Yellowstone expands fishing restrictions across nearly all rivers and streams due to extreme heat

YELLOWSTONE, Wyo. (KIFI) - Anglers visiting Yellowstone National Park will face new fishing restrictions beginning this week as park officials respond to warming water temperatures and low stream flows that can threaten native trout populations.

Effective July 29, fishing on nearly all of Yellowstone's rivers and streams will only be allowed from sunrise until 2 p.m. each day. After 2 p.m., those waterways will close to fishing until sunrise the following morning. The temporary restrictions will remain in place until conditions improve.

According to the National Park Service, water temperatures in many rivers and streams have climbed above 68 degrees, a threshold that creates stressful—and sometimes deadly—conditions for trout. Warmer water holds less oxygen, making it more difficult for fish to recover after being caught and released.

Yellowstone Lake and the park's other lakes are not affected by the new restrictions and will remain open to fishing from sunrise to sunset under normal regulations.

Park officials say they will continue monitoring water temperatures and stream conditions throughout the summer. Depending on weather patterns and river temperatures, restrictions could be lifted, expanded or adjusted.

The park had already implemented fishing closures on several rivers earlier this month due to extreme water temperatures. This latest action expands protections across nearly all rivers and streams as hot, dry conditions continue across the region.

Officials encourage anglers to check the latest fishing regulations and closure information before heading into Yellowstone National Park.