Effective July 15, select Yellowstone National Park rivers closed to fishing due to warm water temperatures and low river flows. This closure will protect the park’s native and wild trout fisheries and remain in effect until conditions improve.  

Park officials have closed the Madison River and all associated tributaries, the Firehole River and all associated tributaries, and the Gibbon River and all associated tributaries downstream of Norris Campground.  

The closures will be reassessed when water temperatures cool and flows return to more typical summer conditions. Staff will continue to monitor park rivers and streams for warm temperatures and low flows, and watch weather forecasts. Extended forecasts call for continued hot and dry conditions with a slight chance of isolated afternoon thunderstorms, which contribute to continued low stream flows and warm-water temperatures. Additional closures or restrictions may be implemented if necessary.  

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

Water temperatures have exceeded 68-degrees F in recent days and flows on many rivers, streams and creeks are low. These conditions are extremely stressful to fish and can be fatal. Please fish during the coolest times of day and land fish quickly. Do not play hooked trout to exhaustion. Gently handle fish in the water as much as possible and let them recover before release. Your cooperation will protect the park’s fisheries.