Camping and fishing in Yellowstone National park naturally go hand in hand. Yellowstone National Park fishing begins daily from 5 am to 10 pm. The fishing season in the park opens on the last Saturday of May and closes after the first Sunday in November. Keep in mind that fishing on Yellowstone Lake does not open until June 15th.

If you have survived past the age of 11, you’ll need a Yellowstone National Park fishing permit to go fishing. Adults must accompany, and supervise, children 11 years and younger. Beginning at age 16 and older, a fee is charged for the Yellowstone fishing permit. If you go out in a float tube, you’ll have to purchase a Yellowstone boat permit. It is extremely important that you understand Yellowstone National Park’s fishing rules and regulations before you go fishing.

No live bait is permitted, so plan on fishing with artificial lures only. If you have lead weight, leave it at home or at your camp. You’ll only be able to use non-toxic weight in place of lead. Don’t forget that most jigs are made of lead, so be prepared to use alternatives.

Here are Yellowstone National Park’s major fishing waters:

•Yellowstone Lake
•Lewis Lake
•Wolf & Grebe Lakes – Grayling fishing – Requires hiking into the area
•Firehole River
•Madison River
•Yellowstone River
•Gallatin River
•Gardner River
•Gibbon River
•Slough Creek
•Lamar River
•Soda Butter Creek

It is highly recommended that you inquire about the fishing conditions and recommended lures before arbitrarily setting off on your fishing adventure. The lures required for fly-fishing, in particular, can and do change as the seasons’ progress. Here are a few of the recommended lures:

Spin fishing:

•Ultralight rigs equipped with 4-8 pound line
•Small spoons and spinners
•Rapalas – two-toned gold and black (on the lakes you will have to remove all but one set of the treble hooks)
•¼ oz gold Thomas Cyclone
•¼ to 3/8 oz Krocodiles (chartreuse with fire wings)

Fly Fishing:

Consult the fly shops in the park for flies on specific waters. Hatches vary dramatically during the season and you’ll waste lots of time if you don’t match the organisms the fish are feeding on.