Yellowstone Fly Fishing Guides

To experience truly thrilling fly-fishing opportunities in and around Yellowstone National Park, we suggest that you hire a professional fly-fishing guide.

Things you should know about fishing in Yellowstone National Park:

• Permits: All anglers are required to obtain a Yellowstone Fishing Permit (see details below). 
• Closed Areas: Some areas of the park are permanently or temporarily closed to fishing. Make sure to ask about these closures at a visitor center before going fishing. 
• Non-Lead Tackle Only: Use of lead fishing tackle is prohibited. 
• Fish Species: All native fish species (including arctic grayling, cutthroat trout, and mountain whitefish) must be released back into the water unharmed. Make sure you are able to identify the different fish species within Yellowstone National Park. Understand how to effectively and safely release fish (see below). 
• Clean Gear: In order to prevent the spread of invasive species, all fishing gear must be thoroughly cleaned before entering and after exiting all Yellowstone waters. 
• Rules and Regulations: Know and understand all Yellowstone Fishing Regulations.

Yellowstone Fishing Permits:

• Anglers 16 years of age and older are required to purchase either a 3-day ($15), 7-day ($20) or season ($35) permit. 
• Anglers under 15 years of age can either a) Obtain a free permit or b) Fish without a permit if they are under direct supervision of an adult who has a valid fishing permit. 
• Permits are available in the park at all ranger stations, visitor centers, General Stores, and at numerous locations in adjacent communities outside the park. 
• No state fishing license is required in Yellowstone National Park.

How to Release a Fish

1. Do not play a fish into total exhaustion. 
2. Keep fish in water as much as possible when handling and removing hook. 
3. Remove hook gently without squeezing the fish or putting fingers in gills. The use of barbless hooks is encouraged. 
4. If deeply hooked, cut the line and do not pull hook out. Most fish survive with hooks left in them. 
5. Release fish only after its equilibrium is maintained. If necessary, gently hold fish upright, facing upstream. 
6. Release fish in quiet water, close to area where it was hooked.

Permitted Fishing Outfitters