Fishing in Parks

National Parks offer many fishing opportunities; ranging from fly fishing along the Flathead River in Glacier to crabbing off Cape Hatteras National Seashore. Since fishing has the ability to alter fish populations, the National Park Service regulates fishing.

Use the map below to decide where to fish in National Parks and learn the regulations that apply to conserve fish for future generations.

Find Fishing Opportunities in National Parks

This map shows parks with fishing opportunities available. Click on a point of interest and use the key below the map to learn about the types of fishing allowed and regulations.

Map Key:

Park website and park fishing page: Check with the park(s) you’re visiting to learn about types of fishing and specific regulations in that park.

National Park Service servicewide fishing regulations: These regulations apply in most parks.

State fishing regulations: The NPS adopts non-conflicting state fishing regulations of the state(s) where the park is located. If there’s a question between whether an NPS or state rule applies, the NPS regulation is in effect.

Park special regulations: Sometimes parks need to add regulations to adequately protect fish and their habits to comply with the NPS mission.

Park Superintendent’s Compendium: Park superintendents may create temporary or emergency regulations to protect park fish.


Why Regulations?

fishing with number 1 icon over it

How Regulations Work

Learn why and how regulations work to conserve fish.

angler holding fish with number two icon over it.

Benefits of Native Fish

Learn why native fish benefit aquatic ecosystems.

Man fly casting into river with number 3 overlaid on top

Anglers Fund Conservation

Anglers have helped conserve fish for generations through funding from the Dingell-Johnson Act.

Featured Park Fishing

Angler fishing in lakes with steam rising.

Yellowstone National Park

Fly fish on the iconic waters of the first national park.

child and father fishing off of dock into ocean.

Gulf Islands National Seashore

Fish for shrimp, crabs, and more off of this shore.

Woman and girl fish from boat in a bay.

Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve

Fish in the bay of this Marine Protected Area

Last updated: May 31, 2022