean, Drain & Dry

Prevent damaging aquatic invasive species from reaching Yellowstone.

Last updated: June 19, 2019

Contact the Park

Mailing Address:

PO Box 168
Yellowstone National Park, WY 82190-0168

Phone:

307-344-7381

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