Guided Stream and Shoreline Fishing CUA

Special Park Conditions
Activity: Guided Stream & Shoreline Fishing

A. Authorized Services and Group Limits

1. This Commercial Use Authorization (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.
2. Group size is limited to 6 participants, including guides.
   a. The holder may offer multiple trips per day but is limited to a maximum of 15 clients per day.
   b. Holders with multiple groups must ensure groups are dispersed and do not congregate at a destination. Groups should be mindful of spacing to not disrupt other visitors' experiences.
   c. Each group must include at least one guide.

B. Operational Requirements

1. All native species must be released unharmed following the park's Fishing Regulations which can be found at: https://www.nps.gov/yell/planyourvisit/fishing.htm. Fish that are kept should be cleaned at a cleaning station if possible. Otherwise, all entrails must 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.
2. 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 found at : https://www.nps.gov/yell/planyourvisit/upload/Yellowstone-Boat-Safety-and-Regulations-Booklet.pdf A separate CUA for motorized or non-motorized boating is required for the use of watercraft other than float tubes.
3. 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. This includes waders, hip boots, nets, and other associated fishing gear. Felt soled boots are not permitted in the park. 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.
4. The 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.
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. 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 the Commercial Services office as soon as possible or following trip conclusion.

C. Permitting Requirements

1. All clients and guides must have a Yellowstone National Park fishing permit and must obey park fishing regulations which can be found at: https://www.nps.gov/yell/planyourvisit/fishing.htm. 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.a. 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.b. Locations for watercraft and angler float tube AIS inspections and permits can be found at: https://www.nps.gov/yell/planyourvisit/boating.htm.
3. CUA operators shall arrive at AIS inspections stations with float tubes clean, maintained, and prepared for inspection.
   a. Float tubes that require cleaning will be turned away.
   b. Prior to launching, all watercraft (and associated equipment) must be re-inspected every time they re-enter the park.

D. Equipment

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

E. 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 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:
   a. The sign must be a minimum of 8x11 inches.
   b. The sign must contain the CUA number and company name.
   c. The sign must be legible from outside of the vehicle.

F. Winter Operations

1. Fishing is authorized during winter months in the following areas:
   a. 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).
   b. 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.
2. 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.
3. Skiing and snowshoeing travel to fishing locations must be incidental to stream and shoreline fishing activities.

G. Winter Operations – Additional Guide Requirements

1. 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 conditions.

 

Resources

Commercial Use Authorizations (CUAs)
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