Fishing in Yellowstone?

Check on the cost of out of state fishing licenses. That might change your mind.

Check with the Fishing Bridge Marina - Xanterra Concessionaire has Fishing Guides and information.

http://www.yellowstonenationalparklodges.com/things-to-do/summer-things-to-do/adventures-on-water/guided-fishingsightseeing-charter-boat-tours/

We worked with one of the guides - they know their way around the lake.

I think the Yellowstone fishing license is $10.00. A few years ago I did a guided float trip on the Madison river. I wasn't going to do it because it was about $400.00; Jean insisted I do it. It was the BEST MONEY I have spend in a long time. It was a great day!

Most of the fishing I’ve seen in Yellowstone is fly fishing. But I’m not a fisherman so what do I know. I do know kids under 16 don’t need a permit and an adult does, but the fees are cheap. And there's no state license needed. But the regs can be complex, some regulate the bait used, and some are catch and return and so on. Plus there are regs about what’s open and when. I think it would be very useful to go on the Yellowstone link about fishing in the park and see what they say. But I’m sure some real fishermen on the forum can give you some good tips, like the best places to fish, etc.

Doug and Cassi Glass wrote:
Check on the cost of out of state fishing licenses. That might change your mind.

No State license required if fishing inside Park boundaries. A Park permit is, though- same fees apply for everyone regardless of where you come from....and kids age 15 and under fish free.

More info at Yellowstone Park Fishing Permit

I have fished the Park for the last six years. Where are you going to stay. That will determine some of the answers I can give you.

Thank you all for the replies. I will check the links and suggestions.

narcodog: we will be staying at madison campground and then colter bay rv park.

I used to fish Yellowstone a lot over 20 years ago. My best friend "Fish Man" (now fishing with God) and I use to fish there 10 days straight every fall. What I remember is license was cheap and there were certain stream sections for kids.

I've fished a lot over the last 45 years for many species in many locations. Yellowstone was my favorite. I often think of the great fishing I did with "Fish Man'. Never before, or again, did I find that catching so many fish could become boring. First hole, second valley, Lamar River, don't get better than that.

Now if I can only spend less time fishing Canada and Gulf Coast, I'd be fishing the many streams in the park.

I believe YNP has it's own license which is a lot less than a Montana out of state license. I'm far from an expert but I never had much luck in the Park just casting some spinner baits, etc. I don't think live bait is allowed and there is a lot of fishing pressure where the rivers are easily accessable. I did catch some rainbow in the Yellowstone River not far from Gardiner, walking west down the river on the Park side. Might be better to hire a guide and fish outside the Park. Ask in the sporting stores in the towns.

I just fly fish so I'm not familiar with the spin fishing regs. I'll say this a permit for 7 days is about $25.00 and Montana 7 days is about $30.00.
The Madison is a fly fishing stream only, as are other streams. There are several areas that are set aside for youth. The fishing is awesome in the LaMar and Slough Creek.

If you want to hire a guide I could recommend Bob Jacklin's or Blue Ribbon Flies both are top notch shops in West Yellowstone. Bob Jacklin sells spin equipment and would be a shop where I would send a spin fisherman. He also works well with kids.

If you decide to try fly fishing both shops have rental equipment.

The price of a guide will depend on if it's a float trip or walk and wade, half day or full. They will tailor your day to your experience.