Yellowstone National Park Fishing Regulations

Gibbon Canyon Road Project Prompts Temporary Fishing Closure - NPS Press Release

Hazards Associated with a major road project have prompted Yellowstone National Park to inst-itute some temporary closures to fishing and foot travel along a section of the Gibbon River.

Work started earlier this summer on a section of the park s Grand Loop Road between Norris and Madison. Construction crews recently began work building a new bridge spanning the Gibbon River. This requires the use of heavy equipment including a large crane over and near the river, resulting in unsafe conditions for public access.

Effective immediately, the section of the Gibbon River from one-half mile above Gibbon Falls to one mile south of Gibbon Falls is closed to all anglers and hikers.

Signs are posted along the riverbank showing the closure area. Motorists are allowed to stop and park only at un-barricaded pullouts outside the area where traffic control personnel are guiding traffic through the construction zone.

The road project enters a new phase August 17, when the road will be completely closed to all traffic between Artist Paint Pots and the Tuff Cliff Picnic Area. During this full closure, anglers will be allowed to access the Gibbon River between Artist Paint Pots to the bridge north of the Monument Geyser Basin trailhead and from one mile south of Gibbon Falls to the Tuff Cliff Picnic area as long as they don't walk on, along, or near the road.

Full sized maps showing both fishing closures are available at: Now thru 16 Aug 09, and: 17 Aug - 01 Nov 09. These are Adobe pdf files.

A Yellowstone National Park Fishing Permit is required to fish in the park.

Fishing permits issued by the states of Idaho, Montana, and Wyoming are not valid inside the park. Permits are available at ranger stations, visitor centers, Yellowstone General Stores and at many locations in nearby communities. Details and a copy of current fishing regulations are available on this page below this press release.

Maps and additional details on park road construction projects will be available at all visitor centers and online at the Road Construction Page. Updated Yellowstone National Park road information is always available 24 hours a day by calling: 307-344-2117.

~ End of Press Release ~

Yellowstone National Park is a fantastic place to spend time on the rivers, lakes and creeks fishing. Within the boundaries of Yellowstone are some of the best blue ribbon trout fisheries in America. They include but are not limited to: Yellowstone Lake and River, Madison, Firehole, Gibbon, and Lamar Rivers, Slough and Soda Butte Creeks. There are many many more lakes and creeks to drop a line into.

It must be remembered that the main import and purpose of the fish in Yellowstone is to support the wildlife of this fantastic ecosystem: otters, eagles, bears, osprey, and on. That is the reason for the regulations, to keep this system working for those that need it and provide some fun, food and relaxation for the rest of us. Take care and enjoy, and may your time in Yellowstone build fond memories with family and friends that will last a lifetime!

by John William Uhler

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