Yellowstone rivers fully reopen to fishing as temps cool

Yellowstone’s regular fishing season ends on Oct. 31.
A fisherman casts in Yellowstone National Park.
Some park waters this summer have exceeded 68 degrees, which is fatal for trout. (National Park Service / Neal Herbert)

Make our newscast part of your daily listening routine. Subscribe on Spotify (or wherever you listen to podcasts). 

This story is part of our Quick Hits series. This series will bring you breaking news and short updates from throughout the state.

Updated 9/9/25: Yellowstone has reopened all previously closed rivers for fishing from sunrise to sundown.

Advertisement

Anglers can fish again on some rivers and streams in Yellowstone National Park that were previously partially closed because of warm temperatures and low flows.

With recent rain and cooler temperatures, officials say it is ok to fish from sunrise to sunset on select waters. This includes the Madison and Firehole Rivers and their tributaries, and the Gibbon River downstream from Norris campground.

People can fish on Yellowstone Lake from sunrise to sunset. For more information on fishing closures, refer to regional regulations in the park’s fishing regulations handbook.

Officials say future closures or loosening of restrictions could occur on park waters based on weather conditions. Some park waters this summer have exceeded 68 degrees, which is fatal for trout.

Yellowstone’s regular fishing season ends on Oct. 31. But parts of the Madison and Gardner rivers will remain open for angling year-round.

Want More Stories Like This?

Donate any amount to support independent media in the Tetons.

KHOL 89.1 Jackson Hole Community Radio Membership Support Ad

About Olivia Weitz | Wyoming Public Media

Olivia Weitz is based at the Buffalo Bill Center of the West in Cody. She covers Yellowstone National Park, wildlife, and arts and culture throughout the region. Olivia’s work has aired on NPR and member stations across the Mountain West. She is a graduate of the University of Puget Sound and the Transom story workshop. In her spare time, she enjoys skiing, cooking, and going to festivals that celebrate folk art and music.

Related Stories

Pin It on Pinterest