Yellowstone Trout Fishing: Species

It is important to be able to recognize the various species of trout in Yellowstone National Park. Different rules and regulations apply to each fish species.

Native Fish Species:

 

• Arctic Grayling
  Characteristics include a large sail-like dorsal fin. Catch & Release Only!
• Westslope Cutthroat Trout
  Characteristics include a red slash below the mouth. Catch & Release Only!
• Yellowstone Cutthroat Trout
  Characteristics include a red slash below the mouth. Catch & Release Only!
• Montana Whitefish
  Characteristics include very round body at cross section and no teeth. Catch & Release Only!

Non-Native Fish Species:

 

• Brook Trout
  Characteristics include worm like markings. 
• Brown Trout
  Characteristics include tan belly and black spots.
• Lake Trout
  Characteristics include white spots on dark background and deeply forked tail.
• Rainbow Trout
  Characteristics include many spots on head, white color on edge of fin.

Fish are utilized as food in Yellowstone National Park by the ospreys, bald eagles, pelicans, otters, grizzly bears and other wildlife. In this ecological setting, the various species of fish to include rainbow trout, cutthroat trout, lake trout, brown trout, and brook trout are an important part of the balance of life.

Fish are not stocked in Yellowstone and, it is therefore extremely important, that enough adult fish are maintained to promote natural reproduction and lead to genetic diversity. Fishing for human consumption in Yellowstone National Park is not as important as simply fishing for recreation. Due to the manner in which fishing resources are managed in the Park, anglers have a fantastic opportunity to fish for all species of wild trout in a magnificent settling.

As additional anglers travel to Yellowstone National Park each year, it has become necessary to have regulations that are more restrictive. Be sure to check out all the rules and regulations before taking your fishing trip to Yellowstone.