By Mitch Christianson.
Best Fishing Spots in Yellowstone National Park for Beginners.
Fishing in and around Yellowstone National Park can vary greatly depending on the time of year you visit. The best seasons are typically spring and fall, but you can still catch fish in midsummer – it just requires a bit more patience.
When you ask guides in Yellowstone, they’ll often tell you that the best chance of success is out on the lake and with a guide, and they’re probably right. However, if you plan on fishing on your own, it’s a good idea to start with a smaller lake or stream.
Before you hit the water, you’ll need the right setup. The best fishing setup I’ve found for Yellowstone is either a gold or silver spinner if you’re using a spinning rod. Use a slow and steady retrieve, and if you feel a fish biting, let it take the lure for a moment before setting the hook, as the park requires barbless hooks.
Here are the three best fishing spots for beginners in my experience:
- Madison River: The Madison River is a fantastic starting point for beginners because it is wide and offers many areas to explore. This river is home to a variety of trout, including native Yellowstone cutthroat trout. The best places to fish are where the river bends. Cast just past where the water breaks and slowly reel in for the best chance of a strike.
- Trout Lake: I picked Trout Lake because it’s one of the most reliable spots for catching fish. Located just past Lamar Valley, it’s a short one-mile hike to reach the lake. Bring a spinning rod with a spinner, and you’re almost guaranteed to catch a nice rainbow trout. I once brought two friends from Taiwan who had never fished before, and even they managed to reel in some nice catches.
- Firehole River: The Firehole River isn’t always open to fishing, so be sure to check regulations before you go. I believe this limited access is why the fishing here can be particularly rewarding. I had the best luck fishing from a bridge near one of the picnic areas. The water can get shallow in some areas, so it might be better to use flies instead of spinners when the river is low.
Fishing Regulations and Permits in Yellowstone National Park (2025 Guide)
Fishing regulations and permits in Yellowstone National Park can be a bit of a hassle – trust me, I lived there for four months. It’s always a good idea to double-check the official Yellowstone website before your trip, as rules can change depending on water temperature, wildlife activity, and seasonal conditions. Here are the most important regulations and permit details to ensure you avoid fines and have a successful fishing trip.
Key notes
- Permit pricing varies by age and only includes areas in Yellowstone National Park.
- Only certain fish are legal to keep.
- Only barbless single hooks are allowed in Yellowstone.
Permit Pricing
Permit pricing in Yellowstone varies by age and only covers the waters inside the national park.
- Free Permits for Kids: Anyone under the age of 15 can fish for free, but they must pick up their permit with an adult present.
- Pricing for Adults: For anglers 16 and older, permits cost $75 for three months or around $40 for 15 days.
- Checking Permits: Although you may not always be asked to show your permit, it’s still a requirement and can result in hefty fines if you’re caught without one.
Fish You Can Keep
It’s crucial to know which fish are legal to keep and which must be released, as this can vary depending on the specific river, lake, or stream you are fishing.
- General Rules: In most areas, you can keep rainbow trout, but native species like Yellowstone cutthroat trout must be released.
- Special Regulations: In some streams and rivers, you may be allowed to keep one brown trout or brook trout, but always check local regulations before keeping any fish.
Barbless Hook Requirements
All fishing gear in Yellowstone must use barbless, single hooks. This means that much of your typical tackle may not be park-legal.
Where to Buy Gear: If you’re unsure whether your gear is legal, consider purchasing hooks or lures at the general stores within the park, as they are guaranteed to meet regulations.
Why Barbless Hooks? These hooks are required to reduce harm to the fish and make catch-and-release practices safer.
Fishing Tips for Catching Native Cutthroat Trout in Yellowstone
I only managed to catch one native Yellowstone cutthroat trout during the four months I lived in the park, so I can tell you firsthand – it’s not easy. These fish are wild, wary, and live in some of the most challenging waters in the park. However, with the right approach, a bit of patience, and a sharp eye for the right fishing spots, you can improve your chances of hooking one of these iconic Yellowstone natives.
- Find the Right Waters.
Native Yellowstone cutthroat trout are typically found in the colder, higher-elevation streams and rivers in the park. Some of the best places to try include the Lamar River, Soda Butte Creek, and portions of the Yellowstone River above the falls. These waters are known for their strong populations of cutthroat, but they can also be tricky to fish because of their swift currents and technical casting conditions.
2. Use the Right Gear and Bait.
Since barbless hooks are illegal, be sure that all of your gear meets regulations before attempting. For cutthroat trout, I recommend using dry flies like the Elk Hair Caddis or attractor patterns like the Royal Wulff, which mimic the insects these trout feed on. If you’re using a spinning rod, small spinners or spoons with a single barbless hook can also work, but you’ll need to use a light line and a subtle approach to avoid spooking these sensitive fish.
3. Fish During the Right Seasons.
The best time to target cutthroat trout is during their spawning season, typically from late spring through early summer, when they move into smaller streams to spawn. This is when they’re most active and likely to strike. Early morning and late evening are also prime times, as the fish are less wary and more aggressive when the sun is lower.
4. Approach Water Carefully.
The best time to target cutthroat trout is during their spawning season, typically from late spring through early summer, when they move into smaller streams to spawn. This is when they’re most active and likely to strike. Early morning and late evening are also prime times, as the fish are less wary and more aggressive when the sun is lower.
5. Be Patient and Persistent.
Catching a native cutthroat trout in Yellowstone is more about the experience than the numbers. It takes patience, a keen eye, and a willingness to explore the park’s more remote waters. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t catch one right away – the challenge is part of what makes landing one of these fish so rewarding.
Family-Friendly Fishing in Yellowstone: Best Lakes and Streams
Fishing with the family can be a bit more difficult since skill level varies and most kids won’t want to walk far and tend to be less patient. To ensure your family has a good time I put together a list of places you’re guaranteed of spots your most likely to catch fish and have an amazing experience.
Top 3 Fishing Locations In Yellowstone For a Family.
I’ve taken people fishing in Yellowstone who had never held a rod before, and they either caught fish or had a great time at each of these lakes. I chose only lakes for this guide because they’re generally easier to access, often close to roads, and perfect for families with kids who may be new to fishing. These lakes are spread across different areas of the park, so no matter where you are, one should be nearby.
- Sylvan Lake: Sylvan Lake is an excellent choice for families because it’s right off the road and has convenient amenities like picnic tables and trash cans. This lake isn’t huge, but it’s one of the few in the park that’s deep enough near the shore for bank fishing, making it great for kids. I’ve had the best luck fishing with a silver spinner on the side closest to the road, where I caught about three nice rainbow trout in a single outing.
- Trout Lake: I had to feature Trout Lake again because it’s just that good. I first fished this lake in mid-August and still managed to catch a beautiful rainbow trout. The hike to the lake is only about a mile round trip, following a straight trail through the woods. When I arrived, I even saw a bison napping on the far side of the lake, and the sunset that evening made for an unforgettable scene.
- BearTooth Lake: Although Beartooth Lake is on the outskirts of Yellowstone, the drive through Beartooth Pass is an experience in itself and worth the trip. The entire family will be amazed by the breathtaking mountain views along the way. Be sure to stop at the waterfall before the bridge on your way to the lake – the kids will love it, and you’ll be glad you took the time. I fished from the first pullout on the left-hand side of the lake and hooked a nice rainbow trout after about an hour.