Update: Partial fishing closures shift to full closures on select rivers in Yellowstone

News Release Date:
July 15, 2026

Contact: Yellowstone Public Affairs, (307) 344-2015

MAMMOTH HOT SPRINGS, Wyo. - Beginning today, temporary full closures to fishing on the Firehole and Madison rivers and their tributaries are in effect. The Gibbon River and all associated tributaries downstream of Norris Campground are also temporarily closed to fishing.

In recent days, peak water temperatures have ranged from 80 to 86 degrees Fahrenheit during the day. Coupled with high air temperatures, these conditions are lethal to trout, and there have been reports of dead fish in the Firehole River. The closures will protect the park's native and wild trout fisheries and will remain in effect until conditions improve.

The weather forecast for the coming week calls for slightly cooler temperatures and isolated thunderstorms. Staff will continue to monitor the water temperatures, and the closures may be lifted, or additional restrictions and closures may be put in place, depending on condition assessments. Currently, there are no restrictions on fishing other park lakes, rivers and streams due to high water temperatures and low river flows.

What remains open to fishing?

• Yellowstone Lake and other lakes will remain open to fishing from sunrise to sunset as specified in the 2026 Fishing Regulations booklet.
• All other rivers and streams not listed as closed.

Date of release: July 9, 2026

MAMMOTH HOT SPRINGS, Wyo. - Effective Thursday, July 9, 2026, select Yellowstone National Park rivers and streams will close to fishing daily from 2 p.m. to sunrise the following day due to warm water temperatures and low river flows.

Water temperatures in select rivers and streams have exceeded 68 degrees Fahrenheit (20 degrees Celsius) in recent days, and flows are low. Additionally, air temperatures with highs around 90 degrees Fahrenheit (32 degrees Celsius) are forecast in the coming days. These conditions are lethal to trout, and the closure will protect the park's native and wild trout fisheries and will remain in effect until conditions improve.

Staff will continue to monitor the water temperatures. The closure may be lifted, or additional restrictions and closures may be put in place depending on condition assessments.

Which rivers and streams will be closed daily from 2 p.m. to sunrise the following day?
Water temperatures on the following rivers and creeks cool off at night, allowing for fishing for part of the day:

• The Madison River and all associated tributaries.
• The Firehole River and all associated tributaries.
• The Gibbon River and all associated tributaries downstream of Norris Campground.

What will be open?

• Yellowstone Lake and other lakes will remain open to fishing from sunrise to sunset as specified in the 2026 Fishing Regulations booklet.
• All other rivers and streams not listed as closed.

Anglers: 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.

Extended fishing season
This year, Yellowstone extended the fishing season on these three rivers by opening them to fishing weeks earlier. The earlier opening date allowed for a longer fishing season during a period of more optimal angling and water conditions.