Fishing in Yellowstone National Park
Friday, 23 March 2007One of the park’s main attractions is its fishing area. Yellowstone National Park takes pride in placing more emphasis on providing a quality recreational fishing atmosphere than providing fishing for actual human consumption. Because of that, anglers, or fishers, have the chance to fish for wild trout in a natural setting. An estimated 75,000 of the park’s three million visitors fish while they are in the Park.
Fly fishing is ideal in Yellowstone National Park. The park holds some of the best trout streams and lakes in whole of the United States. Fishing season starts on Memorial Day weekend. It is best to fish in early spring, until summer comes in the first few weeks of June. Once the great spring runoff slows, good fishing experience can start on July till summer. It’s also wonderful to fish during the fall, as the crows start thinning and the lazy days make for great afternoon fishing in the park. Fishing season usually ends on the first week of November.
There are several rules that fishers must observe, but they are a small price to pay for maximum fishing enjoyment. These include observing season opening/closing dates, restrictive use of bait, observing catch-and-release only areas, and making sure fishers catch the allowed number of fish according to species. Some places are closed to the public in order to protect endangered species and provide other visitors undisturbed viewing of wildlife. The maximum number of fish that a fisher can keep is five per day; three of those must be brook trout.
Anglers are cautioned against bears as Yellowstone is bear country and there is no guarantee of your safety. Bears also often wander into trails, streams and lakeshores. Should one encounter bears, one must give it plenty of room or wait for the bear to move. If the bear attacks, one should climb a tree or play dead. Still, Yellowstone takes measures to protect its visitors. Some areas are restricted and there are rangers available for specific bear management information. Indeed, children and adults alike can enjoy the wonderful adventures that Yellowstone National Park can offer. From hiking, to camping, to fly fishing, there’s something in here for everyone.
