Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
A Yellowstone Park fishing permit is required for anglers aged 16 and older (state li-
censes are not required). Permits cost $15 for three days, $20 for seven days or $35 for the
season; nonfee permits are required for unsupervised anglers aged 15 and under. Permits
are available from ranger stations, visitor centers and Yellowstone general stores. A boat-
ing permit is required for float tubes, which are allowed only on the Lewis River between
Lewis and Shoshone Lakes.
BE A HERO: GO FISHING
Lake (or Mackinaw) trout were introduced to Yellowstone Lake illegally (although the park itself had stocked
Lewis and Shoshone Lakes with them earlier). Since they have no natural predators, their Pac-Man-like presence
has wreaked havoc on native cutthroat trout. In a year, one lake trout can eat 41 cutthroats, sushi dinners normally
destined for feeding grizzlies and bald eagles. If the trend continues, the native trout population may fall to 10%
of historic highs, tipping the overall ecological balance.
With a fishing rod and free time you could help redress the situation. Regulations encourage anglers to catch
lake trout. The
Volunteer Fly Fishing Program
(
www.nps.gov/yell/naturescience/vol_fishing.htm
)
puts anglers
on the park's 2650 miles of streams and 150 lakes to help collect biological data through catch-and-release tech-
niques.
YELLOWSTONE LAKE
Yellowstone Lake is stocked with cutthroat trout, longnose dace, redside shiners, longnose
suckers and lake chub. Popular shore or float-fishing spots include Gull Point, Sand Point
Picnic Area, Sedge Bay, Mary Bay and Steamboat Point.
Fishing is not allowed on Pelican Creek from its outlet to 2 miles upstream or on the
Yellowstone River from 0.25 miles upstream of Fishing Bridge to its outflow from Yel-
lowstone Lake. Hayden Valley is closed to fishing except for two short catch-and-release
stretches. All lake trout caught in Yellowstone Lake should be killed.
Detailed fishing information can be found at www.nps.gov/yell/planyourvisit/fish-
ing.htm.
Bridge Bay Marina
( 307-344-7311; fishing trips per 2/4½ hr $160/360; mid-Jun-mid-Sep)
Reserve
with the marina for guided Yellowstone Lake fishing trips. Prices are for up to six people,
and include three rods and reels. The marina also has a tackle shop and offers good fishing
information. The marina area itself is closed to fishing.
MARINA
