Guided Stream and Shoreline Fishing CUA

 

Overview

This CUA authorizes guided walk and wade fishing trips in park streams and lakes. Day hiking and skiing/snowshoeing to fishing locations is authorized under this CUA.

General Provisions

Operational Requirements

1. Group size is limited to six participants, including guides.
   1. The CUA holder may offer multiple trips per day but is limited to a maximum of 15 clients per day.
   2. CUA holders with multiple groups – please ensure groups are dispersed and do not congregate at a destination. Groups should be mindful of spacing to not disrupt other visitor's experiences.
   3. Each group must include at least one guide.
2. Fish that are kept should be cleaned at a cleaning station if possible. Otherwise, all entrails should have the air bladders punctured and then be thrown into the deepest water possible where they were caught. It is prohibited to bury, burn, or leave fish entrails on shore.
3. Float tube use is permitted in lakes and the section of the Lewis River between Lewis Lake and Shoshone Lake with this CUA. Float tube users must have a Yellowstone National Park watercraft permit, a Yellowstone National Park Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) inspection, and abide by the park’s Boating Regulations. A separate CUA for motorized or non-motorized boating CUA is required for the use of watercraft other than float tubes.
4. Any article used in park waters shall be thoroughly cleaned and dried to ensure there is no visible evidence of tactile material (i.e., dirt, animal, slime, plants) prior to entering any other waters within the park.
   1. This includes waders, hip boots, nets, and other associated fishing gear.
   2. Given the presence of AIS is not always known, it is a best management practice to decontaminate and dry all equipment when moving from one water body to another.
   3. Felt soled boots are not permitted in the park.
5. The CUA holder is responsible for ensuring that all guides and clients are safely equipped and properly clothed for the activity and current and forecasted weather conditions prior to the trip.
6. Packs with food or other bear attractants may not be left unattended on shore and must be properly stored or kept on person while fishing.
7. For further backcountry guidelines and regulations, please refer to the information provided in Beyond Road’s End available in any Backcountry Office.
8. Yellowstone is conducting research on fish abundance and movement patterns. Biologists have tagged thousands of cutthroat trout and grayling. Each fish has a unique identification number. If a tagged fish is caught, record its tag number (do not remove the tag), release the fish unharmed, and report the tag number, location, and date by calling or texting biologists at 406-404-4877.
9. Groups will immediately report any evacuations, hazardous trail conditions, or observed resource impacts to the Central Backcountry Office, which can be reached at 307-344-2160 or e-mail us. and Commercial Services office as soon as possible or following trip conclusion.

Permitting Requirements

10. All clients and guides must have a Yellowstone National Park fishing permit and must obey park fishing regulations. Fishing permits are required for anyone 16 years and older.
11. Any inflatable or float tube authorized for use under this CUA and associated water recreational articles must undergo a Yellowstone National Park AIS inspection prior to entering any water within Yellowstone National Park.
    1. AIS inspections must be done at the same time a watercraft permit for a float tube is issued and conducted only by authorized National Park Service (NPS) staff.
    2. Locations for watercraft and angler float tube AIS inspections and permits can be found at Boat on a Lake
12. CUA operators shall arrive at AIS inspections stations with float tubes clean, maintained, and prepared for inspection.
    1. Float tubes that require any type of cleaning will be turned away.
    2. Prior to launching, all watercraft (and associated equipment) must be re-inspected every time they re-enter the park.

Equipment

13. Float tube users must:
    1. Wear a Personal Flotation Devices (PFD) at all times.
    2. Carry an accessible whistle to use during emergencies.
14. Guides must:
    1. Carry a topographic map for the area of their trip if entering the backcountry and have basic knowledge of map reading.
    2. Each guide must carry one can of bear spray and be trained in its use. Bear spray is recommended for clients.
    3. Carry a United States Coast Guard approved visual distress signal (pocket sized) for guide use during emergencies if utilizing float tubes.
    4. It is recommended the guide have a compass and knowledge of compass use.
    5. Carry a paper or electronic copy of Yellowstone’s fishing regulations.

Guide Requirements (requirements listed below are in addition to those listed in Special Park Conditions)

15. One guide on each trip must have previous, relevant outdoor experience including experience on the trails, lakes, or streams they are guiding.
16. Stream and Shoreline Fishing guide vehicles may be branded as stated under Item 29 of the Special Park Conditions or may be marked with a sign placed on the dashboard. If choosing to use a sign placed on the dashboard, the requirements are:
    1. The sign must be a minimum of 8x11 inches,
    2. The sign must contain the CUA number and company name,
    3. The sign must be legible from outside of the vehicle.

 

Winter Operations

17. Fishing is authorized during winter months in the following areas: 
    1. The Madison River from the Wyoming/Montana state line downstream to the park boundary near the West Entrance in West Yellowstone, Montana. 
       • Operators must only access the river by established ski trails or oversnow vehicles (travel is otherwise prohibited on road corridors). 
    2. The Gardner River from Osprey Falls downstream to the confluence with the Yellowstone River near the North Entrance in Gardiner, Montana. 
       • Mammoth access - Operators may only access barricaded areas by foot when the road is unsafe for vehicular travel.  
18. Cross Country, Nordic, Skate Skiing and Snowshoeing to fishing locations is authorized under this permit. Winter travel through avalanche terrain is not authorized under this CUA.
19. Skiing and snowshoeing travel to fishing locations must be incidental to stream and shoreline fishing activities. 

Winter Operations—Staffing and Employment and Equipment Requirements

In addition to the requirements listed above, the following applies to operators providing tours during winter months. when skiing or snowshoeing is required to access fishing locations. Guides must meet all Cross Country, Nordic, Skate Skiing, and Snowshoeing requirements listed in the Skiing and Snowshoeing CUA operating plan.

 

How to Apply for This Activity

1. Apply for a 2025 CUA through the CUA Online Application and Reporting System (COARS).
2. To view tutorials on how to apply for a CUA using COARS please visit: How to Apply for a Commercial Use Authorization (CUA) Permit.
3. 2024 permit holders, please visit Annual Reports and Management Fees to complete and submit reports and pay fees (due by January 31, 2025).
4. For proposed commercial operations taking place prior to December 31, 2024, please contact the Commercial Services Office at [e-mail] for application materials.

 

Resources

Commercial Use Authorizations (CUAs)
Main CUA page Apply for a CUA FAQs CUA Annual Reports Guide Info Registration and Park Entry Protocol	CUA Law and Policy CUA Denial and Revocation Policy Special Use Permits Backcountry Permits Special Park Conditions
Plan Your Tour	Learn About the Park
Park roads Accessibility Bear Management Areas Fishing Regulations Boating Regulations	Superintendent's Compendium Vital Signs Reports Resources for Commercial Guides Resources and Issues Handbook Foundation Document