Fishing the Season Opener in Yellowstone National Park

For fishermen, opening day is a special time. It’s something to look forward to for weeks and months, mark on the calendar and plan for with eager anticipation. Since Montana’s fishing season is open year round, the season opener in Yellowstone National Park is the closest one to us here in Bozeman. The opener draws anglers from around the nation and the world, who come to the park to pay homage to one of the greatest trout fisheries in North America.

The Yellowstone fishing season opens the Saturday of Memorial Day weekend, this year that is May 23. Currently Yellowstone National Park (and many other national parks around the country) are closed for the foreseeable future. While it is impossible to know for certain when travel restrictions and stay at home orders will be lifted, we are going to think positively and assume the park will be back open for the opener.

Fishing in Yellowstone requires a special license. You can get them at many sporting good stores and fly shops around the local area, and they are available as a three-day ($18), seven-day ($25), or season-long permit ($40). There is so much water around Yellowstone, and it fishes well all season long, so the season permit is the best bang for the buck if you will be around that much. Learn more about fishing regulation on the park’s website here.

WHERE TO GO

Fishing the season opener in Yellowstone is a very popular time. It is a bit before the main crowds of summer arrive, so the park is a little quieter than normal. This year the crowds will likely be quite thin! The easily accessible rivers such as the Firehole, Madison, and parts of the Gibbon will be crowded on the opener. Give everyone space, be nice to everyone, they’re out here for the same reason you are.

If you want to have a quiet day all to yourself, head for the northeast corner. Slough Creek, the Lamar, and Soda Butte Creek all fish really well and require a bit of effort and time walking to get to the good water. There are plenty of pullouts and picnic areas that you can park at on the Lamar and Soda Butte, but Slough Creek is more of a walk.

Depending on how harsh the spring is, you can venture even further off the beaten path and fish the many lakes and ponds throughout Yellowstone’s wilderness. Some years the ice is just melting off by the opener, and the fishing at ice out can be insane on lakes. Don’t forget about the many, many miles of quiet streams and creeks.

GEAR FOR FISHING THE SEASON OPENER IN YELLOWSTONE

You can expect to see quite a bit of snow left in places during this weekend, especially in shaded areas and the high country. It’s not uncommon to get snowed on, and it’s best to prepare for cool, wet days. Bring a warm layer and a solid waterproof jacket. Fingerless gloves are a good item to throw in the pack too.

Another key item to bring when fishing the season opener in Yellowstone is bear spray. Bears are out now, and they will be active and around in late May. As with all wildlife, give them a wide, wide berth when you encounter them. Keep your head on a swivel and make lots of noise when in areas of thick brush and willows often encountered along river banks.

Fishing the opener is a tradition for many. It starts the season well, and sets the tone for the months ahead in the park. Yellowstone National Park draws anglers from around the world, come see why.

Wanting to fish Yellowstone this year? Our vehicle camper rentals are the perfect vehicle to base your adventure from. Book your dates here!