Jackson Hole Radio

Covering the Tetons since 1965

Covering the Tetons since 1965

Yellowstone Announces Additional Fishing Closures Due to Warm-Water Temperatures and Low River Flows

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Effective Friday, July 26, 2024, Yellowstone National Park will implement additional fishing closures on several rivers and streams due to warm-water temperatures and unprecedented low river flows, which are lethal to trout.

Daily Closures from 2 p.m. to Sunrise:

  • Lamar River: Downstream of Cache Creek to its confluence with the Yellowstone River
  • Soda Butte Creek: Entire creek
  • Slough Creek: Entire creek
  • Yellowstone River: From Tower Junction north to the park boundary
  • Gardner River: Downstream of Osprey Falls north to the park boundary
  • Snake River: From Forest Creek south to the park boundary

Full Fishing Closures:

Firehole River Yellowstone
Firehole River Yellowstone. photo Scott Anderson
  • Madison River and all associated tributaries
  • Firehole River and all associated tributaries
  • Gibbon River and all associated tributaries downstream of Norris Campground

Water temperatures are at or predicted to exceed 68 degrees Fahrenheit (20 degrees Celsius), and flows on many rivers, streams, and creeks are at historic lows. These conditions are extremely stressful to fish and can be fatal. The closures will be reassessed when water temperatures cool and flows return to more typical summer conditions.

Staff will continue to monitor the park’s rivers and streams and watch weather forecasts. The extended forecast calls for continued hot and dry conditions, which contribute to low stream flows and warm-water temperatures. Additional closures or restrictions may be implemented if necessary.

Yellowstone Lake
Yellowstone Lake with Bison. Photo Scott Anderson

Open Areas:

  • Yellowstone Lake and other lakes will remain open to fishing from sunrise to sunset as specified in the Fishing Regulations 2024 booklet.
  • All other rivers and streams not listed as closed.

Anglers: Please fish during the coolest times of the day and land fish quickly. Avoid playing hooked trout to exhaustion and gently handle fish in the water as much as possible. Let them recover before release to protect the park’s fisheries.

For more information and updates, visit Yellowstone National Park’s website.

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