Guided Stream and Shoreline Fishing CUA

 

Overview

This CUA authorizes guided walk and wade fishing trips in park streams and lakes. Day hiking 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. Separate groups must be dispersed and may not congregate at a destination.
    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 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. It is recommended that guides and their clients complete a creel survey for each trip. Completing creel surveys will help the park manage native and invasive fish populations. The creel survey can be found at: add when available.
  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

  1. 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.
  2. 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
  3. 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

  1. Float tube users must:
    1. Wear a Personal Flotation Devices (PFD) at all times.
    2. Carry an accessible whistle to use during emergencies.
  2. 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

  1. One guide on each trip must have previous, relevant outdoor experience including experience on the trails, lakes, or streams they are guiding.
  2. 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.
 

How to Apply for This Activity

  1. Apply for a 2024 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. 2023 permit holders, please visit Annual Reports and Management Fees to complete and submit reports and pay fees (due by January 31, 2024).
  4. For proposed commercial operations taking place prior to December 31, 2023, please contact the Commercial Services Office at yell_cua_admins@nps.gov for application materials.
 

Last updated: March 28, 2024

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Contact Info

Mailing Address:

PO Box 168
Yellowstone National Park, WY 82190-0168

Phone:

307-344-7381

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